User:Iamthule/USS LST-167

USS LST-167 was a ship of the class Landing Ship, Tank in the service of the United States Coast Guard during World War II. The ship was built in Evansville, Indiana by the Missouri Valley Bridge and Iron Company and was commissioned April 27, 1943. She was placed under the command of LT Edward C. Simons, USCG.

WWII Contribution
USS LST-167 participated in the advances of Operation Cartwheel in the Solomon Islands after the success of the Guadalcanal Campaign in February of 1943. Beginning on August 15, 1943, LST-167 supported the landing for the taking of Vella Lavella. On September 25, 1943, while beached at the previously unused Ruravai Beach, she was struck by 2 enemy bombs and destroyed by ensuing fires and explosions. After being towed to Rendova, the ship was evaluated and declared economically unsalvageable.

In addition to 1 officer and 19 enlisted men wounded, 2 officers and 8 enlisted men were killed as a result of the attack. 5 others were missing in action. The destruction of LST-167 caused the greatest loss of life aboard a Coast Guard vessel during World War II.