Although it spent much of its life thousands of miles away, the USS Westchester County returned home to Sturgeon Bay on Friday through memories and reflection. More than 100 people attended the ceremony commemorating the USS Westchester County on the 56th anniversary of its darkest day.
On November 1st, 1968, Viet Cong swimmers attached mines to the ship. The explosions not only tore two 10-foot wide holes into the boat but claimed the lives of 25 men, making it the Navy's most significant single-incident combat loss of life during the Vietnam War. Four men who served on the USS Westchester County attended Friday's ceremony, which ended with unveiling a plaque that would tell the story of the vessel and also remember the lives lost. One of those men was James Parson of Janesville, Wis., a gunner's mate on the USS Westchester County who was off the ship when the attack occurred. With Sturgeon Bay being so close to him compared to the companion ceremonies that were taking place in San Diego and Westchester County, New York, attending Friday's ceremony meant a lot to him.
According to U.S. Naval records, Sturgeon Bay's Christy Shipbuilding laid down the USS Westchester County on January 11th, 1952, before being launched on April 18th, 1953, and commissioned on March 10th, 1954. Keynote Speaker Retired Naval Chief Bill Kaupas shared the emotional stories of the USS Westchester County during its time in Vietnam, its trip to Japan to receive vital repairs, and its journey back into the warzone. LST-1167 received three Navy Unit Commendations, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, and 15 engagement stars for Vietnam service as the USS Westchester County.
You can watch the entire ceremony below.
