Chilton (APA 38) - Naval Cruise Book

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THE CHILTON A PA 38. On 29 May 1943 the merchantman S.S. Sea Needle became the U.S.S. Chilton in ceremonies at San Francisco, nalifornia. After tier maiden voyage to New Yorl and upon completion of the modilications necessary to convert her into an attack transport, the Chilton became an instrument lor the training of more than 16,000 amphibious personnel on both coasts. Karly in 191.5 the Chilton steamed across the Pacific to Leyte Gulf where she met the 77th Army Division. Combat loaded, she embarked upon missions which look her to Ihe turbulent Okinawa area, to Saipan and I ' niwetok. During this period she evacuated hundreds of casualties from invasion beaches and is credited with destroying two enemy aircraft. With the cessation of hostilities the Chilton joined in the happy task of transporting troops stateside from Japan and Saipan. Subsequently, she became a unit, engaged in atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll, an instrument in the evacuation of China and a training ship for Naval Reservists. During the years following, the Chilton, now operating in the Atlantic Fleet, took part in many joint amphibious, operations, notable among which were COXve.x II, the .loint Allied landing at Malta in 1951, OperalJon Mainbrace, Operation Longstep at Lebedos Ray, Turkey, and the operations connected with tiie Mediterranean Cruise of 195i. During her long seagoing career the I ' .S.S. Chilton earned the Pacific Theatre, American Theatre, China Service, Philippine Defense, Navy Occupation, National Defense, and Victory medals.