Historical Accounts
Honoring those who served…
The LSTs, or Landing Ship Tanks, were developed during WWII thanks to Winston Churchill, who wanted a way to unload tanks and heavy equipment directly onto a beach. With a length of 327' and a beam of 50', these "Large Slow Targets" as they were affectionately known, had a speed of about 11 knots. A typical crew was 7 officers and 200 enlisted. The topside could carry smaller craft, and there was a tunnel-like hold that carried vehicles or other cargo. The ships proved so versatile that over 1000 were built for the U.S. Navy for use in World War II.
LST 596 was built by the Missouri Valley Bridge & Iron Co., and launched on August 21, 1944. It was sponsored by Mrs. Palmer L. McMichael and was commissioned on September 14, 1944. The story of her crew really begins at Camp Bradford, Virginia, the naval training base set under pine trees and along the banks of Chesapeake Bay. From there, the men "rode the rails" to Chicago, then Evansville, where they boarded the ship that would be their home for over a year. Slowly cruising south along the Mississippi River, they passed the peaceful green fields of Tennessee and Arkansas, then emerged into the rocky waters of the Gulf. After a little liberty and some repair work, the ship headed through the Panama Canal and out into the open Pacific.
Before boarding the ship, an LST sailor's experience began at the national training base at Camp Bradford, Virginia.
*Above data is from Debbie McLeod, daughter of Thomas Hampton McLeod, who also served on USS LST 596.
Custer, Charles Arthur, (Jr.)
First Enlisted 8 May 1944 for two years. At the time his residence was 1112 Hartsough Ave., Plymouth, Wayne County, Michigan. Also included were copies of his fingerprints. Discharge papers, C2900889, Series C, Honorable Discharge from the United States Navy. Fireman First Class on 2 July 1946.
14 September 1944 reported aboard U.S.S. LST 596, ATB, Camp Bradford, North Fork, VA.
On 23 February 1946: This is when Dad got his tattoo….
OFFENSE: A.O.L. FROM 2230, 2/16/46 to 0640, 2/17/46 a period of Eight (8) hours.
PUNISHMENT: TWENTY (20) HOURS EXTRA POLICE DUTY.
Signed by: G.A. DICK
Lieutenant, USN
Commanding
Medals awarded:
Victory Medal, medal is in my possession
American Area Campaign Medal, medal is in my possession
Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, medal is in my possession
Philippine Liberation Ribbon, ribbon is not in my possession at this time
Honorable Service, Lapel Button, pin is in my possession
Issue dates: From 8 Sept 1939 through 31 Dec 1946
Custer, William
Elder brother of Charles A. Custer, Jr.
Myers, Eugene
This photo was taken in Europe while he was serving in the military. Eugene was the s/o Argle Leslie Myers and Laura Maude Custer.
Cecil, George Edward
Robinson, James Albert
James Albert Robinson is the s/o William Robinson and Margaret Jean MacNiel. James was in the Air Corp Military Police from 1942-1945. James entered the service 22 July 1942, Co. G 1609 C.A.S.U. Fort Custer, Battle Creek, Michigan in the Infantry.
9 Oct 1942 entered Military Police, Guard Duty, Air Corps as a Corporal of the Guard.
6 Feb 1945 left for the war front. He arrived in England on 20 March 1945. He served in both France and Belguim.