My Dad sailed on board LST-859 USS Lafayette County traveling from San Francisco Bay to Korea during the Korean War. He told me the cargo consisted of 250 and 500 pound bombs. He always refereed to the ship as a floating coffin. It's fantastic to see this ship in operation!

My grandfather served in the Pacific theater on LST-746 from May of 1944 to June of 1946. He was an MoMM1 when he got out, motor machinist mate, a rate that no longer exists. He used to tell us stories about the Philippine Liberation campaign and being attacked by Japanese Zeroes. He said no one on board was afraid of Kamikaze pilots, but typhoons were the most terrifying element as it was a flat-bottomed ship for the beach landings. He lived a life of a machinist after the war was over fabricating parts for the Apollo missions and passed in 1993. I'm so glad I got to meet him and I'm carrying on his legacy as an active duty Sailor myself, although my job is not nearly as crucial as his was. I had the privilege of performing at the opening ceremony of LST-325 when it docked on the Mississippi in quad cities Iowa back in 2019 and got to see exactly how he spent those two years. I'm so proud and glad that this shining example still exists as the only remaining LST out of the 1051 built.

@KenHeron

4 күн бұрын

Thank you so much for you and your family service! I appreciate you sharing that story. It is wonderful. 🇺🇲👍

My wife and I toured an LST down in Evansville, Indiana a few years ago. It was pretty cool. I love WW2 history. My dad and one of his brothers were on the USS Oklahoma on Dec 7th, 1941. Obviously my dad survived and so did his brother. I am 65 years old now but I remember when I was a kid about 13 years old I asked my dad how he first learned that his ship was under attack (he was below deck at the time). He said "well they came over the ship's speakers and said "we are under attack by Japanese war planes. This is no fucking drill! That's the only time I ever heard my dad use that word. Being a 13 year old and still pretty naive I said "wow, they had that word back then?" Dad just laughed and said "well sure). Dad passed away in 2012 at the age of 93. A part of the Greatest Generation.

@caseybrady4571

2 жыл бұрын

i guess im asking the wrong place but does anyone know a tool to get back into an Instagram account?? I was stupid forgot my account password. I love any assistance you can offer me.

@brodieholden8045

2 жыл бұрын

@Casey Brady instablaster =)

@caseybrady4571

2 жыл бұрын

@Brodie Holden i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff now. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

@caseybrady4571

2 жыл бұрын

@Brodie Holden It worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thanks so much, you saved my account !

@brodieholden8045

2 жыл бұрын

@Casey Brady glad I could help :D

My Dad proudly served on this ship WWII as a 2nd Lt. his name was Webb Sage.

@KenHeron

3 жыл бұрын

That's awesome.

Going to go see LST 325 in Charleston, West Virginia next weekend. My Dad was a Gunners Mate on LST 173 and went to North Africa. Sure wish he was still here to go with me. I can't wait to see this ship. Just found out the 173 took part in Operation Dragoon, the invasion of southern France.

@KenHeron

Жыл бұрын

That's great! You'll love it.

@davidstaudohar6733

Жыл бұрын

@@KenHeron , I served on the LST USS Barbour County, the LST 1123 and the LST 1185, Great footage 🎥🎬🎞️🎞️🎬 👍👍👍‼️

my grand father served in ww2 on an lst 532 he was at omaha beach normandy june 6 1944 , he was a pharmacist mate 1st class, he served on several lst not just the 532, i will check his diary,to see if he served on the 325. i asked my grandfather when i was a little boy what it was like being in the war , he said war is hell and i could tell by the way he said it he ment it.....miss you baba.

What a great insight on the LST , my father served on Royal Navy LST200 in the war, sadly passed away in 2017, he would have loved to have watched this, I'm glad I came across this, just so I could match up a few of the snippets Dad told me about these amazing ships. Thanks from England👍

@KenHeron

3 жыл бұрын

🤓🇬🇧

In loving memory of Sea 1c, USS LST-577, died at 17 on February 11, 1945. Thank you for your sacrifice and gallantry. Thank you for this video.

@christian1394

4 жыл бұрын

Sea 1c Robert Stewart

Ken, hearing the original 40's audio was just priceless!

My dad was a Lieutenant on LST…. One of best moments of my life was visiting Arromache in Normandy where they landed on d day… video made my dad cry…. He rembers getting his ship assignment after graduating officer training school at Columbia u… his classmates wished him luck and said goodbye as he was on a long slow target….great man my dad… great generation of Americans… not perfect by any stretch…thanks so much for this video

@gergemall

3 ай бұрын

Respect. My Dad was on the LSD 202 IN THE PHILIPPINES. NEW GUINEA AND the Solomon Islands.

@gergemall

3 ай бұрын

Thank you

My grandfather served as machinist mate on LST343 from her beginning to the end of the war. I always wanted to see one of these for myself. He basically raised me and my whole life was full of his memories from his service, both the good and the bad. If i ever sail by her I definitely need to stop and atleast see her. There's not enough credit given to these vital ships.

@KenHeron

2 ай бұрын

Absolutely.🇺🇲

Exemplary job guys, BZ from Greece!

My dad was on a LST out of Norfolk VA. Ha put his boat right in front of the Navy Base. Little Creak Marina. I have a VCR Tap that he was telling me about the time onboard . He was a 2nd class BOASTSWAIN MATE. His name was Ralph Jefferson Adams. He pass away 10/17/2003. He loved his job. It was NAVY ALL THE WAY.. One day I will get a VCR so I can see the tap again. GO NAVY. I was in in 1968 and My brother Cecil E Adams ALBANY CG10 . He pass away 1992. He was a Barber. Thank you for reading this.

My Dad served on LST 482 in the Pacific during WW2. I served on USS Duluth (LPD-6), a newer type of amphibious assault landing ship, during the Vietnam war. Based on this video, my ship had better living conditions than Dad's.

My stepfather served onboard this class LST. I severed onboard a Newport Class LST.

LST 393 is now a museum ship in Muskegon, MI. It was at D-Day on Normandy beach. I was just on it today

@KenHeron

Жыл бұрын

Awesome!

I served on the former LST836 USS HOLMES COUNTY in the Republic of Singapore Navy as L201 RSS ENDURANCE from 1980 to 1981. Love to visit you guys when i get over. Good job.

Fantastic production here.

My uncle, Don Roy, served on this ship during WW2. He was a signalman.

Thank you so much for these videos. I recently created a fly-over video of the LST 1166 and found your video trying to learn more about these vessels. Once again all roads lead to Ken Heron!

Evansville, IN represent! I've done contract work on the engines of the LST 325. WW2 built this city, with our production of ships, P-47 Thunderbolt, and tons of munitions.

@KenHeron

4 жыл бұрын

Yes indeed! Most people have no idea of the huge contribution the LSTs made.

I just got to explore this ship in La Crosse Wisconsin today and it was such an incredible experience. I also volunteered at a ww2 museum before it sadly caught fire a few days ago. I've always had such a fascination and love for the greatest generation.

thank you for posting this video. I am doing family research and just discovered a 2nd cousin that was a radioman on LST-460 which was shot down by the Japanese in December of 1944. Seeing the demo of the radio room gave me a great sense of where he most likely was at the time the ship was shot down.

Grate video. As a MARINE I can relate to the history. Thanks and GOD bless the crew of the 325.

@KenHeron

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service Juan!

My Dad served in WWII. He never talked about the war until his last final days on earth. I just read his memoir and he mentioned the LST boat that he boarded on the shores of Naples which led him to ANZIO beach. He witnessed his neighbor friend killed as the GERMANS attached. As he stated his was the "NUMBER TWO" Boat. He survived this brutal war and had nightmares all of his life. God bless those who served. I cannot even imagine the heartache and the fear each one of those soldiers experienced. I miss him and am honored for his service. PLEASE STAND FOR OUR FLAG and our ANTHEM.

@KenHeron

5 жыл бұрын

My heart goes out to you and your dad. He was part of the greatest generation, of which we're losing too many each day.

Thank you for posting! Big fan of our heros and history. Loved the story behind the HST 325. Thanks to all who preserve the history and the men that still serve by sharing the story.

My first ship out of boot camp in 1969 August was a L S T

@KenHeron

5 күн бұрын

That's so awesome! 🇺🇲👍

👏Fantastic 👏

I am a Vietnam Vet and was stationed on the USS KRISHNA ARL-38. This ship was a converted LST hence ARL meaning landing craft repair ship. It’s duty in Nam was to support the River Division In the Mekong River. The River division included my ship and we are known as the “Brown Water Navy” . I enjoyed your video and have a question as to where it was built ? My ship was built in Seneca, Illinois I know that because my company built a storage facility there which I was assigned to !!! Talk about Divine Intervention. Can’t wait to visit. TY SK1 Kopec

@BradFalck-mn3pc

11 ай бұрын

You should read a book called "Seawolves, first Choice" and thank you for your service

@markmark2080

9 ай бұрын

I was on LST1032 66/67, made 5 trips up to Can Tho, I believe the floating Seal Team/PBR base at nearby Binh Thuy was a ARL, not 100% sure, we went up there late one night to get a motor shaft machined...

great video. thanks to the Men who served and preserved this beautiful ship.......

God bless, my pop served in WWII as a gunners mate before he became chief petty officer and chief . Joined 17 years old . I can’t imagine. He told me very little.

@KenHeron

5 жыл бұрын

Those guys were the greatest generation.

Thanks for the vid . I once knew a man who served on a LST . The stories he told . His brother was on Liberty Ships . Thanks again !

@KenHeron

2 жыл бұрын

🇺🇲👍

The family has watched this video several times now and we even plan on taking a visit in the future when we are up in that area. Truly amazing story behind that ship and its crew.

🔴🦅🇺🇸🦅I served in the 7th Fleet ,FMF , As an enlisted man, 3/3/3 , and was always transported by professional Gator Navy sailors, What a tough bunch of guys ❤️🇺🇸❤️‼️ Haze Gray and under Way ‼️ ♦️♦️♦️

@davidstaudohar6733

Жыл бұрын

🔴🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸 in honorable memories of LST 1123, lst1185, ♦️♦️♦️‼️

@KenHeron

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for your service!

The Washtenaw county is sitting on the Columbia river up in Washington and it needs to be rescued 😢

Those EMDs are terrific engines, they'll take amazing amounts of abuse and run on pretty much any type of fuel oil. And the harder you work them the better they'll run.

@KenHeron

2 жыл бұрын

🇺🇲👍

@brianburns7211

Жыл бұрын

I abuse them every day! They get quite a beating kicking boxcars down the lead track.

One of your best videos. I have nothing but respect and thanks for all our Veterans. I have a visit to this ship planned for the next time I am in Indiana or when it comes back down the river. Whichever comes first.

@KenHeron

6 жыл бұрын

It's a great resource. Puts things in perspective as you walk the decks.

@frankpienkosky5688

2 жыл бұрын

they have a website which usually includes the planned travel itinerary for each sailing season...

Great video, Ken. Thanks for showing us the LST-325. My dad served on a destroyer (DD631, USS Erben) during the Korean War. I served in the Marines from '77-'81, and did a tour on the USS Midway, now a museum ship in San Diego harbor.

@KenHeron

6 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! --Thank you for your service. Enjoy a new LST video I made: kzread.info/dash/bejne/la2L3Np9fNnFl6w.html

A fantastic ship

Thank you for your video. My father was on 529 Cayuga County, during the Korean War. He was a driver of one of 4 lcvp's on his ship. Your video gives me a better understanding of the stories i was told of his time in the navy.

@KenHeron

4 жыл бұрын

Very happy and honored to have been invited to film aboard the amazing ship. Your father's service is very much appreciated. 🇺🇲

@timothyfos8506

4 жыл бұрын

My grandfather was on the Cayuga County in Korea as well! What was your fathers name?

This was amazing! Thank you Ken.

Very nice video! Good to see this unique and important part of history so well presented. Proudly served aboard USS Wood County (LST1178), 1966-1970, based in Little Creek.

@KenHeron

7 жыл бұрын

So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for your service.

Thanks for the Link Ken.. Loved the Video.. and how nice for the Greeks to donate the ship back. :)

@KenHeron

6 жыл бұрын

That was pretty cool of the Greeks.

Amaizing, thank you!

Awesome video , thank you for sharing it

We saw this ship today at our local lock and dam. Very interesting to see it in person.

@KenHeron

5 жыл бұрын

It's a beautifully restored ship!

@frankpienkosky5688

2 жыл бұрын

got a kick out of one our lockmasters calling the ship "list" on the radio.....

Been on this ship in october of 2001 when the LST convention was in Mobile

thanks for the comment guys my grandfather kept a diery of what happened on his lst including that morning of june 6 he has camanders names maps he drew,areas of operation that day and also what happened when they departed southampton engkanalso stories of transporting wounded and prisoners not to mention he witnessed a hospital ship towing a barge of wounded get torpedod on way back too england the hospital ship had to cut chains to barge and could not stop to save barge all men lost. i ll find diary tonight tomarrow will get back too you.

Great documentary! Made me proud!

Wow. Excellent!! Great job.

This ship is sailed past my condominium in downtown Louisville Kentucky yesterday. I googled the number on the side of the ship in got to this video. Once I played it I was surprised to see Ken heron, the guy who makes drone videos! Nice surprise.. I recall thinking to myself as I began to watch it “this looks like a well produced video” and then there is Ken. Nice job. Keep up the great work

@KenHeron

4 жыл бұрын

Very cool! I spent the night on the LST-325 filming. It was such fun being part of the "crew" for two days!

Those Series 567 (Pronounced - "FiveSixtySeven" - which is the cubic inch displacement per cylinder) EMD main engines (8.5" X 10" B&S), were also rated at 1,000hp for industrial & locomotive use. IF, those are units from 1942, they could have been (more recently) swapped out to the upgraded 567C which went into production in March, 1953 and eliminated the troublesome (high maintenance) water deck and replace with water piping, as well as going to the round Airbox covers. At least, the 1942 (1941 and forward) engines (567A) had gotten rid of the "U" topdeck (source of many early failures), and was replaced with the fabricated (welded steel, same as the engine block) "V" top deck (exhaust), as well as Camshaft - gear train upgrades. The 12-567A engines (which these, are) can be upgraded to 567C.... which can now (in certain applications) be rebuilt with Much easier & Plentiful to obtain... Series 645 (9&1/16th" X 10" B&S)power assemblies.

I don’t think gen X or the millennial gen could have pulled this off. I salute this greatest generation. My Dad was on LST-1014.

@KenHeron

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely agree.

Rode one down the coast from Danang to vungtau Vietnam with our vehicles and equipment and operated out of Long Beach California in 1965 and 66

@KenHeron

4 жыл бұрын

Awesome ships. Thank you for your service.

My gramp a merchant man had to learn gunnery on one of these, for when merchant ships started to get armed, he said it was the worse ship he ever been on, he reckoned he nearly died of sea sickness, and it rocked and rolled so much that sometimes he didnt think it would come back up,it was a rough sea that day though, funny how out of many stories he told me this one is what i remember most....

@KenHeron

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your family's service.

@billm9709

Жыл бұрын

My Dad was on USS LST 173.He told me that if you wanted to know if you'll get seasick, ride an LST.

@wor53lg50

Жыл бұрын

@@billm9709 yeah he was on one, a tank, truck and equiptment transporter though not a troop one, he was on one when the imperial sword got handed other wether he could see or not, i cant remember, too young and dumn to care but remembered he was there and he told, he'd done murmansk archangel,canada america before being posted java and sumatra, borneo, ready for island hopping campaign... A very british able seaman.merchant G,E willmott....

My dad was on LST1009,and1074

@KenHeron

4 жыл бұрын

That's awesome!🇺🇸

Awesome!

@KenHeron

5 жыл бұрын

The ship and her crew are wonderful.

Well done Ken !

@KenHeron

7 жыл бұрын

Much appreciated. Those guys were really great to hang out with.

Quality Work , Thank you

@KenHeron

7 жыл бұрын

Much appreciated!

:} Lovely Tour. My Dad was a Chief QuarterMaster on LST 1110 San Bernardino county from 55 to decom in 57 or 58 when it was given to the Chinese. :}

Nice, Ken. Love you man!

@KenHeron

7 жыл бұрын

Right back atcha bud.

Ken. How awesome! Thanks for making this very informative video. This is almost as good as seeing it in person. I really enjoy all of your videos and look forward to your new post. You are very talented

@KenHeron

7 жыл бұрын

Many thanks!!

We saw this at Moline, Illinois when this "large, slow target" was there- LST 315. The national anthem was based on an English drinking song. I think Columbia the gem of the ocean is a better song, with some changes.

A friend's Dad drove an LST during the war and said LST stood for Large Standing Target.

@KenHeron

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, that's the nickname the LSTs were given.

@frankpienkosky5688

2 жыл бұрын

they were slow and a number of them were sunk when German E-boats attacked them while they were engaged in a D-Day rehearsal....

@leftyo9589

11 ай бұрын

i served on a newport class LST, we called it a large slow target.

love your video!! those old boats really hold a lot of history onboard.

@frankpienkosky5688

2 жыл бұрын

this ship's travel itinerary is a tribute to all the inland cities and town that built so many of them....including my own...at the height of production we were launching one every six weeks.....

I think she should return to mobile to seat next to the Alabama for a tour.Alabama protected her I would like to see that

Very interesting video Ken

@KenHeron

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks bud!

Great video and story telling Ken. I sent the link to a friend who is a CAD operator for one of the big warship builders in the Mobile area. The technology of the ships Paul works on was unimaginable when the 325 was built but I suspect he'll give the video two things up. Jim

@KenHeron

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jim! That video was a lot of work, but to be able to tell everyone about the incredible story of the LST-325 was absolutely worth it.

I love oatmeal too!!!

My Uncle Billie Deverell was Killed In Action on LST 750 12-28-1944

@KenHeron

6 жыл бұрын

So many lost during that war.

some few Philippine Navy WW2 LST still in service today

Well done . A very nice video by Mr. Ken Heron , And narrator Mr. David Coker . Gibraltar has had great historical connections with the USS Navy for well over 200 year's . Starting with the North Barbary Pirate attacks on ship's in the Mediterranean . With Best Wishe's, British Gibraltar , UK Overseas Territory 🇬🇧.

@KenHeron

3 жыл бұрын

Much appreciated Joseph.

@josephlezano7691

3 жыл бұрын

@@KenHeron Thank you Ken . Much appreciated .

@josephlezano7691

3 жыл бұрын

Ken , I have made some further comments on a video published on the 8th of March 2014 also on the subject of the USS LST 325. Called :The Return of USS LST 325 by , Vila Wolf. The actual men that made the journey from Gibraltar to the US appear in video. I just thought that perhaps you might like it , as I have . Thank you once again

last operable vessel...don't forget the 393

@KenHeron

2 жыл бұрын

🇺🇲👍

Tanks

@KenHeron

2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome

My Dad served on the LST762.

@KenHeron

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your family's service.

Everything old is new again! The USMC is now looking at smaller ships that do EXACTLY the same thing as yours does. Uncle Sam (the US Army), however, never gave up on these ships with their Benson Class Landing Ship Transports. Yes Virginia, the US ARMY does, in fact, have its own NAVY!

now it has visited places on the Mississippi River, and I suppose on other rivers...It is based in Indiana.

hm just want to say I watched probably almost every single video you put but I have to say this is the most best one and the most educational one I've ever watched thank you for sharing this video and I will be passing it on to friends great job buddy great job keep up the good work.

@KenHeron

7 жыл бұрын

Man, I really appreciate the nice comment. Thank you Robert!

@robertstickles5600

7 жыл бұрын

Don't have to thank me keep up the good work very educational I can't say it enough the work that you do trust me when I tell you it touches everybody's heart especially this video brings back a lot of memories to family good memories so I thank you for that. Still don't have a Phantom Drome yet by any chance you won't have any extras do you

Hi Ken, as others have mentioned awesome video, as an X Royal Navy I understand what it was like on a ship like this, basically made for armoured vehicles not really for personal, (meaning comfort). I spent on a similar ship HMS Intrepid but equipped for both. The aft (back end) of the ship was able to sink so as to launch the LCM's and LCVPS. Your navy has the same type of ships. Anyway just wanted to say thanks for sharing. I know it's a bit of a cheek but if you have a old DJI P,2,3or4 you wanted to get rid of, I'll take it of your hands, it's one of my favourite hobbies aerial photography (& astrophotography). my old quad has died😢😯😣

@KenHeron

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the nice comment Martin! I will be making my Phantom 3 Professional available in the coming months. I'll let you know.

@MartinRodgers2255

7 жыл бұрын

Cheers

@frankpienkosky5688

2 жыл бұрын

Winston Churchill was reputed to have said "Apparently victory depends on something called an LST".......

This is great I'm surprised I never saw this video before! Ps you sent me here

@KenHeron

7 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! There's a LOT of videos you might not have seen. All you need to do is scroll back!

@frankpienkosky5688

2 жыл бұрын

just getting that ship over here is a story unto itself.....lots of drama there.....

Nice filming... I saw your drone in the air when I went. This is in cape girardeau

@KenHeron

6 жыл бұрын

+Nathan Offensive meme That was a fun day!!

Lst 453 uss remus my great grandfather

Great video Ken, this must have taken quite a while to shoot and edit.

@KenHeron

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Indeed it did. I was aboard the ship for two days and nights. Those guys are an incredible group. It was a privilege to be asked to document this vessel and crew.

Maybe God, but definitely the eyes of passed sailors of the LST crews.

Sea 1c Robert Stewart

Jack sounds JUST like Dana!!!!!!

@KenHeron

6 жыл бұрын

OMG you're RIGHT! Well, they are cousins, so maybe that's why.

SOS! best breakfast food in the world... (maybe a side of hash browns and sunny-side up eggs... large O.J. large whole Milk)

dude i like this but my fav vid is HOT FOOT plz do more

@KenHeron

7 жыл бұрын

REALLY?! HA!! Well... Okay. Thanks! --I'll start blastin' more bugs!

@king__tut9854

7 жыл бұрын

lol

CAN YOU GET FOOD ON THE SHIP IF YOU VISIT. I DIDN'T WHEN I VISITED BUT IM JUST CURIOUS

@frankpienkosky5688

2 жыл бұрын

that's for the crew...there is a small gift shop though...grab yourself a souvenir...

The crewman used to called them Large Slow Targets

@KenHeron

9 ай бұрын

Yeah, that's kinda scary.

@PennWolfsSailingAdventures

2 ай бұрын

No,my grandfather called it a bathtub. Getting tossed around because basically it was a bathtub. But definitely helped when the torpedoes went right under them, unfortunately the ships on the other side weren't so lucky.

Hi Ken. Im obviously doing something wrong here. I keep uploading a video that I recently shot with DJI Phantom 4 and when it loads into KZread it's not giving me any HD options. Just SD. I'm sure this is a dumb question. I did it via KZread.com and also via iMovie and same thing. Would appreciate any help.

@KenHeron

7 жыл бұрын

+castillo21j I'm not very familiar with iMovie, but after editing, it should give you an option for rendering into different resolutions, etc. I hope that helps. Good luck!

As seen in the new Activision video game Call of Duty WW2, in the Epilogue of the Campaign version of the game. Starting at the 6:25 mark in the following YT film link. kzread.info/dash/bejne/l4B9l5SYoNfFj7g.html

@KenHeron

6 жыл бұрын

That's really awesome!!

@KenHeron

6 жыл бұрын

I forwarded that to some of the veterans that crew the LST 325 along with the head of the company that owns her. Thanks for sending that!!

Cool educational video Ken! maybe if you have time check out my video about the ground hog

I am glad to see this ship preserved. However don't bother to go see it. The tour is ridiculously short and misleading with poor information. If you know anything about naval history, it is hard to listen to the tour guide.