In 1938, the Jeffersonville Boat and Machine Company was founded in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and later took over orders in a shipyard leased to the company by the US Navy in 1942. From this point, Jeffersonville Boat and Machine Co. became a supplier of Navy and military ships; particularly the Landing Ship Tank during World War II. LST-527 was laid down on 23 October 1943, meaning that construction on the ship's foundation officially began on this date. By 3 January 1944 LST-527 was launched, making her way to water.[1]
Service history
During World War II, LST-527 was assigned to the European Theater and participated in the Invasion of Normandy from 6–25 June 1944.[2] The role of tank landing ships was to drop off supplies, vehicles, and troops to shores without a docking site. LST-527 was decommissioned on 28 February 1945 as World War II neared its end.
As a result of hostilities in Korea, LST-527 was recommissioned on 21 September 1950. She participated in two campaigns during the Korean War; the Second Korean Winter on 11–12 January 1952 and 21–28 February 1952, and the Korean Summer-Fall on 7–17 May 1953, 29 May – 11 June 1953, 16–17 June 1953, and 27 July 1953.[2] The vessel was renamed Cassia County (LST-527) on 1 July 1955.
She was decommissioned for the last time on 21 December 1956, and struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 October 1958. Cassia County earned one battle star for World War II service and two battle stars for Korean service. Cassia County was sunk as a target on 3 March 1959.[1][3]
