LST 848

Built by American Bridge Company at the Ambridge Manufacturing Plant in Ambridge, PA. Launched December 21, 1944. Commissioned USS LST-848 on January 20, 1945. During World War II, USS LST-848 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Following World War II USS LST-848 was assigned to Occupation service in the Far East from September 2 to December 8, 1945. Decommissioned, 10 August 1946, at Vancouver, WA. Laid up in the Pacific Reserve Fleet. Named USS Jerome County (LST-848) on July 1, 1955. Recommissioned, 7 December 1959, LT. Kenneth H. Ruecker, in command. During the Vietnam War USS Jerome County (LST-848) served continuously in country and in contiguous waters, with the exception of overhaul periods, from late 1965 to early 1968 participating in the following campaigns. (Dates listed do not include underway transit times within the contiguous waters along the Vietnam coast as defined by the US Navy and so specified by the Vietnam Service Medal.) – Vietnam Defense (September 1 to 10, 1965 and September 25 to October 7, 1965); Vietnamese Counteroffensive – Phase III (December 20, 1967 to January 29, 1968); Vietnam Counteroffensive (April 7 to 9, 1966 and April 27 to June 2, 1966); Vietnamese Counteroffensive – Phase IV (January 30 to February 20, 1968; March 6 to 23, 1968; and March 28 to April 29, 1968). Decommissioned on April 1, 1970. Struck from the Naval Register, date unknown. USS Jerome County earned the Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, one battle star for World War II service and four campaign stars for the Vietnam War. Transferred to South Vietnam in April 1970, renamed RVNS Nha Trang (HQ-505). Custody assumed by the Philippines in 1975, renamed BRP Agusan Del Sur (LT-54). Final Disposition, disposed of by the Philippines government in 1992.