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History of USS Dodge County (LST-722)

USS Dodge County (LST-722) was a tank landing ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1944 during World War II. She participated in the assault and occupation of Okinawa in 1945, delivering troops, vehicles, and supplies to the embattled beaches under enemy fire. Following the war, LST-722 performed occupation duties in the Far East before returning to the United States and being decommissioned in 1946. Renamed USS Dodge County in 1955, she served with the Naval Reserve until finally struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1961.

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ABOUT USS Dodge County (LST-722)

  • World War II Service: USS Dodge County (LST-722) was launched on June 17, 1944, and commissioned on July 29, 1944, serving actively in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
  • Okinawa Landings: The ship played a critical role in the assault and occupation of Okinawa, participating in the largest amphibious operation of the Pacific War starting April 1, 1945.
  • Japanese Suicide Attacks: During the Okinawa campaign, LST-722 endured constant threats from Japanese kamikaze attacks while offloading troops and equipment on hostile beaches.
  • Post-War Occupation Duties: After the war, the ship was tasked with occupation duties in the Far East, transporting troops and materials to support the stabilization and rebuilding efforts in Japan and China.
  • Renamed for Dodge County: On July 1, 1955, LST-722 was officially named USS Dodge County, commemorating several Dodge Counties in the United States, including those in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Georgia, and Nebraska.
  • Decommissioned and Recommissioned: The ship was decommissioned in 1946 but was recommissioned in 1951 to support logistics and amphibious training during the Korean War era, reflecting ongoing Cold War tensions.
  • Cold War Service: In the 1950s, USS Dodge County participated in numerous NATO exercises and amphibious training missions along the US East Coast and in the Caribbean.
  • Humanitarian Missions: The ship was involved in several humanitarian and disaster relief operations, including hurricane relief efforts in the Caribbean, showcasing the versatility of LSTs beyond combat roles.
  • Transfer to External Navies: After decommissioning from US Navy service in 1957, USS Dodge County was eventually transferred to the Royal Malaysian Navy in 1971, where she served as KD Raja Jarom.
  • Legacy and Honors: USS Dodge County (LST-722) earned one battle star for World War II service, and her legacy continues through historical societies and veterans who served aboard her during her long career.

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