USS LST-38

USS LST-38 was a United States Navy LST-1-class tank landing ship used exclusively in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War II. Like many of her class, she was not named and is properly referred to by her hull designation.

Construction
LST-38 was laid down on 14 April 1943, at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by the Dravo Corporation; launched on 27 July 1943; sponsored by Bertha Karpinski; and commissioned on 3 September 1943.

Service history
During World War II, LST-38 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater. She took part in the Occupation of Kwajalein and Majuro Atolls in January and February 1944; the Admiralty Islands landings in March and April 1944, the Battle of Hollandia in April 1944; and the Battle of Guam in July 1944.

Post-war decommissioning
Following the war, LST-38 was redesignated LST(H)-38 on 15 September 1945. She performed occupation duty in the Far East until mid-November 1945.

Upon her return to the United States, the ship was decommissioned on 26 March 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 1 May 1946. On 5 December 1947, she was sold to the Ships and Power Equipment Co., of Barber, New Jersey, and subsequently scrapped.

Awards
LST-38 earned four battle stars for World War II service.