Talk:USS LSM(R)-193

Military history: Maritime / North America / United States / World War II

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The USS LSMR-193 is one of only 12 LSM's that were designed specifically for the invasion of the Japanese home islands. Each of these ships performed separately and in combined actions with other ships in the battle of Okinawa. 11 of the 12 LSMR's have a common legacy in providing ground support fire during the invasion of the beaches on the west side of the southern third of Okinawa on the April 1, 1945. LSMR'S 189, 190, 191, 192 and 193 provided support to the southern portion of the beach under Task Force 55 commanded by Rear Admiral John Leslie Halll, Jr. The assault troops were the 7th and 96th Infantry Divisions under Major General John R. Hodge. The extended families of crew members of the 12 LSM's meet annually to honor those who served.Olwillard (talk) 15:11, 12 February 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Douglas Aitken, Capt USN (Ret) Accompanying the two destroyers were several smaller amphibious craft variously equipped to support landing operations: LSM(R) 193, and LCSs 82, 83, and 84, all sometimes jokingly referred to as “the pall-bearers.” We would soon learn to give them, and that term, a great deal of respect. LSM(R) 193 had a single 5-inch/38 mounted on her deck aft. When this gun was fired, the LSM(R) 193 suffered the likes of an earthquake estimated to be about 8.6 on the Richter Scale.

LSM(R) 193 picked up many wounded and other swimmers and came alongside to Port, wired herself to Hadley, helped prevent capsizing, and transferred several pumps and hoses to fight fires. In the attempt to pump out some of the flooded spaces, it was not known, of course, that water was coming in through the bottom as fast as it was being pumped out the top. As LCS 83 assisted to Starboard, LSM(R) 193 made other short runs to pick up survivors and return them to Hadley.

About noon, LSM(R) 193 and LCS 83 began alongside towing of Hadley to the nearest anchorage, a small island named Ie Shima off the northwest side of Okinawa. USS Barber APD 57 came to assist and quickly took all seriously injured to the nearest hospital ship. LSM(R) 193 changed position to tow at Hadley’s bow as ATR 114 came alongside to continue pumping. USS Wadsworth (DD 516) approached to give assistance and firepower in case of further attack.

  Thus, as we learned the hard way the job of the “pallbearers,” they earned our instant respect and grateful appreciation. With only a single 5”38 gun, and some 40mm’s among them, they also shot down some of the swarm.Olwillard (talk) 15:11, 12 February 2010 (UTC)
 —Preceding unsigned comment added by Olwillard (talk • contribs) 14:56, 30 October 2009 (UTC)[reply]