LST 755

Built by American Bridge Company at the Ambridge Manufacturing Plant in Ambridge, PA. Launched July 11, 1944. Commissioned USS LST-755 on August 3, 1944. During World War II, USS LST-755 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Participated in two campaigns including Luzon operation (Lingayen Gulf landings, January 13 to 18, 1945) and Consolidation and capture of the Southern Philippines (Mindanao Island landings, April 17 to 23, 1945). USS LST-755 earned two battle stars for World War II service. Following World War II USS LST-755 was assigned to Occupation and China service in the Far East for the following periods: September 2 to 8 1945 to May 27, 1946. Decommissioned on May 29, 1946. Transferred to the Republic of China. named ROCS Chung Hai (LST-201). In August 1958 ROCS Chung Hai was involved in a battle in the Taiwan Straits. Kin-Men, a small island under Taiwan’s control near Mainland China, was being threatened by the Peoples Republic of China (Mainland China). During the battle Chung Hai was credited with the sinking of at least one PRC torpedo Boat on 24 August. During a voyage from Taiwan to Kin-Men Chung Hai, with 800 army troops aboard, was struck by an enemy torpedo causing heavy damage, including 30 casualties among the army personnel and 8 dead and 12 wounded crew members. Chung Hai was towed to the US Naval Base Subic Bay in the Philippines for repair which included building her a new bow. Total cost of repairs was US$500,000. The Republic of China Navy converted their surviving LSTs with new German engines and enlarged bridge in the Plan “Chung-Hsin” (which means “New Chungs”). Chung Hai steamed 75,126hrs and 556,728nms during her service in the Republic of China Navy. She was retired by the Taiwanese Navy, 1 February 2010. Struck from the Naval Register on March 12, 1948. Current Disposition, the Republic of China Navy plans are to keep ROCS Chung Hai as a memorial ship or for testing missile targeting systems.