USS LST-24

USS LST-24 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-24 was laid down on 19 November 1942 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, by the Dravo Corporation. She was launched on 17 April 1943, sponsored by Mrs. Marguerite E. Davis, and placed in reduced commission on 3 May 1943, for transit to New Orleans, Louisiana, for her fitting out. She was fully commissioned on 14 June 1943, with Lieutenant Arnold I. Sobel, USCGR, in command.

Service history
During the war, LST-24 was manned by the United States Coast Guard. She served exclusively in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater from August 1944 until February 1946.

LST-24 sailed from Galveston, Texas, on 29 July 1943, with Convoy HK 113 heading for Key West, Florida, where she arrived on 2 August 1943.

Marianas operation
LST-24 participated in operations in the capture and occupation of Guam during August 1944.

Western New Guinea operation
''LST-24 participate in the Morotai landings in the middle of September 1944.

Leyte operation
During October and November 1944, LST-24 participated in the Leyte landings in the Philippines, participating in General Douglas MacArthur's promised liberation of the islands from the Japanese occupation. LST-24 was also at the Battle of Luzon Lingayen Gulf landings in January 1945.

Okinawa Gunto operation
LST-24 finished her combat career with the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto from the end of March until the end of June 1945.

Postwar career
LST-24 was decommissioned on 26 February 1946, and was struck from the Navy list on 5 June 1946. On 23 December 1947, she was sold to the Humble Oil & Refining Co., of Houston, Texas, and was converted for merchant service.

Honors and awards
LST-24 earned five battle stars for her World War II service.