USS LCI(L)-1023

USS LCI(L)-1023 was converted into a 4.2 Mortar gun boat at Pearl Harbor and the sailors were trained to use them by the US Army at Scofield Barrecks and renamed USS LCI(G)-1023 at that time. An access hole was cut into the forward deck to the reffer compartment below, where the mortars were stored. 40MM cannons were also installed at this time. This ship participated in the invasions on Siapan, Tinian, Leyet, Guam, Iwo, and Okinawa. The LCI's were not supposed to be used on the first wave beach landings but this little boat was on the first wave in all these beach heads and sported the cannon holes in her hull to prove it. Their little crew saw lots of very rough action and was in convoy to the Japanise Invasion when the war ended! Jess Spykes Seaman 2nd Class nick name 'THE OLD MAN', 30 years old at the time with three kids back home in Texas!