Monday, October 15, 2012

List of Ships At The Battle of Iwo Jima

This is my work in progress list of ship that participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima (Feb-March 1945). Over 600 ships participated in the invasion force and I could not find a master list of ships who took part in the invasion. Most of the information has come from ship websites, articles, unit histories and books about the battle. I am very interested in finding a list of what Marine Divisions were on which ships. I have added important notes behind certain ship to denote interesting or historic facts about that particular ship during the battle. If you see that a ship is not listed please contact me so I can add it to the list.

List of Ships at Iwo Jima

    Amphibious Command Ship
  • USS Auburn (AGC-10) Command Ship Amphibious Group 2
  • USS Eldorado (AGC-11) Invasion Command Ship Gen Holland Smith/James Forrestal
  • USS Estes (AGC-12) D-2 2/17/45 UDT Action Command Ship
  • USS Biscayne(AGC-18) Flagship for Transport Screen


  • Aircraft Carriers
  • USS Saratoga (CV-3) Hit by Japanese Aircraft 2/21 123KIA
  • USS Enterprise(CV-6)
  • USS Essex (CV-9) TF58
  • USS Hornet(CV-12)
  • USS Lexington(CV-16)
  • USS Bunker Hill(CV-17)
  • USS Wasp(CV-18)
  • USS Hancock(CV-19) Air Group 80 VF-80/VB-80/VT-80
  • USS Bennington(CV-20)
  • USS Belleau Wood(CVL-24)
  • USS Cowpens(CVL-25)
  • USS San Jacinto(CVL-30)


  • Escort Carriers
  • USS Anzio (CVE-57) VC-82
  • USS Natoma Bay (CVE-62) VC-81
  • USS Wake Island (CVE-65) VOC-1
  • USS Tulagi (CVE-72)
  • USS Petrof Bay (CVE-80)VC-76
  • USS Rudyerd Bay (CVE-81) VC-77
  • USS Saginaw Bay (CVE-82)
  • USS Sargent Bay (CVE-83) VC-79
  • USS Shamrock Bay (CVE-84)
  • USS Steamer Bay (CVE-87) VC-90
  • USS Windham Bay (CVE-92)
  • USS Makin Bay (CVE-93)VC-84
  • USS Lunga Point (CVE-94)VC-85
  • USS Bismark Sea (CVE-95)VC-86 Sunk by Kamikaze 2/21/45 119KIA
  • USS Salamaua (CVE-96)
  • USS Asmiralty Islands (CVE-99)
  • USS Bougainville (CVE-100)


  • Battleships
  • USS Arkansas (BB-33)
  • USS New York (BB-34)
  • USS Texas (BB-35) June 6th 1944 D-Day Veteran
  • USS Nevada (BB-36)
  • USS Idaho (BB-42)
  • USS Tennessee (BB-43) 2/17 Hit by Japanese Coastal Gun/Pearl Harbor Survivor
  • USS North Carolina (BB-55)
  • USS Washington (BB-56)
  • USS South Dakota (BB-57)
  • USS Indiana (BB-58)
  • USS Massachusetts (BB-59)
  • USS New Jersey (BB-62)
  • USS Missouri (BB-63)
  • USS Wisconsin (BB-64)


  • Hospital Ships
  • USS Solace (AH-5)
  • USS Bountiful (AH-9)
  • USS Samaritan (AH-10)
  • USS Pickney (APH-9)


  • Cruiser
  • USS Alaska (CB-1)
  • USS Pensacola (CA-24)
  • USS Salt Lake City (CA-25)
  • USS Chester (CA-27)
  • USS Indianapolis (CA-35)
  • USS Tuscaloosa (CA-37)
  • USS San Francisco (CA-38)
  • USS San Diego (CL-53)
  • USS San Juan (CL-54)
  • USS Santa Fe (CL-60)
  • USS Vincennes (CL-64)
  • USS Pasadena (CL-65)
  • USS Baltimore (CA-68)
  • USS Boston (CA-69)
  • USS Biloxi (CL-80)
  • USS Vicksburg (CL-86)
  • USS Miami (CL-89)
  • USS Astoria (CL-90)
  • USS Flint (CL-97)
  • USS Wilkes-Barre (CL-103)


  • Destroyers
  • USS Mitchell (DE-43)
  • USS Dorsey (DD-117)
  • USS Gamble (DD-123/DM-15) Hit by Air Attack 2/18 5KIA
  • USS Riddle (DD-185)
  • USS Crowley (DE-303)
  • USS Holloran (DE-305)
  • USS Finnegan (DE-307)
  • USS Aylwin (DE-355)
  • USS Mccall (DD-400)
  • USS Guest (DD-472)
  • USS Bennett (DD-473)
  • USS Fullam (DD-474)
  • USS Hudson (DD-475)
  • USS Pringle (DD477)
  • USS Stanly (DD-478)
  • USS Leutze (DD-481) April 17 Hit by Shore Batteries
  • USS Newcomb (DD-486) Awarded Navy Unit Citation during Battle
  • USS Terry (DD-513) 2/28 Hit by Iwo Shore Gun 11KIA
  • USS Anthony (DD-515)
  • USS Mullany (DD-528)
  • USS Owen (DD-536) Rescued downed TBM Crew from USS Handcock (CV-19)
  • USS Twining (DD-540)
  • USS Bradford (DD-545)
  • USS Capps (DD-550)
  • USS Halligan (DD-584)
  • USS Izard (DD-589)
  • USS Twiggs (DD-591)
  • USS Howorth (DD-592)
  • USS Harrison (DD-573)
  • USS Stembel (DD-644)
  • USS Thorn (DD-647)
  • USS Vab Valkenburgh (DD-656)
  • USS Heywood L. Edwards (DD-663) Awarded Navy Unit Citation during Battle
  • USS Bryant (DD-665) Awarded Navy Unit Citation during Battle
  • USS Healy (DD-672)
  • USS Porterfield(DD-682)
  • USS Wedderburn (DD-684)
  • USS John W. Weeks(DD-701)
  • USS Weaver (DE-741)
  • USS McClelland (DE-750)
  • USS Callaghan (DD-792)
  • USS Irwin (DD-794)
  • USS Colhoun (DD-801) Hit by Shore Batteries 2/27/45
  • USS Gregory (DD-802)
  • USS Little (DD-803)
  • USS Rooks (DD-804)


  • High Speed Transport
  • USS Gilmer (APD-11)
  • USS Blessman (APD-48) D-2 2/17 UDT Action, 2/18 Hit by Betty Bombs 42KIA


  • Troop Transport
  • USS Thurston (AP-77)
  • USS President Monroe (AP-104)
  • USS George F. Elliott (AP-105)
  • USS Ozark (AP-107/LSV-2)
  • USS Storm King (AP-171)
  • USS Cape Johnson (AP-172) 3rd MarDiv
  • USS Herald of the Morning (AP-173)


  • Attack Transport
  • USS Harry Lee (PA-10)
  • USS Zeilin (APA-3)
  • USS Feland (APA-11)
  • USS President Adams (APA-19)3rd MarDiv
  • USS Hocking (APA-21) 5th Marine Division
  • USS Bayfield (APA-33) USCG Manned Ship-Hdq 4th Marine Division General Cates
  • USS Callaway (APA-35) USCG Manned Ship-3rd Joint Assault Signal Co, 3rd MarDiv
  • USS Fayette (APA-43) 28th Replacement Draft
  • USS Fremont (APA-44)
  • USS Knox (APA-46)
  • USS Barrow (APA-61) 5th Amphibious Corps
  • USS Berrien (APA-62)
  • USS Bladen (APA-63)
  • USS Carteret (APA-70)
  • USS Frederick Funston (APA-89) 3rd Marine Division
  • USS James O'Hara (APA-90) 28th Replacement Draft
  • USS Baxter (APA-94)
  • USS Cecil (APA-96) 5th Marine Battlion
  • USS Hansford (APA-106) 5th Medican Battalion 1/27 5th Marine Div
  • USS Highlands (APA-119) 2/27 Marines
  • USS Hinsdale (APA-120) 2nd Armored Amphibious Battalion
  • USS Hocking (APA-121) 26th Reg 5th Division
  • USS Attala (APA-130) Delivered 90th Naval Construction/8th Construc Reg.
  • USS Beckham (APA-133)
  • USS Bland (APA-136) Evacuation Only
  • USS Lowndes (APA-154)
  • USS Mellette (APA-156) 4th MarDiv
  • USS Napa (APA-157) 2/21 Hit by Japanese Aircraft/ Rammed by Logan
  • USS Newberry (APA-158) Hdq Co. 4th Marine Division
  • USS Darke (APA-159) 26th Marines Weapons Co,1st Rckt Sec 5th MarDiv
  • USS Deuel (APA-160) 26th Marines 5th Marine Division
  • USS Dickens (APA-161)-Green Beach
  • USS Golden City (APA-164) Not in assault, Brought 26th Marines back
  • USS Winged Arrow (APA-170)
  • USS Grimes (APA-172) Embarked 4th Marine Division/2nd Armored Amph Batt 3/17
  • USS Hyde (APA-173) US Army 947th AAA / 5th Marine Divsion
  • USS Kingsbury (APA-177) 23rd Marines
  • USS Landers (APA-178) Disembarked 4th Marine Division
  • USS Pickens (APA-190) 4th Marine Division
  • USS Rutland (APA-192)1/27 Marines
  • USS Sanborn (APA-193) 4th Marine Division Silver Star BM1c William D. Maroney
  • USS Sandoval (APA-194) 3/27th Marines
  • USS Lenawee (APA-195) 5th MarDiv & 62nd Naval Construction Battalion
  • USS Logan (APA-196) 10th Amphibious Tractor Battalion /4th MarDiv/ Rammed Napa
  • USS Lubbuck (APA-197) 5th Marine Division
  • USS Sibley (APA-206)
  • USS Mifflin (APA-207)
  • USS Talladega (APA-208) 5th Marine Division
  • USS Missoula (APA-211)- 28th Marines 1st Flag for Iwo Jima flag raising
  • USS Randall (APA-224)
  • USS Rockbridge (APA-228)
  • USS Sevier (APA-233)


  • Attack Cargo Ship
  • USS Electra (AKA-4) 5th Marine Division
  • USS Artemis (AKA-21)
  • USS Athene (AKA-22)
  • USS Leo (AKA-60)
  • USS Muliphen (AKA-61)
  • USS Tolland (AKA-64) Wpns Co CT HQ 26th Marines
  • USS Shoshone (AKA-65)Marines and 442nd Port Company Army
  • USS Southampton (AKA-66) 25th Marines 4th MarDiv
  • USS Starr (AKA-67)
  • USS Stokes (AKA-68)
  • USS Warrick (AKA-89)
  • USS Whiteside (AKA-90)
  • USS Whitley (AKA-91) 2/28 Hit by Japanese Air Attack
  • USS Yancey (AKA-93)


  • Landing Ship, Infantry/Motar/Rocket
  • LCI-346 D-2 2/17/45 UDT Action
  • LCI-348 D-2 2/17/45 UDT Action
  • LCI-356
  • LCI(L)-423
  • LCI(G)-438 D-2 2/17/45 UDT Action-hit by Iwo shore Guns
  • LCI(G)-441 D-2 2/17/45 UDT Action-hit by Iwo Shore Guns 7KIA
  • LCI(G)-449 D-2 2/17/45 UDT Action Medal Of Honor Lt. Com. Rufus G Herring/21KIA
  • LCI(G)-450 D-2 2/17/45 UDT Action-hit by Iwo shore Guns
  • LCI(G)-457 D-2 2/17/45 UDT Action-hit by Iwo shore Guns-1KIA
  • LCI(M)-460 D-2 2/25 Hit by Iwo Shore Guns
  • LCI(G)-466 D-2 2/17/45 UDT Action-hit by Iwo shore Guns-5KIA
  • LCI(G)-469 D-2 2/17/45 UDT Action-hit by Iwo shore Guns
  • LCI(G)-471 D-2 2/17/45 UDT Action
  • LCI(G)-473 D-2 2/17/45 UDT Action-hit by Iwo shore Guns
  • LCI(R)-474 D-2 2/17/45 UDT Action-hit by Iwo shore Guns Sunk 3KIA
  • LCI(L)-628
  • LCI(R)-651
  • LCI(R)-708
  • LCI(L)-772
  • LCI(L)-994
  • LCI(L)-995
  • LCI(L)-998


  • Landing Ship, Tank
  • LST-9 3d & 11th Armored Amphibian Battalion
  • LST-10
  • LST-11 5th Marine Division
  • LST-13
  • LST-14
  • LST-15
  • LST-16
  • LST-26
  • LST-27
  • LST-28
  • LST-34
  • LST-35
  • LST-36
  • LST-37
  • LST-38
  • LST-42
  • LST-70 US Coast Guard Crewed Ship
  • LST-84 Landed 506th AAA Anti-Aircraft Battalion 2/25/45
  • LST-121
  • LST-126
  • LST-166
  • LST-202
  • LST-206
  • LST-211
  • LST-224
  • LST-241 5th Marine Div
  • LST-264
  • LST-274
  • LST-354
  • LST-390
  • LST-399
  • LST-447 Hit by dual suicide attack 7KIA landed 3rd Tank Battalion
  • LST-449(UF)
  • LST-477
  • LST-481
  • LST-587(GF) 4th MarDiv
  • LST-588 2x30 Causeway Unit
  • LST-628
  • LST-634
  • LST-642(Radar) 4th Marine Division Hdq Battlion
  • LST-643
  • LST-648
  • LST-676 (later USS Yupai APB-42)
  • LST-678 3/45 it was renamed USS Presque Isle (APB-44) A Barracks Ship
  • LST-684 Brought LCT 1028
  • LST-713(UF) Brought LCT-866 Blue Beach Flagship
  • LST-714 4th MarDiv
  • LST-715 Brought LCT-630-Co. E 2/27 5th MarDiv
  • LST-716
  • LST-723(Radar) 4th MarDiv
  • LST-726
  • LST-727 Yellow Beach
  • LST-731
  • LST-756(GF) Brought LCT-632
  • LST-758 USCG Ship Hdq co 1st B 28th Marines 5th Marine Div/2x30 Causeway Unit Hit
  • LST-760(GF) USCG Crewed Ship 3X12 Barge Unit USCG Ship - hit by shore battery
  • LST-761 USCG Crewed Ship E/2/23 4th Division/2x30 Causeway Unit
  • LST-763 USCG Crewed Ship 2x30 Causeway Unit
  • LST-764 USCG Crewed Ship 10th Amphibian Tractor Battalion 4th MarDiv/2x30 Causeway Unit
  • LST-766 USCG Crewed Ship
  • LST-767
  • LST-776 USCG Crewed Ship
  • LST-779 2nd Flag for Flag Raising/2nd 155mm Howitzer Battalion/3X12 Barge Unit
  • LST-782(UF)
  • LST-784 USCG Crewed Ship-3X12 Barge Unit
  • LST-785
  • LST-787 USCG Crewed Ship 2x30 Causeway Unit
  • LST-788 USCG Crewed Ship
  • LST-789 USCG Crewed Ship
  • LST-790 USCG Crewed Ship
  • LST-792 (Radar)USCG Crewed Ship, 568th Signal Air Warning Battalion/hit by shore battery
  • LST-795 USCG Crewed Ship
  • LST-807 Floating Post Office Ship for Iwo Operation w/ 4th MarDiv
  • LST-808
  • LST-809
  • LST-812 4th MarDiv
  • LST-884 USCG Crewed Ship 62nd NCB
  • LST-886 USCG Crewed Ship
  • LST-928
  • LST-929(H) 3X12 Barge Unit
  • LST-930(H) 3X12 Barge Unit
  • LST-931 3X12 Barge Unit-A Co 2nd Armored Amphibious Battalion
  • LST-940
  • LST-943 62nd NCB
  • LST-944
  • LST-1032
  • LST-1033(H) 3X12 Barge Unit


  • Landing Craft Tank
  • LCT-630
  • LCT-631
  • LCT-632
  • LCT(6)-860
  • LCT-866
  • LCT-1028
  • LCT-1029 Landing Craft, Tank sunk at Battle 3/2/45
  • LCT-1030
  • LCT-1031
  • LCT-1055
  • LCT-1269
  • LCT-1154
  • LCT-1404


  • Landing Ship Medium
  • LSM-43
  • LSM-44
  • LSM-46
  • LSM-47
  • LSM-48
  • LSM-49
  • LSM-59
  • LSM-60 (GF)
  • LSM-70
  • LSM-74
  • LSM-92
  • LSM-126
  • LSM-140
  • LSM-141
  • LSM-143
  • LSM-145
  • LSM-201
  • LSM-202
  • LSM-206
  • LSM-207
  • LSM-211
  • LSM-216 2/20 hit by Japanese aircraft
  • LSM-238
  • LSM-239
  • LSM-241
  • LSM-242
  • LSM-260
  • LSM-261
  • LSM-264 (GF)
  • LSM-266
  • LSM-323


  • Landing Craft Support
  • LCS(L)(3)-31
  • LCS(L)(3)-32
  • LCS(L)(3)-33
  • LCS(L)(3)-34
  • LCS(L)(3)-35
  • LCS(L)(3)-51
  • LCS(L)(3)-53
  • LCS(L)(3)-55
  • LCS(L)(3)-56


  • Submarines
  • USS Spearfish (SS-190) (recon in 12/44)


  • Submarine Chaser
  • SC-724
  • SC-1054*
  • SC-1066
  • SC-1272
  • SC-1298
  • SC-1314
  • SC-1315
  • SC-1316
  • SC-1360
  • SC-1374


  • Landing Craft Repair Ship
  • USS Agenor (ARL-3)


  • Dry Dock Landing Ship
  • USS Ashland (LSD-1)
  • USS Belle Grove (LSD-2)
  • USS Gunston Hall (LSD-5)Brought LCT-631,LCT-1029, LCT-1154


  • Attack Ammunition Ship
  • USS Nitro (AE-2)
  • USS Shasta (AE-6)
  • USS Wrangell (AE-12)


  • Troopship
  • SS Sea Sturgeon


  • Transport
  • USS Hercules (AK-41)
  • USS De Grasse (AK-223)


  • Mine Laying ship
  • USS Terror (CM-5)


  • Merchant Marines-Victory Ships
  • SS Britain Victory
  • SS Columbia Victory
  • SS China Victory
  • SS Joliet Victory
  • SS Kingsport Victory
  • SS Legion Victory
  • SS Cape Fear
  • SS Cape Georgia
  • SS Cape Isabel
  • SS Cape San Martin
  • SS Cape Stevens
  • SS Dashing Wave
  • SS John Drake Sloat


  • Fleet Tug
  • USS Sioux(ATF-75)
  • USS Ute (ATF-76)
  • USS Cree (ATF-84)
  • USS Zuni (ATF-95)"Perfect Storm"USCG Rescue Ship/Yellow Beach 2 KIA & Damaged while rescue LST-727
  • USS Hitchiti (ATF-103)


  • Patrol Craft Escort
  • PCE-877 (USS Havre)


  • Patrol Craft
  • PC-463
  • PC-469 Manned by USCG US Coast Guard
  • PC-578 Yellow Beach Command Ship
  • PC-1081


  • Mine Sweeper
  • USS Harry F. Bauer (DM-26/DD-738) Destroyer converted to Minelayer but used as a Picket Ship at Iwo
  • USS Defense (AM-317)
  • USS Devastator (AM-318)
  • USS Ardent (AM-340)
  • PCS-1388
  • PCS-1404
  • PCS-1421
  • PCS-1452
  • PCS-1455
  • PCS-1460
  • PCS-1461


  • Net Cargo Ship
  • USS Keokuk (AKN-4) Damaged by Kamikaze 2/21/45
  • USS Zebra (AKN-5) Net Cargo Ship


  • Other
  • SS Sea Runner
  • USS Hamul (AD-20) Destroyer Tender
  • USS Shackle (ARS-9)
  • USS Gear (ARS-34) Rescue and salvage Ship
  • USS Suamico (AO-49)Oiler
  • USS Schuylkill (AO-76) Oiler
  • USS Sumner (AGS-5) Submarine Tender


  • US Coast Guard Crewed Ships

  • USS Bayfield (APA-33)
  • USS Callaway (APA-35)
  • PC-469
  • LST-70
  • LST-758
  • LST-760
  • LST-761
  • LST-763
  • LST-764
  • LST-768
  • LST-776
  • LST-784
  • LST-787
  • LST-789
  • LST-790
  • LST-792
  • LST-795
  • LST-788
  • LST-884
  • LST-886


  • Contributors: American Merchant Marine at War, www.usmm.org, US Militaria Forum Members,Iwo Jima Veterans and Families, B. Burns, Jim Simons, Jeffrey S. Williams,David Fredrick.

    List Copyright ©2010 Leonardo Flores.

87 comments:

  1. My husband was a Navy Corpsman with the 3rd Marine Division. The USS Cape Johnson 9aP172) was the troop transport that brought him from Guam to Iwo Jima.

    ReplyDelete
  2. That should have been (AP-172). Sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you! The note has been added. Only the greatest respects for your Husbands service in WWII! LF

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  4. LST 808 also participated in the battle of Iwo Jima. My husbands grandfather Marlin Henry was on that ship, as a radar operator. The following is from a website with history of this ship: LST-808



    LST-808 was laid down on 1 August 1944 at Evansville, Ind., by the Missouri Valley Bridge & Iron Co.; launched on 15 September 1944; sponsored by Mrs. W. I. Oliver; and commissioned on 29 September 1944.



    During World War II, LST-808 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the assault and occupation of Iwo Jima in Feburary 1945 and the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto from April through June 1945. LST-808 was torpedoed by a Japanese kamikaze off le Shima on 18 May 1945. Grounded on a reef following the torpedoing, she was destroyed on 11 November 1945 and struck from the Navy list. LST-808 earned two battle stars for World War II service.


    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you Bonnie, the ship has been noted on my list! It is greatly appreciated as it is more difficult to document these smaller ships. Thank you again! Leonardo

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for creating this site. I am looking for guidance in my quest to learn which ship my uncle was on during WWII. All I really know is; He definitely was on a ship at Iwo Jima and he was wounded but survived. His name was Charles Leonard Mayes, Jr. and he lived his life in Evansville, Indiana. He was born; 9/23/1925 and died; 8/18/1988. I hate to bother somebody with something which seems I could do myself but I keep hitting stone walls. Thank you again, whether you can help or not, I appreciate and love sites like yours.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yes I think I found him looks like he was on the USS Wasp. I'll post more info when I get home later today.

    ReplyDelete
  8. My dad Edward Mooradian says he was on the LSM-8

    ReplyDelete
  9. Michael, I have your Dad written on the WWII Navy Rosters as being on LSD-2 During the Battle of Iwo Jima. He later went on LSM-8 in late 45 and 1946. Thank You!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am trying to locate the ship for Chief Claybourne Rasley. He was a Seabee on Iwo Jima. DOB 12-14-1914. Any information is greatly appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. After further research, I located CMM Rasley with the 62nd NCB. From declassified unit histories, the 62nd was attached to the 5th Marine Division. They were transported from Hawaii to Iwo Jima on APA-195 (Lenawee). That would provide more detail than your current listing. From personal histories on the unit's website, the 62nd also landed with LST 943 and LST 884. History on both these vessels confirms action in the Pacific theater and specifically the Iwo Jima landing.

      Delete
    2. DA,
      Thanks for the info, I don't think I saw your original post so sorry for the delay!

      There are two entries for Claybourne Edgar Rasley (service number 6543985), both as a passenger:

      Claybourne E Rasley
      Ship, Station or Activity: Allen M Sumner
      Ship Number or Designation: DD-692
      Muster Date: 4 Oct 1945

      Claybourne Edgar Rasley
      Ship, Station or Activity: LST 943
      Ship Number or Designation: LST-943
      Muster Date: 24 Jan 1945

      You are very lucky as most Navy Rosters do not show passenger lists for NCB and the like.

      Thanks for your help concerning the other ships, it is very helpful!

      Leonardo

      Delete
    3. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
  11. If you would like to get his records, contact Lori at redbirdresearch@gmail.com, let her know I sent you. Good Luck.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am researching my husband's grandfather #965828 PFC George A Mack. 1st Batt'l, 28th Mar, 5th Mar Div., Co B. He was aboard the LST-449 and arrived Feb 19 at Iwo Jima. On the 22nd he was wounded. I would love to know what records are available and how you get them. please feel free to message me at my e mail agenealogylady at att dot net. ~Michele

    ReplyDelete
  13. My 90 year old Grandfather served aboard the USS President Monroe 1944-1946. He is in excellent health. He has a photo album from his time on ship and in Philippine , Guam etc. these photos are just unreal. Please contact me if these photos or his assistance are needed / wanted. History told by these gentlemen themselves will soon be impossible . Slharbuck@icloud.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. My father, John W. Mills, gunners mate, was on SC 1054 at Iwo Jima, saw the flag raised at Mt Surabachi

    ReplyDelete
  15. USS Biscayne was a command ship. Flag ship of destroyer admiral i believe. Check out wikipedia page for biscayne..

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi, Great job. I would ask you to add one ship. My fathers ship was there USS PCS 1388. Navsource has a picture of her off Iwo Jima.
    http://www.navsource.org/archives/12/071388.htm
    When she was commissioned she had a 40 mm gun aft. In the picture it has been replaced by a structure. She was in the process of being converted to an AGS or geodetic survey ship. Thank you for your work in this regard.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Daniel Ship has been added! Best Regards to your fathers service!

      Delete
  17. My grandfather landed on Iwo Jima aboard the LST 782, which was carrying "H" Battery 3rd BN 13th Marines

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  18. I am so glad I found your site. As a child, I was told my father had been on Iwo Jima, but I never saw any proof of that. When I started work on my family tree, I ordered my father’s DD-214 and gleaned a lot of info from the document. (I was lucky that it survived a fire where documents had been stored.) Using info from the DD-214 I searched the Internet to find proof that he had been on Iwo Jima. Until very recently, I’d only found one reference to my father’s anti-aircraft gun battalion, the 947th.. Then, just the other day, I found an “unclassified” document titled Participation in the Iwo Jima Operation and your website. Based on those two finds, it looks as if my father’s anti-aircraft gun battalion was in Iwo Jima. How do I find out if HE was in fact there? Is there a ship’s roster? (USS Hyde if I read your list correctly) Is there someplace else I can look for the names of the service personnel who served at Iwo Jima? Although I am getting “warmer” in my search, I don’t feel that I have 100% proof that my father was in fact in Iwo Jima. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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    1. Hello Karin, I looked on the Hyde Rosters but it didn't list Army personnel, just the ships personnel. I believe the only Iwo Jima Army uniform I own is from the 947th, I would have to look. Unfortunately most Army Rosters just don't exist like the Marines and Navy. There is a "army forces at Iwo Jima" after action report online but they only have the first 70 pages of 700 pages, a roster might be on there but you'll have to get the rest of the report from the national archives. Feel free to contact me if you have anymore questions.

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    2. Hi Leonardo. Thank you for your reply. I'll look into the "army forces at Iwo Jima" after action report. I'll get it from the national archives if I have to. I got my great-father's Civil War pension record that way. Well worth the cost. Thanks again.

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  19. Looking for more information on my grandfathers ship, finding the same general story everywhere I look. He was on the USS Colhoun DD-801 at the time it was attacked. I believe he was only on that ship until picked up by USS Forster and taken back stateside and discharged. Reed Winfield Campbell. Any other sites or ideas to find more than his inlistment card and muster rolls? I am looking for more specifics.

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  20. Seeking any information available on my great uncle PFC Don E Thomas, 28th Marine Regiment. I found where he arrived Iwo Jima on the Missoula (APA-211) Feb 19th, and died (if I recall correctly) March 5th.

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    1. Tony, contact me at uplandmod@hotmail.com thank you!

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    2. Sent you an email Leonardo but hadnt heard back so not sure it went through.

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  21. My Father was on the destroyer USS Harry F. Bauer DD 26 which was at the battle of Iwo jima and Okinawa. Please add the Harry F. Bauer to the list of destroyers at Iwo Jima

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  22. Interesting ship, seems it was a Destroyer that was converted into a Minelayer before Iwo but the class was typically used as a mine sweeper. Interesting enough it was a picket ship and did typical Destroyer duties at Iwo Jima. I put it in the Mine sweeper category as wasn't a DD class ship by the time it was at Iwo. I put a note to explain the unique category the ship was in.

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  23. Hello Leonardo, my grandfather served onboard the DD-656 U.S.S. Van Valkenburg as a gunners mate. His name is Paul Clifford Blank, service ID 620 06 28. I have been trying to track down as much information as possible, including any pictures of the ship at Iwo Jima, but I'm not coming up with much. Is there any chance you can use your sources to get me some history? Thank you in advance

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  24. Hello Leonardo, my father Anthony Cybulski(gunners mate II) served on LCI(R)-651 at the battle of Iwo Jima,2/19-26/1945. LCI(R)-651 earned 3 Battle Stars for WWII service. LCI(R)-651 was also at the battle of Okinawa.

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    1. Hello Jim! Your father's ship has been added! Thank you for the post!

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  25. Hi there. Trying to piece together some information about my grandfather who passed away a few years ago. He was part of the 28th replacement draft in the Marines and was always told he got the name Lucky because he survived some big battle in WWII. I know he served in the USS Missouri but I can't seem to find much proof. Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated. His name was Bayard Brayton Jordon.

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    1. Hello Yes I found him, he was actually in the L Co, 3rd Battalion 22nd Marines 6th MarDiv after being transferred from the 29th Replacement Draft. Service # 976979.He later transferred to the 1st mardiv ain 1946. in 1947 he was Marine Detachment on the USS Missouri and USS Mississippi. He was released in 1949

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    2. The big Battle was the Battle of Okinawa.

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    3. Thank you!!!! I'm so grateful.

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  26. Hello. My father, Gunner's Mate, John W Mills was on his sub chaser 1054 (SC 1054) at the Battle of Iwo Jima, please add this to your list. In addition, my Uncle, Rufus Mills, dad's brother, was a Navy Corpsman and was a part of the Amphibious assault. An unknown admiral boarded my father's sub chaser to better direct the assault. Would like to know who this was on his ship?.....thank you.......John D Mills, US Army (Retired)

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    1. Hello John, thank you for the post I added his ship to the list above, as I state above many times, finding info on these smaller ships is very difficult so thank you for taking the time to post, another smaller ship is getting its due! Do you know what unit your uncle was in? Thank you!

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    2. Do not know the Unit will research Folds3 might have some information on Ancestry.....John

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  27. What a great site you have. I just recently discovered my husband's uncle Fred J. Cambino served aboard the USS Hinsdale during the Battle of Iwo Jima. I'd like to find his records to document more info on this. Maybe someone might recognize his name. He was from West Haven, CT.

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    1. Hello! Just Looked him up...He was also on the USS Lexington as well! Please email me at uplandmod@hotmail.com so I can get you more info.

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  28. My Dad's ship,The USS Wedderburn,DD-684,was involved at Iwo Jima.Thanks for making this list!

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    1. Thank you for your Dad's Service! His ship was added to the list!! Leonardo

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  29. Great work on such a massive and diverse list. Please add USS West Virginia (BB-48) to the participating battleships. My dad, 2nd Lt. James Overlock was a forward observer on Iwo and spent his first four hours on D-Day calling in fire from the “WeeVee”. Sunk at Pearl Harbor, she was salvaged and refitted at the Bremerton Navy Yard and re-entered the war in 1944.

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  30. Please add the USS La Grange (APA-124) to your list of Attack Transports. My Dad (PhM3 John A. Dittmar USN) was one of the battlefield Pharmacist mates ("Corpsman") assigned to this vessel during the battle for Iwo Jima. His primary duty was the battlefield retrieval and treatment of wounded Marines at both Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

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  31. USS Libra AKA 12 was there; my dad served on her. Thanks for this compilation.

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    1. My dad also served on the USS Libra. He was a "plank member". He was there.

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  32. My wife's Grandfather, Van Ray Ivy, was a S1 on the USS Belle Grove during the invasion of Iwo Jima. I was wondering if anyone has any information about their service or if anyone knew him while he was aboard.

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  33. My dad Stephen Galbraith, served on LSM 44. He was a "plank holder". At Iwo Jima, the ship beached well over 20 times. He was an RM1 and when beaching, he was the "gun talker". Dad was active in the LSM/LSMR Association and attended numerous reunions. Dad passed away a few years ago and I believe he was the last surviving "plank holder" of LSM 44.

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  34. My dad, Robert Browning Harrington was at Iwo on PC-1256.

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  35. I was a hospital corp man on the USS Queens, APA 103. Our ship transported P 31 fighter pilots and CB's to the Island.We arrived on day 24 or 25 of the invasion. We also transported severely wounded back to Guam and Hawaii in addition to a segment of the 5th marine division.

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  36. My uncle Wayne Woessner was working on the ship boiler on what I thought was the US Trigg but from your list I believe it must be the US Twigg. He told me he saw the flag raised twice ...once out of passion and a second time for the photo op. He told me his ship was hit by a kama kazi (sp?) Plane and only a few men survived. He was in a Lutheran Nursing Home in 2001 and he had a nurse named Laura whose father-in-law was on the Twigg and survived.

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  37. Info on LST-447 is incorrect. LST-477 was the LST that was struck by Kamikaze and landed the 3rd Marine Tank Division.

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    1. My grandfather was on LST 477 and he told us many times about that kamikaze plane hitting it. He said he could see a higher ranked officer behind the pilot he assumed to make sure he went through with the suicide mission. That always struck me. My grand father was Raymond Edward Aranda. 3rd Tank Battalion 3rd Marine Division

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    2. My grandfather was on LST 477 and he told us many times about that kamikaze plane hitting it. He said he could see a higher ranked officer behind the pilot he assumed to make sure he went through with the suicide mission. That always struck me. My grand father was Raymond Edward Aranda. 3rd Tank Battalion 3rd Marine Division

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    3. My grandfather was on LST 477 and he told us many times about that kamikaze plane hitting it. He said he could see a higher ranked officer behind the pilot he assumed to make sure he went through with the suicide mission. That always struck me. My grand father was Raymond Edward Aranda. 3rd Tank Battalion 3rd Marine Division

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  38. My father, C. Robert Brezler, JR., was a Quartermaster (PO6) in the US Navy during World War II. He served aboard the Navy Attack Transport USS NAPA (APA-157).
    The Napa landed the first wave of Marines at Iowa Jima. The Napa then turned into a hospital ship and received back 300 wounded Marines in a few hours.
    The Napa was hit by Japanese Aircraft and additionally was rammed by Navy ship USS Logan (APA-196) 10th Amphibious Tractor Battalion /4th MarDiv.
    Dad never told his children any details of his time in the Navy and/or WW-II. He wrote his own OBIT and this is how we learned of his service aboard the USS Napa-157.
    Dad lived a full life and died on 9/9/2012 at the age of 90. He had 7 children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

    RIP Dad & may God's Angles watch over you and Mother.

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  39. USS Nemasket, AOG-10 was off shore during the invasion, starting 20 February. Please check Wikipedia. I have a friend, Barney Leone, Motor Machinist Mate P02, Plank Owner, who was onboard at the time of invasion. Thank you for your consideration.

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  40. I'm looking for information about what ship my father was on when transported to Iwo Jima. He was in the 4th Marine Division, 25th Marines, 2nd Battalion. He was wounded on day 4 and evacuated. Any info would be appreciated.

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    1. The 4th Marine Division, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines was transported to Iwo Jima on board the USS Pickens (APA-190).

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  41. Info on LST-447 and LST-477 is backwards. LST-477 was carrying LCT-1365 on top and half the tanks for the 3rd Marine Division in the well deck. LST-477 was hit by a kamikazie and struck by 2 bombs. My dad was part of the crew for LCT-1365.

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  42. My father was a radio operator on the USS Eldorado which was the invasion command ship, he told the Marine leadership wanted the bombing of the island to continue for one more day, but the Naval leadership said no and the invasion began. He told me that the ocean was red!

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    1. My husbands Dad also was on the USS Eldorado but in radar counter measures. He met Ernie Pyle the day before he was killed. My Dad passed away 2/20/2020. God Bless him and all those that served aboard the Eldorado .

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  43. USS Libra AKA12 Was in the assault Feb 19

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  44. My Uncle was on the USS HAMLIN AV-15 also shown as CVE-15 He talked about seeing all the bodies in the Harbor. He gave me a photo of the flag raising which he said was given to the crew of the Hamlin as the photographer was transported on the Hamlin. I find no reference to the HAMLIN as AV-15 OR AVE-15. I have a copy of the "PIED PIPER" VOL 1 #1 FROM October 1944. This was the first POD for the ahip.

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  45. My dad Wayne Tennant was an MM1 on the USS Fayette APA 43.He never said too much about the battles the ship was involved in but I believe the ship was at Iwo Jima.

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  46. The U.S.S. Braine Fletcher Destroyer was at IWO JIMA doing Picket duty with the U.S.S. Anthony Destroyer and bunch more ..it took to hits from two Japanese suicide planes..made for emergency dock for repairs..My Father and Uncles ship helped with the abandon ship and rescue of the USS BRIANE they were on the USS Anthony DD515

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    1. I think the USS Braine took two hits from suicide planes at Okinawa not Iwo Jima ..sorry for the mistake ..but the USS ANTHONY was at both battles .

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  47. My father, Ralph James Mackey was on LST 446. I thought he said he was at Iwo Jima. I know he was at Okinawa. are you aware of any other battles he was involved?

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    1. http://www.navsource.org/archives/06/images/187/06187wh.jpg
      Try this site I got my Dads info which is the page I sent you Im sure you can work off this

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  48. The Stern 187 DE attachet 5th Fleet on D Day 19 Feb-1 Mar. was there performing Anti Submarine and Transport Screen Escort duty. Then Lete Ryokou and then Okinows for Screening Escort duty for invasion of Okinawa

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  49. Add to list DD702 USS Hank which I did my Reserve Training during high school 1970, was at Iwo and fathers ship USS Libra AKA12 also at Iwo

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  50. My father, W.A. (woody) Wood said he was on the USS LCIR 454 in the pacific theater. I don't know much more about it except that he was discharged on Nov. 16,1945. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help.

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  51. I served in USS Farragut. We bombarded Iwo with 500 rounds of 5 inch 38 caliber shells. Now, at 97 years of age, I remember it well. After that we joined in a line of 5 other destroyers spaced about 1000 ft.apart and made figure 8's to facilitate good ASW coverage of ships with troops.

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    1. Sir, Thank you for your service to our country.

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  52. I just acquired 7 B/W negatives of the Iwo Jima invasion ships, AMTRACS, and landing craft. These photos were taken by a member of US Navy Combat Photo Unit 13.

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  53. I'm trying to get some kind of information on my grandfathers time serving in WWII.

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  54. Leonard, my Dad, Byard Braley, landed on D+4 (February 23, 1945) aboard LST 808, which brought ashore elements of the 4th 155 mm Howitzer BN, which was pet of the Corps Artillery under Col. John Letcher. The Corps Artillery was not attached to any Division, but supplied fire support to all 3 divisions. I connected with a survivor of LST 808, who provided me with great photos of the ship onshore at Beach Green near Mt. Suribachi.

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  55. Thank you for doing this! Not sure if you are still updating, but I did not see any DE's listed. My grandfather was on the USS Raymond. I believe it fought here as well as with Taffy 3 in the Battle Off Samar.

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  56. My father was on the USS Hocking APA-121 as a navy crew member, his name was Eugene W. Hickle. Dad never talked about anything he experienced but I know his ship was in the invasion of Iwa Jima and Okinawa. I was trying to gain some insight of what he experienced so I can try to understand why he went from a decent father to the meanest SOB I had ever been around every time he drank alcohol.
    Is there any way to get records of what he duties he did on his ship

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    1. I'm here trying to find some info, too. Best of luck. My grandpa was George Wayne Bisbee. He was on the USS Shoshone and drove one of the LCMs.

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  57. Hi! I was searching information on the USS Hinsdale and its participation on Iwo Jima. I am researching a marine who served in the Service and Supply Company, 4th Service Battalion, Service Troops, 4th Marine Division on Iwo. I found out that the USS Hinsdale disembarked soldiers of the 25th marine regiment in the 4th Div. during the first waves. However, 4th Service Battalion, from my knowledge wasn't apart of the 25th marine regiment. Anyway, I'm stuck trying to figure out where the 4th Service Battalion participated
    on Iwo Jima and what marines were passengers on the USS Hinsdale.
    Any information is much appreciated!
    Thank you so much!
    -Jaxson

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  58. Hi everyone, my grandfather was a part of the battle for Iwo Jima, but that's all I know. He drove one of the LCMs. I wanted to post a picture, but I can't on here. He was on the USS Shoshone and was in Merit Tent Group 2. I don't know what any of that means and I am trying to do some research. God Bless.

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  59. Hi Leo,
    Thanks for your fantastic hard working here. I found the difficulty in looking for the complete ship list of this battle, and it seems nobody wants the world to know how the resources were utilized in this battle.
    Anyway, I've found some errors in this list.
    1. USS Salamaua (CVE-96) was not participated in the battle.
    - 2 - 5 Feb she was at Seeadler Harbor, Papua New Guinea
    - 17 - 19 Feb she was at Pearl Harbor
    - 26 Feb - 21 Apr she was under repairing at San Francisco
    2. These are some missing CV participating in the battle in your list.
    1. USS Yorktown (CV-10)
    2. USS Randolph (CV-15)
    3. USS Langley (CVL-27)
    4. USS Cabot (CVL-28)
    5. USS Sitkoh Bay (CVE-86)
    6. USS Attu (CVE-102)

    Sam

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