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USS UVALDE AKA-88 |
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The USS Uvalde AKA-88 was commissioned in Oakland California on 18 August 1944. under the command of Lt. Comdr. William M. McCloy. |
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Clarence "POP" Robinson |
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1973 my grandfather Clarence Robinson put some thoughts to paper, regarding his life including his service in WW1 and WW2. He was well into his '40s while aboard the Uvalde. |
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After an extensive shakedown cruise out of San Pedro, CA.
She joined the Attack Transport USS Appling APA-58, for amphibious warfare training from 15 through 30 September 1944 off the cost of San Diego, CA. |
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USS Appling APA-58 Saipan 1945 |
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On 6 November 1944 the USS Uvalde arrived at Seeadler Harbor, Manus in the Admiralty Islands her first overseas port of call. While there on 10 November she witnessed the explosion of the ammunition ship Mount Hood AE-11. The Uvalde provided emergency medical and other assistance. To ships that were damaged in this volcanic explosion. |
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The explosion of the USS Mt. Hood AE-11 at Seeadler Harbor 1944 |
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On 2 January 1945 Uvalde joined Task Group 77.9 and set course on her first mission of war to the island of Luzon. Entering Lingayen Gulf on the morning of 11 January 1945, The Uvalde sent her first wave of landing craft carrying men and equipment to the beaches. |
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Landing craft moves the Army to the beach during the invasion of Luzon |
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Uvalde took part in the invasion of Okinawa the last major amphibious assault of World War II on Easter Sunday 1 April 1945. On the morning of 3 April 1945 Uvalde's gunners shot down a Japanese kamikaze making a suicide run on the USS Latimer APA-152. |
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USS Latimer 1945 off San Francisco CA. |
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For the Uvalde the War had been a short one, but from wars end on 14 August 1945 the Uvalde ferried many soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen safely home form the fighting fronts of the Pacific. |
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Polliwogs to Shellbacks ... Wayne Hazelbaker |
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These pictures were given by Frank Friel showing Frank with fellow shipmates during his tour of duty aboard the Uvalde in 1948 |
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If you have pictures or memories of any of these events please E-mail them to me and I'll add them to this page. |