USS LST-314 was an LST-1-class tank landing ship constructed for the United States Navy during World War II. Laid down at the New York Navy Yard in Brooklyn on September 7, 1942, she was launched on December 30, 1942, and commissioned on January 15, 1943. Designed to support amphibious operations, LST-314 was built to transport and land tanks, vehicles, and troops directly onto enemy beaches. During her service in World War II, LST-314 was assigned to the Europe-Africa-Middle East theater. She participated actively in several key amphibious assaults, including the invasion of Sicily from July 9 to 15, 1943, and the Salerno landings from September 9 to 21, 1943. Her most notable engagement was during the Normandy invasion, beginning on June 6, 1944. Tragically, on June 9, 1944, while in Seine Bay, LST-314 was struck by a torpedo during an attack by German motor torpedo boats (S 172, S 174, S 175, and S 187). The torpedo hit caused her to sink, resulting in the loss of 67 officers and sailors. Two crew members were recognized for heroism during her service. Lt. (jg) Fred B. Smith Jr., the small boat officer during the Salerno landings, and Lt. Commander Alvin H. Tutt, the ship’s captain, who was credited with heroic actions that helped save many lives during the sinking at Normandy. For her distinguished service, LST-314 earned three battle stars, reflecting her significant contribution to the Allied war effort. She was struck from the Navy Register on August 22, 1944. Her service remains a testament to the vital role of tank landing ships in World War II amphibious operations.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.