WW2 (USA) U.S. Navy LST 347 & 72 Commemorative Plaques

Both plaques are post-war produced that commemorate the shipmates of WWII ships LST 347 & LST 72, both of which fought battles in WWII.

Plaque 1:
Handcrafted by “Doc” Dale Nelson as stamped & reads: The Shipmates of LST 347 - 72 above a navy sailor & the quote “The Best Crew in the Navy “ below the sailor.

Measurements (approximate):
15 3/4”W
15”H

Plaque 2:
Produced & presented in 1996 to “Doc” Dale Nelson by the crew members of LST 347 & LST 72 & their wives & the wives of those crew members deceased in honor of his dedication to reunite the shipmates LST 347 & LST 72.

Measurements (approximate):
16”W
22”H

“Doc” Nelsen, Senior Chief Petty Officer served in the US Navy from 1939-1980 & served in WWII on both LST 347 & 72.

HISTORY
LST 72 was commissioned 5 June 1943 & first assigned to the Europe-Africa-Middle East Theater during World War II participating in the Invasion of Normandy between 6 & 25 June 1944. It was later transferred to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater & following WWII was assigned to Occupation (2 October to 13 May 1946) and China service (15 November 1945 to 13 May 1946)
in the Far East.

LST 347 was commissioned 7 February 1943 & first assigned to the Europe-Africa-Middle East Theater during World War II participating in the Invasion of Sicily from 9 to 15 July 1943 and the Salerno landings from 9 to 21 September 1943. LST 347 also participated in the Invasion of Normandy from 6 to 25 June 1944.

On 19 December 1944, LST 347 was decommissioned & transferred to the Royal Navy.