The USS LST-903 was a tank landing ship (LST) of the United States Navy, built during World War II. As part of the LST-542 class, she was designed to transport tanks, wheeled and tracked vehicles, troops, and supplies directly onto unimproved shorelines.
Construction and Commissioning: USS LST-903 was laid down on 25 August 1944 at Hingham, Massachusetts, by the Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyard Inc. She was launched on 23 September 1944 and commissioned on 16 October 1944, with Lieutenant Fred S. Miller, USNR, in command.
World War II Service: Following shakedown training in the Caribbean, LST-903 loaded cargo and personnel and departed New Orleans, Louisiana, for the Pacific Theater. She transited the Panama Canal and proceeded to various staging areas. In the Pacific, she participated in several key campaigns. Her primary role involved transporting troops and equipment to forward areas, often under challenging conditions, and evacuating casualties. She provided vital logistical support during the final push toward Japan. Her service included operations in the Okinawa campaign, where she endured periods under threat of kamikaze attacks, though she sustained no direct hits.
Post-War and Decommissioning: After the cessation of hostilities in August 1945, LST-903 remained in the Far East for several months, assisting with the occupation of Japan and the redeployment of Allied forces. She carried occupation troops to various Japanese ports and repatriated American servicemen. In early 1946, LST-903 was ordered back to the United States. Upon her return, she was prepared for inactivation. USS LST-903 was decommissioned on 16 May 1946 and was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 19 June 1946. She was subsequently sold for scrapping on 21 January 1948 to the Southern Shipwrecking Company of New Orleans, Louisiana.
Awards: USS LST-903 earned one battle star for her World War II service.