Bill King US Navy- LST1030

Bill a former graduate of what is now named Patrick Henry High School had his deferment all wrapped up when the war broke out. Bill received two pay checks from the Navy for his work in his family owned business. He decided enough was enough, and decided to enlist. Little did he know the adventure that awaited him.This small town boy, would soon become a man in a far different world.

In a mater of time he passed through the Panama Chanel, traveled the Pacific Ocean and became front line transport aboard an LST. Bill tells a wonderful story of events that changed his life.  He was careful not to mention many of the horrors he witnessed, because those events he has carried with him a whole lifetime.

We are very honored, to present Bill King.

LST-1030

LST-1030 was laid down on 27 May 1944 at the Boston Navy Yard; launched on 25 June 1944; sponsored by Miss Irene M. O’Brien; and commissioned on 19 July 1944, Lt. (jg.) S. W. Farnham, USNR, in command.

During World War II, LST-1030 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the Lingayen Gulf landing in January 1945 and the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto from April through June 1945. Following the war, she performed occupation duty in the Far East and saw service in China until late May 1946. The ship was decommissioned on 29 May 1946 and transferred to the Republic of China Navy on 17 February 1948 where she served as Chung Chuan (LST-221). She was struck from the Navy list on 12 March 1948.

LST-1030 earned two battle stars for World War II service.

http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/l29/lst-1030.htm