LST 235: That's one big ship

Grandpa has been SO excited about the LST 235 coming to Aurora. This LST is a tank landing ship that made invasions in Sicily and Salerno during WWII. What's so neat about this particular LST is that Grandpa's little wooden Sub Chaser went on invasions with it. He actually saw this thing in action almost seventy years ago. He was on cloud nine this weekend...he was down to see the boat three different times. Wherever he went with his Navy hat on, he had people thanking him for his service. It was a really special day to spend with him.

I met General Patton while we waited (2 hours!) in line to see the ship.

They had a bomber fly over before we went on board.

This is where the tanks go.

Apparently back in the day, those sailors needed a blueprint for making a sandwich.

 

Dad manning the guns.

The MASH jeep (Dad was excited, clearly).

I don't know how much sleep I would get in these...

Here's my favorite sailor.