USS Pulaski County LST 1088 Tank Landing Ship Patch

USS Pulaski County LST 1088 Tank Landing Ship Patch (U.S. Navy) 4.5" x 4.5" Embroidered Patch with Sew-On Backing

Superior Materials: Made with premium polyester thread and durable twill fabric, ensuring long-lasting color and strength.

Advanced Embroidery Technology: Crafted using the most advanced embroidery machinery, guaranteeing intricate detail, sharp lines, and consistent quality every time.

Easy Iron-On Application: Features a heat-activated adhesive backing for quick, no-sew attachment. Simply position, iron, and press for a secure bond.

Versatile Use: Perfect for personalizing jackets, backpacks, uniforms, or any fabric surface that needs a touch of personality. 

Durable and Washable: Designed to withstand everyday wear and occasional washing without fading or fraying.

Formations & Origins
USS Pulaski County (LST-1088) was a tank landing ship named after Pulaski County, Arkansas. She was laid down in December 1944, launched in February 1945, and commissioned in March 1945. After shakedown training, she sailed to the Pacific, participating in occupation duties in Japan following World War II. Decommissioned in 1946, she was later recommissioned in 1963 to serve with the Naval Reserve and eventually deployed to Vietnam in 1966. Throughout her service, she operated primarily as a cargo and troop transport, supporting amphibious and riverine operations in Southeast Asia. She was transferred to the Military Sea Transportation Service in 1967 and remained active until struck from the Navy List in 1973, later sold for scrapping.

Notable Commanders
Specific commanders during her service are not widely documented, but as with other vessels of her class, Pulaski County would have been led by seasoned naval officers responsible for operational readiness and crew welfare through multiple deployments and periods of reserve status.

Major Campaigns/Operations
Pulaski County participated in post-World War II occupation efforts in Japan and operated in the Pacific theater during the 1960s. During the Vietnam War, she was a vital logistics vessel, supplying troops throughout the Mekong Delta and along coastal regions. She delivered cargo and provided support to river patrol boats (PBRs), with ports of call including Cần Thơ, Mỹ Tho, Nha Trang, Vung Tau, and Da Nang. Her service extended into various military operations, including support during the Dominican Republic crisis in 1965 and assistance with Project Gemini spaceflight recovery efforts.

Specialized Role/Equipment
Designed as a tank landing ship, LST-1088 had a bow ramp enabling direct beach landings for tanks, vehicles, troops, and supplies. She was built for versatility in amphibious warfare, capable of operating in shallow coastal and riverine environments. Her armament included 40mm and 20mm anti-aircraft guns, providing defensive firepower against air and small surface threats. This combination made her an essential asset for both large-scale amphibious assaults and logistical supply missions.

Acts of Heroism
While specific individual acts of heroism are not widely recorded, the ship’s service in combat zones such as the Mekong Delta placed her crew in dangerous conditions. Navigating hostile waters under threat of ambush and coordinating complex landing operations demanded courage, professionalism, and steadfastness from every sailor aboard.

Legacy & Notable Achievements
Pulaski County earned two battle stars for her Vietnam War service, recognizing her critical role in sustaining American and allied forces during extended operations. Her decades of service—from World War II through Vietnam—reflect the enduring importance of the LST class in U.S. naval history, combining toughness, flexibility, and reliability. Though eventually retired and scrapped, her legacy lives on through the sailors who served aboard her and the key missions she supported.