USS LST-473 was a United States Navy LST-1-class tank landing ship used in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War II. As with many of her class, the ship was never named. Instead, she was referred to by her hull designation.

LST-473 was laid down on 10 July 1942, under Maritime Commission (MARCOM) contract, MC hull 993, by Kaiser Shipyards, Vancouver, Washington; launched 9 December 1942; and commissioned on 16 March 1943.^[1][3]

During World War II, LST-473 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: the Lae occupation in September 1943; the Leyte operation in October 1944; the Lingayen Gulf landings in January 1945; the Zambales-Subic Bay operation in January 1945; and the Mindanao Island landings in March 1945.^[3]

During the Lae landing LST 473 was attacked by a large number of Japanese planes and was severly damaged by several bombs that hit the ship. 8 men were killed in action and 14 others were seriously wounded. 4 members of her crew were highly decorated for their heroism during the attack. S1c Johnnie David Hutchins was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.^[4] S1c Frederick L. Erickson was awarded the Navy Cross and CPhM Nelson Tudor and Ensign J.K. Hayes were awarded the Silver Star.^[5][6]

LST-473 returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 18 March 1946. She was struck from the Navy list on 17 April, that same year. On 21 April 1948, the tank landing ship was sold to Hughes Bros., Inc., New York City, and subsequently scrapped.^[3]

LST-473 earned five battle stars for her service in World War II.^[3] Individual awards for heroism to her crew members made LST 473 the most highly decorated LST to serve during World War II.

• List of United States Navy LSTs
• List of United States Navy losses in World War II

Citations

• Photo gallery of USS LST-473 at NavSource Naval History