USS LST-20

USS LST-20 was a United States Navy LST-1-class tank landing ship used exclusively in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War II.

Construction and commissioning
LST-20 was laid down on 5 October 1942 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, by the Dravo Corporation. She was launched on 15 February 1943, sponsored by Miss Anne B. Sylvester, and commissioned on 14 May 1943 with Lieutenant Charles W. Smith, USCG, in command.

Service history
During the war, LST-20 was manned by the United States Coast Guard. She served exclusively in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater from November 1943 until November 1945.

Gilbert Islands operation
LST-20 participated in operations in the Gilbert Islands during November and December 1943.

Leyte operation
In October 1944, LST-20 moved to the Philippines to participate in General Douglas MacArthur's promised liberation of the islands from the Japanese occupation. LST-20 participated at the Leyte landings and the Battle of Luzon Lingayen Gulf landings in January 1945.

Okinawa Gunto operation
LST-20 finished her combat career with the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto in April 1945.

Postwar career
Following the war, LST-20 performed occupation duty in the Far East until early November 1945. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 3 April 1946. She was struck from the Navy list on 19 June 1946 and was transferred to the Maritime Administration on 8 October 1947 for disposal by scrapping.

Honors and awards
LST-20 earned four battle stars for her World War II service.