The LST-325, the only operational Landing Ship, Tank (LST) in WWII configuration afloat in US waters, is in Port Decatur now through the evening of Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
Sir Knight Steve Gentz, Past Grand Knight of Council 11672 and member of the Fourth Degree, serves as a volunteer crewman on this vessel and spends part of each year sailing it to different areas in the country for the public to tour and see a piece of history.
This ship is entirely volunteer supported with all income coming from visitors touring the ship during the annual cruise and at its home port in Evansville, IN. The primary mission of the USS LST Ship Memorial is to educate its visitors to the role of the LST in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. It is the Memorial’s desire to preserve the memory of these ships and all the countless heroic men who died in battle during the service to their country. By preserving this priceless piece of American history, we will bring honor to the American ship building industries that produced them, the crews who served and defended them, and those who were carried onto the invasion shores by them.
Sir Knight Steve Gentz
This LST is an amphibious vessel designed to land battle-ready tanks, troops and supplies directly onto enemy shores. Ships of this type proved to be enormously useful during times of war and peace both. This particular LST was originally known as LST-325 during the Second World War, USNS LST-325 during its arctic operations in the 1950’s, and later L-144 (A/G Syros) while it was in the service of the Greek Navy.
Prices and tour hours can be found here. Admission is free to World War II and Korean War veterans. Additional information can be obtain at https://lstmemorial.org/.