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  USS LCI(L)-365 / USS LCI(G)-365
USN
LCI-351 Class Landing Craft Infantry (Large)

236 Tons (light)
264 Tons (landing)
419 Tons (loaded)
158' 5½" x 23' 3" x 3 1½"
Rockets
40mm guns
20mm cannons


USN July 1944
Ship History
Built by George Lawley & Sons in Neponset, MA. Laid down July 9, 1943 as LCI-351 Class Landing Craft Infantry (Large). Launched August 3, 1943 as USS LCI(L)-365. Commissioned August 12, 1943 into the U.S. Navy (USN) under the command of Ensign J. L. Mills.

Wartime History
On June 15, 1944 redesignated as LCI(G)-365. Assigned to LCI Flotilla Three, LCI Group Nine, LCI Division Seventeen. On July 21, 1944 participated in the U.S. landings on Guam and sustained ten direct hits from shore batteries that resulted in 7 killed and 15 wounded and damaged the vessel. Afterwards, underwent repairs at Pearl Harbor and placed under the command of under the command of Lt(jg) John M. Hoctor.

During October 1944 assigned to Rocket Unit (TU 79.7.2) and steamed from Manus via Surigao Strait into Leyte Gulf to support the U.S. liberation of Leyte. On October 20, 1944 ahead of the first wave at Dulag and made a rocket barrage 1,500 yards from shore and gunfire from 40mm and 20mm prior to the first wave landing. On October 21, 1944 assigned to temporary duty with CTF 79 and engaged enemy aircraft with anti-aircraft fire and laid smoke screens for the next three days. On October 24, 1944 departs the area bound for Hollandia.

During January 1945 assigned to support the U.S. invasion force in Lingayen Gulf. On January 9, 1945 made a successful rocket attack against shore targets in support of the U.S. Army landings on Luzon.

Sinking History
On January 10, 1945 at 430am heard an explosion approximately 700-800 yards away that was the sinking of USS LCI(M)-974. At 445am at anchor off off Lingayen in Lingayen Gulf, a small, unidentified craft was spotted 150-200 yards away and was repeatedly challenged without reply but was unclear if could be a friendly LCVP or DUKW. When it continued to close it was challenged again by lamp without reply and the port aft 20mm was ordered to standby then opened fire scoring hits before it jammed after firing 48 rounds. Next a wooden object was heard scraping amidship followed by an explosion when a Japanese assault demolition boat (suicide boat) exploded. The vessel was damaged, began flooding and listed to port with the radios disabled. Only a few of the crew were injured but the vessel was damaged. Most of the crew was transfered to USS ALPINE (APA-92) with only the commanding officer Lt(jg) John M. Hoctor and a nucleus of crew remaining aboard with orders to beach if it was going to sink and was disabled for the rest of the Pacific War.

Fate
Ultimate fate unknown, either sunk or scrapped.

Awards
For her World War II service earned four battle star and Navy Unit Commendation as a member of LCI(G) Flotilla 3 between January 31, 1944 until July 28, 1944.

References
NARA Action Report in the invasion of Lingayen Gulf, Luzon January 9-12, 1945
NARA Action Report in the invasion of Lingayen Gulf, Luzon January 9-12, 1945
NavSource - USS LCI(G)-365 (photos)

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Last Updated
January 10, 2025

 

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