USS LST-19

USS LST-19 was a built for the U.S. Navy during World War II. She was designed to carry troops and military equipment to the shores of the battle front and quickly deliver her cargo. She served in the Pacific Ocean and post-war returned home proudly with four battle stars to her credit.

LST-19 was laid down on 22 October 1942 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, by the Dravo Corporation.; launched on 11 March 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Frances P. Gott; commissioned on 15 May 1943; and redesignated LST(H) on 15 September 1945.

World War II Pacific Theatre operations
During World War II, LST-19 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the following operations:
 * Aleutian Islands campaign; Attu occupation, 11 May to 2 June 1943; Additionally landing Canadian troops at Kiska
 * Gilbert Islands operation; Makin and Tarawa Island landings, November and December 1943
 * Marianas operation; Capture and occupation of Saipan, 15 June 1944
 * Tinian capture and occupation, July 1944
 * Western Caroline Islands operations; Capture and occupation of southern Palau Islands, September 1944

Conversion to hospital ship
At war's end, USS LST-19 was converted into a hospital ship.

Post-war occupation hospital duty
Following World War II LST(H)-19 performed occupation duty in the Far East in October and December 1945.

Post-war decommissioning
She was decommissioned on 20 March 1946 and was struck from the Navy List on 1 May 1946. On 5 December 1947, she was sold to Ships and Power Equipment Co., of Barber, New Jersey, for scrapping.

Awards
LST-19 earned four battle stars for World War II service.