About this Unit
USS Sedgwick County (LST-1123) was a tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in January 1945. Initially serving in the Pacific Theater during the final months of World War II, she supported occupation duties in Asia after Japan’s surrender. Reactivated for the Korean War, Sedgwick County participated in crucial amphibious operations, including the Inchon landings. The ship continued her service through the Vietnam War, transporting troops and supplies before decommissioning in 1971.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Sedgwick County (LST-1123) was named after Sedgwick County, Kansas, and Sedgwick County, Colorado. Naming LSTs after counties was a common practice for these vessels.
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Class and Construction: She was an LST-542-class tank landing ship, constructed at Seneca, Illinois, by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company. She was laid down on 6 November 1944 and launched on 2 February 1945.
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World War II Service: Commissioned on 23 February 1945, she participated in the Pacific Theater during World War II, transporting troops, vehicles, and cargo to support operations in the Pacific islands.
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Okinawa Campaign: LST-1123 took part in the Okinawa campaign, one of the largest amphibious assaults in World War II, supporting the final push towards Japan.
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Post-War Occupation Duty: After WWII, the ship was involved in occupation duties in the Far East, including China and Japan, helping to transport personnel and equipment during the early post-war period.
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Korean War Service: She was reactivated for the Korean War, supporting United Nations forces by landing troops and supplies at key battle sites, including Inchon.
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Vietnam War Operations: Renamed USS Sedgwick County (LST-1123) in 1955, she saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, supporting riverine and coastal operations by delivering vehicles, supplies, and Marines.
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Humanitarian Missions: The ship also participated in humanitarian operations, including providing aid and transport during natural disasters in Southeast Asia.
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Awards and Commendations: USS Sedgwick County earned multiple battle stars for her service in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, reflecting her significant contributions to major 20th-century conflicts.
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Decommissioning and Fate: She was decommissioned on 27 February 1970 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1971. The ultimate fate of the ship after being decommissioned is not widely recorded, but her legacy lives on through her decorated service.
