LST282 Guestbook 1996-2002

LST282 Guestbook 1996-2002

current guestbook

name: Jane Crawford
location: Tennessee
email: Valskipme AT aol.com
Date: July 03, 2003
Comments
Good web page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . where can I find more about the LST845

name: Wm Hollis
location: Illinois
email: whollis AT charter.net
Date: June 27, 2003
Comments
I was a member of the 50th Signal Bn, VII US Army Corps. Our Battalion was loaded aboard LST 515 on about 3 June 44, at Plymouth, Eng. We moved down the coast sailing only at night. We slept on the decks or in our vehicles. I was awaken early on 6 June by the thunder of aircraft engines. I became aware of constant explosions from the direction we were heading. I realized this was the DAY. As the sky lighten I could see the wave after wave of bombers. Slightly after daybreak our ship arrived off the French coast. It dropped anchor about a mile or so from the shore. We were not scheduled to land until the late afternoon or early evening. We set off Utah Beach all day. The battleship Texas was about a half mile from us. It's 12" guns fired on and off all day with most of the shells coming over our ship. We started to unload about 6 to 7 PM. We drove our trucks down the front ramp into a LCT which took us to shore. Our crew and truck made to the beach and off the beach without any major difficulty. As we headed toward our designated assembly area we meet Major General J. Lawton Collins, CG of the VII Corps, in his scout car. As he passed us he commented: "This is a hell of a way to fight a war isnt it". I did see LST 515 again, years later. It was moored off the South Carolina coast, I believe, with what looked like about 30 or more other LST's, all moth balled .

name: Ferris Burke
location:
email: ferris916 AT aol.com
Date: June 05, 2003
Comments
Very good report about the 282,I remember that sinking I was on board the the LST 285 and saw her go down.

name: Robert Stack
location: Las Cruces, NM
email: bstack AT totacc.com
Date: May 13, 2003
Comments
My father Lt Richard O. Stack, survived the war. He was on LST 1010 as a navigator. I was born on 8/21/44; he told me there was a party, on the beach, celebrating my birth. He also won the Navy/Marine cross for rescuing men on a burning ship in Okinawa. I'm extremely proud of him. If anyone knows of him, I would like to know. Proud Son, bstack AT totacc.com

name: Maurice Pierel
location: Paris, France
email: pierel AT wanadoo. fr
Date: May 09, 2003
Comments
Greetings, My compliments on a great site and thank you for the much appreciated info on LST � 282! I discovered your website because I am doing research on the Normandy Invasion in which my father participated as an enlisted man in First Army Headquarters commanded by General Omar Bradley. At this point in my research, I am seeking the number of the LST that brought my father to Omaha Beach on 7 June 1944. The documented evidence that I have been able to gather thus far concerning the crossing for First Army Headquarters is as follows: After leaving their base in Bristol for southern England at the end of May 1944, personnel from First Army Headquarters boarded five vessels: the heavy cruiser USS Augusta which General Bradley used as his command headquarters, a converted cargo ship called the USS Achernar which was ready to assume control if the command ship were sunk or incapacitated and three LSTs that were boarded from three different English ports. The three groups of men that boarded the LSTs were lead by Colonel Samuel L. Myers, Colonel Robert A. Hewitt, and Colonel Grant A. Williams of First Army Headquarters. My father made the channel crossing aboard one of these three ships yet does not remember the number [he thinks it started with a "2"] nor the name of the officer in charge. If anyone should have any information on an LST that bore a number beginning with a "2" and transported personnel to Omaha Beach on 6 or 7 June 1944, I would be most grateful. Lastly, I would also like to express my sincere thanks and respects to the WWII veterans who may be reading this message for their sacrifice which brought freedom to France and to all of Europe. Also, please know and understand that the people of France, especially those from Normandy, who I have had the pleasure of knowing since my arrival here have not forgotten and will never forget your sacrifice and that they have been deeply saddened to learn from our press that so many of today's Americans would think to the contrary. Kind regards.

name: Genaro V OCHOA
location: Oklahoma
email: genaro_ochoa AT yahoo.com
Date: April 29, 2003
Comments
4. 0 website. Will be treasured by all Amphib sailors

name: Wade Sullivan
location: Lake Orion, Michigan
email: Wades1 AT hotmail.com
Date: March 19, 2003
Comments
My Grandfather served aboard an LST Doring World War II in the Pacific theater. He passed away in May of 2001. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get the vessels hull number and I would very much like to hear from anyone who may have information or may have served with him. His name is Alfred Allen Wade, "Al" is from Howe, Indiana and a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. I believe he was an Ensign and I know he was at Okinawa. Most of his service records and correspondence were lost by family over the years. I would like to thank anyone in advance for any help with my search and to say thanks for dedicating this website to so many brave men. God Bless America and God Bless the GREATEST GENERATION!!

name: Wade Sullivan
location: Lake Orion, Michigan
email: Wades1 AT hotmail.com
Date: March 19, 2003
Comments
My Grandfather served aboard an LST in the Pacific theater toward the end of World War II. He passed away in May of 2001. I didn't get an opportunity to find out what ship he served aboard and would very much like to hear from someone if they have any information. His name is Alfred Allen Wade from Howe, Indiana, graduate of the University of Notre Dame. I believe he was an Ensign and I know he was at Okinawa. Unfortunately, family lost most of his service records and correspondence. Thank you in advance to anyone who may be able to help and thank you for providing this valuable resource to Veterans and their loved ones. God Bless America and Go Bless the GREATEST GENERATION!!

name: Kathleen Turner
location: Townsville
email: kathleen. turner AT cathedral. qld. edu. au
Date: February 06, 2003
Comments
My Grandfathers name was William Ascott or Escott he was in the Canadian police force and was part of the D. Day invasion but was sent back because he got wounded. He had a son (my father) with a lady named Ilene O'sullivan, my fathers name is Robert. If any of this relates to you please contact me it is very important. Thank- you

name: bill goodall
location: punta gorda fl.
email: jjn59bill AT yahoo.com
Date: February 03, 2003
Comments
My dad was aboard LST 1010 in southern france and the pacific. I would be happy to communicate any one that would like to.

name: James Tansey, Jr
location: Sierra Vista, Arizona
email: tanseyj AT theriver.com
Date: February 02, 2003
Comments
Nice to see pages about LST's. My Dad was on LST 745 in the Pacific Theater. My LST 745 pages are at http://www.geocities.com/maureenjim/lst745.htm for pictures and more.

name: Jason Brown
location: Sumter, SC
email: jbctiger27 AT aol.com
Date: January 31, 2003
Comments
My Grandad was aboard the LST 282. His name is Charles Jenkins. He still lives in Sumter, SC.

name: Jason Brown
location: Sumter, SC
email: jbctiger27 AT aol.com
Date: January 31, 2003
Comments
My Grandad was aboard the LST 282. His name is Charles Jenkins. He still lives in Sumter, SC.

name: Beverly A. Gomez
location: North East MD
email: gomeztippy AT netscape.net
Date: January 22, 2003
Comments
The web site is great. My father Henry A. Reutter, rest his soul, was on Board the Lst 280, from what I understand he was a Corpsman. I just recently found this out.

name: Paul Mackrell
location: Hagerstown Md.
email: macklst492 AT aol.com
Date: January 03, 2003
Comments
I was aboard the lst 492 on Aug 15 1944 . I was looking directly at the 282 when she was hit. I had just finished covering the cargo hatch with a tarp to hide the light from the tank deck . it was begining to get dark and we had wounded on the tank deck. I was facing aft when I saw this awsome rainbow of color and a very loud explosion. I couldn't believe what I saw. GOD I was so glad it wasn't us,and I felt so guilty about that feeling ever since. I often think about that day and it still hurts a little. That ship burned and exploded all night. I thought that no one could have survived , but I learned years later that many did. And for that I thanked GOD. You have a great site and I enjoyed it very much THANKS Paul Mackrell

name: Nancy Reed
location: Illinois
email: sreedn AT shiloh. k12. il. us
Date: December 29, 2002
Comments
Looking desperately for the LST my father-in-law was on. The only picture of it being launched was burned with my sister-in-law's house. His name was Dallas Dwayne Reed from Ashton, Il. He got on it at Hennepin. He was among the oldest ever drafted men. Age 38 with wife, 2 children a farm and a day job. He was the head carpenter's mate. We have a picture of him in uniform in front of a fake backdrop of an LST, but none left of the real one. I have sent two sets of forms to the Navy and they are no help. My oldest brother-in-law was in the Navy 22 years on the Ranger aircraft carrier, now in mothballs after serving in the Persian Gulf. Another brother-in-law served in the Reserves at Great Lakes. I really thought the Navy kept decent records. Any help is greatly appreciated! Nancy Reed

name: LAWRENCE GILBERT
location: HOMESTEAD FL
email: susan5163 AT aol.com
Date: December 28, 2002
Comments
lAWRENCE GILBERT WAS MY BROTHER WHO WAS THE COMMANDER OF LST 282 ON D DAY . HE DIED RECENTLY AND I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO REMEMBERS HIM. THANK YOU, SUSAN LANDIS. MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS SUSAN5163 AT aol.
From Sheldon: Lawrence (Larry) E. Gilbert. was Lieutenant Commander, Skipper, of LST 282. Click here for a little more information.

name: Sanfd . Margalith
location: 3890 Nobel Dr. Suit 202, San Diego CA 92122
email: mungo1111 AT aol.com
Date: December 27, 2002
Comments
I and my good friend Ed Hatosy(now deceased)were assigned to the 282 from Solomons, Maryland. When we got to New Orleans to board her, we found she had sailed. We were then put aboard the LST 515. The 515 was flagship at Slapton Sands. Ed and I were transferred to the AKA 53 (USS Achernar). Ed was MotorMac, I was Coxswain or LCVP going into beach at Southern France. Our boat sunk (probably from damage from bombs dropped by B-24) We spent almost entire day on beach. We finally got a ride back to the AKA53 when we saw the 282 hit and set afire. We watched the German plane fly over us, very high, with not a gun shooting at her that we could see. I often wondered how the quartermaster fared on the 282 when she was hit, because my rate was QM3/c and I woul have been on the bridge. Did he die? How lucky was I? I wrote a novel abut LSTs. published by JoNa Books, Bedord,IN. called CAPTAINS. It was well reviewed and optioned by Dwight Yoakam for a movie. You can order it at any bookshop. Please reply about whether the QM survived.

name: Nathan L. Burks
location: Louisville, KY
email: nathanburks AT msn.com
Date: December 25, 2002
Comments
Learned about LST 282 from a dear friend, John McCann who served on LST 282.

name: James Fields
location: Charleston, WV
email: jcfields1 AT aol.com
Date: December 19, 2002
Comments
I was a crew member from 1944 thru Jan 1946. Lookinf for the original crew mwmbers.

name: Michael Greeley
location: Foxboro, MA
email: mgreeley AT attbi.com
Date: December 12, 2002
Comments
December 12, 2002
I was glad to find your web site with the full story of LST 282. My Dad was Francis X. Greeley. Upon reading the horrific accounts of August 15 off the coast of Southern France, and knowing his frightening experience in the English Channel after D-Day, I am amazed at my Dad's quiet, gentle strength.
In August, 1944, Frank Greeley was barely 18 years old, an enlisted man from the Dorchester section of Boston, MA. Dad was only on board 282 for a few weeks, as he had served on the short-lived LST 376 since boot camp LST 376 was sunk by an E-boat torpedo in the early morning hours of June 8, returning from Omaha Beach. Dad did not know many of the men on 282, and didn't discuss the horrific events of the night of August 15 until my daughter was born on August 15, 1991. Dad said that we (our family) should thank God that he was on deck that night. Astonishingly, Dad never learned to swim, possibly due to his impromptu dunking
Dad spoke in more detail about June 8 and August 15 when he returned from the 50th reunion of LST 1129. Dad served on 1129 through his honorable discharge in 1946. He returned to Boston, married and raised four sons. Dad lived in Norwood, MA from 1953 until his death in June, 1995.
Michael Greeley -- mgreeley AT attbi.com

name: Philip Brandt
location:
email: pnbrandt AT nuclearfuelservices.com
Date: December 02, 2002
Comments
Great website! My father-in-law, Ken Herdman, was a chief petty officer (Machinist Mate) on the 504 and kept a diary from D-Day Normandy through the Southern France invasion. He stated in his diary that they were the next LST over from the 282 when she was hit. Had the honor to travel with him and other veterans to the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landing. I still get really emotional everytime I think about the cemetary there at Coleville and being amongst the veterans during the ceremonies. No words can express my feelings of thanks and gratitude to all the veterans. I've been trying to find pictures of the 504 with very limited success. If anyone has any photos I would love to get copies and make up a photo album for him. In his diary he detailed their collision with the 284 at 0232 on 7July44. Does anyone out there have any more information/stories on the subject? One last item. Several years ago when I was just learning how to surf the internet I found website that had photos of the 504 taken during her last days when she was used for target practice and sunk. Somehow I crashed the system and could never find the website again. Does anyone know the website address??

name: Nick Demilio
location: North Carolina
email: ndemilio AT cox.net
Date: November 19, 2002
Comments
Thanks for the website. My grandfather Gus "Pops" Esto was a bosun's mate on the LST 492 and though he died in 1969 I recently found his perspective on the 282's fate in his diary. He was a man of few words, at least when writing, and even though he was in on the Normandy and Southern France invasions he seemed most impressed by one particular sight: "August 20, 1944. Beached again in France. Explored 282. Wow. " Anyone with info about Gus or the 492, convoy SC-154 from Halifay to Wales, or the 492's "group" at any point in the ETO, please e-mail me. Nick Demilio Rocky Mount NC

name: Richard Wagner
location:
email: r. g. wagner AT att.net
Date: September 25, 2002
Comments
Tom, Your 282 website continues to pay off. Recently I received an e-mail from Charles Osborne who said he found my e-mail address on your website. Our Navy careers in small boats were exactly the same from April, 1943 until the 282 was hit. Although we did not know each other at all, it's amazing what a good time I've had writing to him via e-mail about our experiences. I haven't heard from you for some time. I hope you and you Dad are both O. K. I'm writing this on Sept. 25, 2002

name: Tom McKelvie
location: Gunnison, Colorado
email: dottom AT adelphia.net
Date: September 18, 2002
Comments
I was a Gunner's Mate aboard USS LST 285. We had already unloaded our cargo and had returned from the landing area when the LST 282 was hit. I happened to be below, port, forward, guarding German POW's when there was a tremendous explosion off to our starboard side. Our people were already at General Quarters, and our 20mm and 40mm guns commenced firing almost immediately. When I was relieved from guard duty shortly thereafter, I went topside and saw the LST 282 terribly torn and burning. Your story and pictures bring back vivid memories of that long August day in 1944. Great website.

name: Jon Ferraro
location: East Brunswick, NJ
email: jcferraro AT comcast.net
Date: August 05, 2002
Comments
My best friend's grandfather, William R. Hanemann, served aboard LST 282 when she was sunk; it was the second time he "went into the drink. " He had also served aboard a different LST which was sunk by a German torpedo boat a few days after the Normandy invasion. I never had the privilege of meeting Mr. Hanemann; unfortunately he passed away about a year and a half ago. My friend related many of Mr. Hanemann's stories to me, and by luck I found this fine website. My own grandfather was in the 87th Infantry Division in 1944-45; he told me of his crossing of the Channel. . . of the LST sailors who gave extra socks, rations, and supplies to him and his buddies, telling him "you need it there more than we do here. " God bless all such LST veterans and their "Large Slow Targets. "

name: Joanne York Williams
location: Gunnison, Colorado
email: jwilliams AT gwe.net
Date: July 29, 2002
Comments
Tom--Just wanted to let you know how much it means to see your site, and all you've included in it. J. C. York was my grandad; my dad is Leo York, Duane's older half-brother, who also served as career Navy, and was mostly in North Africa during the war. It fell to him to tell his folks what had happened to his baby brother. He is now 92, in an assisted living residence in AZ. Much is outside his memory, but the loss of Duane, and the pain of his death to my grandparents are vivid. I was in my thirties before he could tell me much of what had happened to his brother. Bless you, for your service, and your heart in putting the website together. Best wishes.

name: Bill Erdman
location: Wisconsin
email: Wwpelme AT aol.com
Date: July 05, 2002
Comments
I spent17 mos on the 287 and really appreciate your fine web site. I hope your efforts are appreciated by all LST sailors. Good Luck.

name: Cdr. E. Freeman, USNR Ret.
location: Michigan
email: higenefr AT juno.com
Date: July 03, 2002
Comments
A great Web page. Enjoyed and wish the LST 508 I was on durning the D+1 landing had a web page. A well organized web page that was easy to navigate.

name: charles n. osborne
location: Hudson Fl. 34667
email: cnonfo10 AT aol.com
Date: June 06, 2002
Comments
I was a member of a small boat crew and if we hadn't been in our small boat at the time Lst282 was hit I would most likely be dead because my battle station was the gun tub where the bomb hit. The four men of my small boat crew were Rennard Sikorski s1/c Eddie stoltz s1/c Jack Richaredson Momm2/c and I. Jack is now living at Eustis Florida and I live at Hudson Florida the other two are deceased

name: Claudia Sue Eaves/McJunkin/York
location: Idaho
email: clseaves AT orofino-id.com
Date: May 14, 2002
Comments
Thank you, Sheldon & Tom. What a wonderful tribute and honor you have given my family. I'm certain that my grandfather would be in awe of what you have made possible through our World Wide Web. I am the 3rd of Joseph Claude York's 4 granddaughters, and we all have only recently learned of this website via the woman my Uncle Duane was to marry upon returning to Boise. And it was happen-chance at that, for she had only recently been contacted by another mutual acquaintance. A miracle to say the least! Although I have no other history to share, I will share in the blessings that will be spread from this "Gift". God Bless Our U S A

name: Don Smith
location: Keene, NH
email: che_don AT hotmail.com
Date: April 09, 2002
Comments
My Dad, also Don Smith, served on the LST-230 during 1944. My son is putting his diary of that year into text format, hopefully to appear on this page, or at some linked page. I should have this to Tom Aubut soon. For now a question. Are there others out there who served on the LST-230 during that time, or whenever? And, does anyone have any pictures to share? I sure would like to have a picture of my Dad's ship. Thanks, Don Smith 17 Boston Place Keene, NH 03431

name: Ron Dlugosz
location: Pittsburgh
email: dlugoszr AT adelphia.net
Date: March 31, 2002
Comments
My mother and father met while working at the Ambridge yards. He was an inspector working for the Navy until his enlistment in the Army in late 1943 and she did masking for painting. It's possible this was one of the last LSTs he worked on before leaving for basic training in November and eventual assignment to the 30th Division. Great site.

name: Br. Francis Patrick
location: Wilmington, OH
email: joemonk777 AT hotmail.com
Date: March 12, 2002
Comments
as a chef I really enjoyed reading the ship's menu. God bless

name: Kenneth L. Richter
location: 330 Walnut St. Bellevue Ky. 41073
email: kennethlrichter
Date: February 14, 2002
Comments
My father was Norbert J. Richter out of Rice Lake, Wisc. I just happened to pput his ship no. in and to my suprize this web site came up. Thanks for the photographs. I remember him telling me he fired the bow 40 when the airial controlled bomb was launched at his ship. I also remember him telling me his friend Louis Cecil out of Bardstown Ky swam to shore.

name: Arthur B. Aregoni
location: Caspian, Michigan
email: dotart AT up.net
Date: February 07, 2002
Comments
Wonderful website - recently came upon it. I served on LST 1010,from November, 1944 to May 1946. Previously, passenger on LST 134, and ship's company on LST 492 for two months. Would like to hear from shipmates. Date of my comments is February 7, 2002. Proud of the 282 and others who made the supreme sacrifice!!

name: Ron Lehman
location: Orangeville Ontario, Canada
email: rjlehman AT infinity.net
Date: January 31, 2002
Comments
As a self appointed WWII historian and author to be, I'm always interested in great web sites like yours to fill in gaps in my studies. I have walked all those famous beaches in June/99 and tried to imagine what it was like on that day, especially Omaha Beach. It must have been Hell. I am a Canadian but have deep respect and admiration for the U. S. men and women who fought beside my Canadian brothers many of whom died on Juno Beach (the Canadian sector) that famous day. I visited the Cemetary behind Omaha Beach, and as it always does in Military Cemetaries, I cried my heart out at sight of those almost ten thousand graves. God Bless those boys, and God Bless America. Now that I know about LST 282, I will remember her and the men who served on her when I return to "the Beaches" in June 2003, for a dedication of "The Juno Beach Centre" at Coursuelles-sur-Mer which will honour those men, many of whom I've met, and those that died to their memory. May it always be remembered of those who paid the supreme sacrifice for our freedom. Thanks for the great web site now bookmarked on my iMac Ron Lehman.

name: Nancy Roskowske Sigrist
location: McKinney, Texas 75070
email: nanchris_99 AT yahoo.com
Date: December 14, 2001
Comments
Please help
I do not know how to find information on my dad. I have been told that everything burnt in Jefferson where his information was kelpt. I have his discharge papers and and this article.
6th Army Group
Lt. Gen. Jacobs L. Devers, announces that Pvt. Theodore Roskowske, son of Mrs. Edith Roskowske of Owensville Mo. has been awarded the following decoration; The Silver Star. . . "for gallantry in action near Mifnano,Italy on 14 and 15 of December 1943. During intense enemy shelling of Battery "B" area on 14 December, one man was killed and several wounded, including entrenched infantrymen and three Italian solders. With complete disregard for his on Safety Pvt. Roskowske upon hearing the calls of the wounded, immediately left his own place of cover and went to their assistance. While the heavy enemy fire continued unabated, he rendered first aid to the injured and successfully evacuated them to the aid station. The next day, during a similar occurrence, Pt. Roskowske again left his position of comparative safety to aid seven more seriously injured men. By his gallantry and unselfish devotion to duty, Pt. Roskowske reflects much credit upon himself and the U. S Army. Also the Bronze Star. . . for heroic achievement near St. Raphael, France on 15 August 1944. Struck by an aerial bomb as it neared shore during the invasion of Southern France, LST 282 was burning fiercely and ammunition stored aboard was exploding continuously. Without regard for his personal safety, Pvt. Roskowske cooly organized an impromptu aid station and did not abandon ship until he had seen that all in need of assistance had been evacuated. By his courage and devotion to duty, Pt. Roskowske was directly responsible for the prompt treatment of many of his comrades and reflects much credit upon himself and the United States Army.
I am looking for any information about my dad i can get. Thank you

name: Timothy J Kosto
location: Youngstown, NY
email: lt. kosto AT juno.com
Date: October 12, 2001
Comments
My father built LST 282 at the Leetsdale works of Bethlehem Steel in conjunction with the Ambridge Plant of American Bridge Company, Division of USSteel. The stern and engine was assembled at the "Bridgeworks' in Ambridge, the bow with the doors and gun tubs was assenbled by my father at the Bethlehem Steel Works in Leetsdale, technically a different borough of Pennsylvania in a different county from the Ambridge works. In a small gully between the plants the "Navy Yard" assembled the body of the ship. The bow and stern were moved on specially built railways to the navy yard where they were joined to the mid-section. From there the seaworthy hull was launched into the Ohio River. Today Hussey Copper operates a rolling mill in the navy yard facility. Bethlehem and American Bridge are closed and demolished. Hussey may have photographs of construction in its archives. Thanks for your site

name: Don Smith
location: Keene, NH
email: che_don AT hotmail.com
Date: August 12, 2001
Comments
Thanks for posting this site. My dad was on the LST-230 during 43 and 44. His name was Don Smith. I just finished reading his diary from 1944. It's the first time I'd seen it. Dad passed away on August 8th this year, and my Mom gave me the diary. It was amazing to read his entries. He speaks several times of Red Rafferty, one of your crewmates. They were from the same area in MA. He also mentions coming on the "hard" next to your boat after she had been bombed. I'm sure that was a tough time for all. I'm glad to have his diary, and I thank all of you for your sacrifices. If any of you out there knew my Dad I'd love to hear from you. Respectfully, Don Smith

name: Leo H. Weinberg
location: 1365 Van Antwerp Rd,92 Scdy. NY12309136
email: leo1127 AT msn.com
Date: July 02, 2001
Comments
Very interesting. I was officer on LST 230, with identical experiences in Normandy and S. France. We were first LST on beach on Aug 14 and first to get off after much difficulty. We had beached at too high a speed and bow rolled too far onto beach. With engines backing full and stern anchor pulling in low gear, we didn't move. Our CO, Lt. Moody, had our LCVPs alternately push our stern to port and we slowly wiggled our way off the beach. Also, while on the beach, German 88s were firing at us but we were protected by the sand rise in front of us and the shells landed behind our stern. We left the area later that day and we saw that some ship had been bombed. We were lucky.

name: Paul Crepeau
location: 16175 Golf Rd. Apt. 209 Weston Fl. 33326
email: pkc204 AT bellsouth.net
Date: June 23, 2001
Comments
I also was on same landing, LST 1010 was to your stern when also noticed air plane. Follow red streak as it hit LST foward of 1010. At the time we did not know it was the 282 as all ships opened fire in the air. You were almost on the beach. It was early morning. LST 1010 turned back in to the bay. We could see all the action. We landed on another afer dark. I was with Navy Seabees. 1040 Det. A week later with our Duck amf. vehicles spotted your LST and took a picture which I will send if you would like. This picture was taken at low tide. To this day I never thought I would report this story.

name: Kevin Stone
location: Syracuse, New York
email: kstone AT twcny. rr.com
Date: June 20, 2001
Comments
Thank You for sharing this great site with us. My father served in the Navy on LST 243 during WW2. The veterans of this great nation should be honored for eternity. I'm also looking for information about LST 243.

name: M Punko
location: whitemarsh MD
email: mpunko AT yahoo.com
Date: June 10, 2001
Comments
my brother, Dennis Punko Jr. momm2c was a survivor of this lst282. I have been trying to get a picture of this ship for my genealogy of my family and any additional information on the the ship. Unfortunately my brother doesn't speak to me or has offered any help with my family genealogy. Denny is still living and resides at 4418 Springwood Ave Balto. MD 21206

name: John Ratomski
location: N. Y.
email: Jonathon17PIM
Comments
You have a great Web site. My father was a Seabee during WWII who served in a Combat Stevedore Battalion in the Pacific. Loading and unloading LSTs. He saw many LSTs hit by Japanese Bombs,artillery and even mortars!! The LSTs were the workhorses of the war keep up the good work. John e-mail Jonathon17PIM

name: Cheryl Thomas
location: Bloomington Indiana
email: chthomas AT indiana. edu
Comments
Very interesting site! My uncle, Charles Osborne, was on this ship. We're so proud of him and his fellow crew who served our country so proudly! Thank you for a glimpse of his world.

name: susan harding
location: salisbury, england
email: sue_h_17 AT hotmail.com
Comments
we recently went to utah beach whilst on a day trip to cherbourg. It is a beautiful beach, but the time i spent there was filled with sadness for all of the service men who gave their lives for our countries. It was very moving. I am going back there tomorrow with my children. I am sure it will be of interest to them, make history come to life. I really enjoyed looking at your web site.

name: John T. McCrea
location: Miami, Florida
email: jtmjohn AT aol.com
Comments
I have just read the account of Duane's Mother and Father, and I am gripped with memories, and also deep compassion for his parents. I was Gunnery Officer aboard the LST 655 (also built at Ambridge, where we boarded her) We were not in sight of the 282 when she was hit, but had seen a JU 88 earlier in the day - the only enemy plane sighted the entire time. We later saw the horrible burned out wreckage of our sister ship, possibly even on a return trip to the invasion coast. An interesting anecdote - as all 78 of the LST's lined up as we made our way out of Naples, toward France - 39 ships in each of two columns - we saw a Motor Craft moving back and forth from one column to the other, and on the prow sat a heavy figure with his hand up to form a V - and we realized it was Winston Churchill - come to bid God Speed to the Forces. I shall share the story of the 282 when our 655 crew meet for reunion in October. God bless Duane's family who still survive - and "Thank You"!! John

name: amy louhela (Tom's granddaughter)
location: ST. francis, MN
email: klouhela AT aol.com
Comments
I am so proud of my grandpa, Tom. I am also thankful for uncle shell who has spent hours of his time putting together this piece of history. It brings great honor to our family. I love you both. Love, Amy

name: Kathy (Aubut) Decelles
location: Belmont, NH
email: kdecelles AT macneillusa.com
Comments
Great sight, very interesting. I happened upon it in doing a search of my maiden name. We are from central New Hampshire but my Dad's family was from Quebec.

name: John Hanks
location: Laramie,WY 82072
email: portage AT uwyo. edu
Comments
Good site, but a picture is worth a thousand words - even photos of other LSTs

name: Frank Burns
location: Arcadia, Fla.
email: elfburns AT yahoo.com
Comments
Great Job on your web site. I served on the LST 864, during WWII. Your web site means a lot to all the men that sailed on a LST. It brings back a lot of wonderful memories of old shipmates. God Bless

name: Gary Lyon
location: Roseville, Mn.
email: gglyon1 AT usfamily.net
Comments
I am just new to computors. I am a proud member of the US LST 325 that we just sailed to Mobile Al. Jan. 10. Iam expermenting with my new toy looking for more information about LST"s. Very interesting web site. will keep looking for more updates.

name: Richard C. Fox
location: Florida
email: ChipF73
Comments
I served on LST 845 from Dec. 1944 to March 1946. I am looking for any of my former crew mates.

name: Peter Shawhan
location: Delmar, NY
email: jshawhan AT nycap. rr.com
Comments
My father, H. R. Shawhan, was on the LST 280, a sister ship of the LST 282. After finishing "90 day wonder" school and being commissioned, he was assigned briefly to the LST 282, on his way to his assignment with the LST 280. During his time aboard the LST 282, he got to know two other junior officers, Lt. (JG) Jerome Dobin, who was the Communications Officer, and Ens. Peter Hughes, who was the Gunnery Officer. When my father reached the LST 280, he was assigned to be the Gunnery Officer on that ship. He served in that capacity on convoy duty in the Atlantic, through the D-Day landings during which the LST 280 landed British troops on Gold Beach, and was on the ship when it was torpedoed in the Channel on the night of June 15, 1944. I read to him over the telephone some of your web site. He had heard during the war that the LST 282 had been sunk during the invasion of Southern France, but had never been able to find out what happened to his friends. As I described your web site to him, he learned for the first time in the more than 50 years since the War that his friend Peter Hughes was killed in that attack, but that Jerome Dobin survived. I think it meant something for him to be able to find out what had happened. I am printing out Lt. Gilbert's report on the loss of the ship and some of the photos, which I will mail to him. Thank you very much for all the effort you have put into your web site -- it hasn't been wasted.

name: Denise Aubut
location: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
email: bfisher AT sentex.net
Comments

name: George L. Nichols
location: PO Box 220, Lowndesboro, AL 36752
email: nwtaylor AT htcnet.net
Comments
I was a crew member on LST 1020 in WWII and would like to hear from any of my old shipments, I have most of the names and addresses of my crew members, and some photos. Also, our LST 1020 was South of France when a bomb hit one of the LSTs near us,could it have been LST 282??, I rememeber them saying that the Captain beached it after the bomb hit and many were saved because of that.
G. L. Nichols, Coxswain 1944-1946 (Mediterranean & Pacific )

name: Al Cole
location: Grapevine, Texas
email: aflintsrus AT aol.com
Comments
Looking for information on Ward Ryder Frost Jr. Served on an LST during World War Two, Pacific Theater, 1943-46. He was a US Navy Fireman. This is all the information that I have on the man.

name: Al Cole
location: Grapevine, Texas
email: aflintsrus AT aol.com
Comments
Looking for information on Ward Ryder Frost Jr. Served on an LST during World War Two, Pacific Theater. He was a US Navy Fireman. This is all the information that I have on the man.

name: Davis K. Jones
location: Orange, TX
email: jonesdk AT exp.net
Comments
Is this the LST that is sailing to the U. S. crewed by ex-navy vets average age 74? If so, smooth sailing in fair weather, wishing you a safe voyage.
From Sheldon: We only wish it were so, but the LST 282 now resides on the bottom, just off the coast of Southern France where it was sunk in WWII.

name: Gary L. Moberly
location: Midway, Kentucky
email: Bonzaigary AT aol.com
Comments
Crewmember Joe Moberly was my uncle. I appreciate your website.

name: Beth Niewenhous
location: New Canaan, CT
email: bniewenhous AT snet.net
Comments
Hi. My cousin, Peter Cataldo, told me about your website. Our uncle, Pete Hughes, was on the LST 282 and was killed when it was bombed. He was in the conning tower when it happened and was thrown to the deck. I was fortunate to have corresponded with Hans Bergner when I became interested in Pete; Hans told me stories about my uncle and about the ship, all of which were invaluable in my coming to know this missing family member. My mother and I went to one of the ship reunions and met more of the guys from the 282, all of whom were so kind. Added to this were all the documents I requested from the government as well as all of Pete's letters home which my grandmother had saved.
He was some guy.
Thanks for a great website.
Beth Niewenhous

name: Harvey Alexander
location: Bronston,Ky.
email: halex AT hyperaction.net
Comments
Your Dad is only one of many forgotten men and women who served. Especially those that served in the amphibious forces. We were definitely not a part of the "glamour" but without us that stupid war could still be going on. Your Dad would be very proud and happy with this dedication to him, your site is exceptional. Keep up the good work. I read that he spent time at Roseneath Scotland, Go to my site and check the book store and you will find a book all about US Navy base two, written by a man that was there during the war, with pictures. Thanks for visiting my site, Harvey Alexander "

name: Rex F. Meilinger
location: SAndwich, IL. 60548
email: helene AT inter-linc.net
Comments
WE are at our fishing vacation home on Bull Shoals Lakes right now, we live in Sandwich, IL. where we will be going Nov. 19th, then my e-mail be helene AT indianvalley.com or helenemeilinger AT hotmail.com Rex will have a lot to tell you I'm sure, his LST files are in IL. So we will be in touch with you again when we get back to IL. Ed Yunck called us yesterday and he is the one who gave us your web site. Very impressive! I had it on when Rex came in from fishing last night, he said, where did you get that? He was really surprised. He is not computer literate at all, never even comes near it, I print things out for him. We'll e in touch. Thanks .

name: PFC Howard W Feldkamp (my dad)
location: Kaukauna, WI 54130
email: www.javandeloo.com
Comments
I am signing for my dad, who was with the 937th battalion in the 36th division on the LST when it was bombed waiting to land at France. Thankfully he survived, and it's odd but in his diaries and letters home, when he described or even now talks about the event, it is almost word for word the way other witnesses (on your website) explain it, as far as the sounds and thinking the bomb would miss, etc. He was very excited to read the info I found for him through your website. the pictures he has also are very like the ones on the website. Thanks for making the info available. Dad is now 80 years old
From Sheldon: One thing that is missing on this web site is information about the Army men who were on the ship when it was hit. If anyone can supply details about them, lists, photos, anything, I would love to post it here. Please e-mail me at biker AT cwizard.com

name: Chuck Heller
location: Minnesota
email: frawg AT pclink.com
Comments
Great site! My father was the communications officer aboard the 504. After the Normandy landings they headed for the South of France also and he recalls viewing what was left of the 282.
I wonder how long these sites will be available on the web? I worry about that. . ? My kids aren't old enough to understand yet. . .
Thanks
From Sheldon: This one should be up for many years. I own a web site design company so no matter what I will keep it up and running.

name: Lloyd King
location: Bakersfield, Ca.
email: lloydking1 AT aol.com
Comments
I enjoyed your site very much. I was stationed on the USS Polk County LST 1084 in the 1960's. Take a look at my web page: http://usspolkcounty. weblogger.com
From Sheldon: The USS Polk County is the only LST I am aware of that has two web sites. They are listed on the "Links" page.

name: John Nida
location: Helendale, CA
email: janida AT eee.org
Comments
I enjoyed your site very much. Lots of memories. Very good of you to honor your father this way. I served on the LST 1090 in Korea. Please visit my site at http://www.geocities.com/2-speed I see you are a biker also. Take a look at my other site at http://run.to/moto
From Sheldon: I've added a like to your LST 1090 web site on the "Links" page, and also at the LST 327 site which I also maintain. Yes I have been a biker since the mid 60's, riding everything from 55cc Suzukis to Chopped Harleys. Right now I have a Russian Ural two-wheel drive sidecar rig, and a 1971 Italian Moto Guzzi Ambassador. I also have many motorcycle related web sites. Most can be accessed by going to http://www.narma.org

name: Charles R. Taliaferro
location: Hanford, CA - USA
email: charles AT taliaferro.net
Comments
Wonderful web site full of memories. Thanks. Please visit the Kitchen Table GanGang at http://taliaferro.net/veterans

name: Dick Wagner
location: Cranford, NJ
email: r. g. wagner AT att.net
Comments
It's Sept. 9, 2000. Just checked the website to see what was new and discovered that a Guest Book has been added. Another fine addition to a great site. The three months I spent on the 282 were the most harrowing experiences of my career in the Navy and my life in total! From the fiasco at Slapton Sands in April of '44 through D-Day, June 6th and D-day August 15th! Hans Bergner, Pete Hughes, Steve Kucey, Larry Gilbert, Franklin Lynch, Jack Bowers and Paul Keppler are men I've remembered all these years. And now Tom Aubut and others are making them come alive again! Dick Wagner

name: Werner
location: Belgium Antwerp
email: whitie AT pandora. be
Comments
Pretty nice site, I just visit the French coast. What happened there is not understandable. The men who fought there for our freedom are my heroes. I can't say it enough. The one who died and the one they survived. I am very thankful.
Werner - Belgium

name: Richard L. Faina
location: Duluth, GA
email: richard_faina AT hotmail.com
Comments
Very nice site. My father landed on Utah Beach, I think, on D-Day, third wave, 468th AAA Btn. Surfing the net trying to find any information on his unit.

name: Mark Bridges
location: Hickory, NC
email: markbrid AT hickory.net
Comments
My father, John Wilburn Bridges, served aboard the LST282 and was on board when it was hit and survived. He has really enjoyed this web site and all the information. He is standing to Tom Aubut's left on the crew picture. Thanks again for the great web site!

name: Joe Moberly Jr.
location: Milton, Florida
email: jmoberly AT bellsouth.net
Comments
My father, Joe Moberly Sr. , served on the 282. He was on the ship when it was bombed, but survived the attack.