[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S9622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                U.S.S. ``LANDING CRAFT INFANTRY''(G) 450

 Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
members of the U.S.S. Landing Craft Infantry (G) 450. This ship was 
commissioned August 26, 1943 and participated in three major campaigns 
in the South Pacific during World War II. The U.S.S. Landing Craft 
Infantry (G) 450 was originally designed to carry troops, run up the 
beach, disembark the assault troops, and then release itself from the 
beach. This troop carrier was later converted to a gunboat, indicated 
by the symbol (G) in its name. As a gunboat, its primary mission was to 
approach the beach and engage the enemy with rockets and deck guns in 
support of its landing forces. Of the three major campaigns that the 
450 was a part of, the ship was damaged only once. For their actions 
during the Marshall and Marianas campaign, the crew was awarded the 
Navy Unit Citation. The crew also received the Presidential Unit 
Citation for their outstanding performance at Iwo Jima. Five 
crewmembers received the Bronze Star, and its captain received the Navy 
Cross. Mr. President, these men are brave soldiers, and true Americans, 
who deserve to be remembered and honored for their actions in defense 
of this great country.

                          ____________________