The History of USS LST 173

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During World War II, USS LST 173 served in the European theater of operations moving critical supplies and men throughout the Mediterranean Sea. She was involved in numerous landings at the beaches of Anzio, Italy and participated in the invasion of Southern France in August and September 1944. USS LST 173 earned two battle stars for her service during World War II.

The deck of USS LST 173 taken on Aug 13, 1944.

This web site is dedicated to my grandfather, Frank Melko (S1c), and those men who served on USS LST 173 with him. A special thanks to original crew members Myron Howk (MoMM3c), Andy Swenson (MoMM3c), Melvin Sachs (Ensign), Larry Mulvey (QM2c), Fred Larsen (Lt. (jg)), Vernon Zumhagen (RM1c), Joseph Raby (EM3c), William Kangas (MoMM1c), Joe Curatolo (RM1c), Frank McLaughlin (S1c), and Arnold Michiels (GM3c) for their assistance with the development of this web site.

USS LST 173 unloading on a beach in Europe - 1944

If you were an original LST 173 crewmember and would like to contribute to this web site I would be thrilled to include any information, pictures, or stories you may have and wish to share. Send me an Email!

USS LST 173 - January 1944 - NAS Patuxent River

This site was first published February 4, 1999.
Last update made on June 23, 2009.
It has been created, and is currently being maintained by K. Harris.