Alamo (LSD 33) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 14 text:

OPERATIONS began with a backload of men and equipment, we put the Marines ashore using helicopters We participated in four amphibious operations while with the ready groups: BADGER TOOTH, FORTRESS RIDGE, BADGER CATCH, and FORTRESS ATTACK IL Each and a long wait until the signal LAND THE LANDING FORCE. Then boats and LVT ' s. Flight Quarters was sounded and soon the roar of huge CH-53 helicopters was heard. The troops ran out to the waiting helo and the jeeps and trailers were driven inside. The helicopter took off and then hovered while a howitzer was attached by a sling to the external cargo hook. The size and power of the helicopters varied with each operation, but the ex- citement never diminished as they lift- ed off and headed for the beach, our prayers going with them. I — •

Page 13 text:

Our first mission with the Ready Group was to aid the stranded LST USS CLARKE COUNTY. Sending working parties, repairing pumps and other machinery, supplying hot food as well as material we watched the progress be- ing made on the beach. We also watched the first attempt at the vertical re- plenishment of a submerged sub-marine. The descent went smoothly, however. . . CLARKE CTY

Page 15 text:

One-Alfa is our most important product. Although the helicopters were capable of carrying large loads , it is the boats which brought in the heavy trucks and tanks, as well as troops. In all types of weather the boats were kicked out of the well and headed for the beach or river. OUR MAIN ARMAMENT In addition the boats were used daily for inter-ship transfers (S. I. T. ' s) or trips into Danang to pick up supplies. When the Army needed some heavy machinery hauled up the coast, we worked all night for two days loading and unloading the material from the well. It was operations like this that show- ed how smootUy and efficiently we were able to use our main battery.