USS LST-23

USS LST-23 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-23 was laid down on 27 October 1942 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, by the Dravo Corporation. She was launched on 13 March 1943, sponsored by Mrs. Mary H. Miller, and commissioned on 22 May 1943 with Lieutenant John B. Swann Jr., USCGR, in command.

Service history
During the war, LST-23 was manned by the United States Coast Guard. She served exclusively and extensively in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater from November 1943 until May 1946.

Gilbert Islands operation
LST-23 participated in the Gilbert Islands operation from the end of November until the beginning of December 1943 and the occupation of Kwajalein and Majuro Atolls at the beginning of February 1944.

Marianas operation
LST-23 moved to the Marianas next so she could take part in the Battle of Saipan from mid June until the end of July 1944, along with the Battle of Tinian at the end of July 1944. From around the middle of September until the middle of October she participated in the Battle of Peleliu.

Leyte operation
From the Marianas LST-23 moved to the Philippines to finish out her combat career participating in General Douglas MacArthur's promised liberation of the islands from the Japanese occupation in the Battle of Luzon Lingayen Gulf landings on 9 January 1945.

Postwar career
On 15 September 1945, she was redesignated Landing Ship, Tank (Hospital), LST(H). Immediately after the war, LST(H)-23 performed occupation duty in the Far East until early December 1945. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 24 May 1946. She was struck from the Navy list on 3 July 1946 and was sold to the Kaiser Company, Inc., Seattle, Washington, on 6 April 1948 for scrapping.

Honors and awards
LST-23 earned six battle stars for her World War II service.