Book Description

Includes the Second World War In The Pacific Illustration Pack – 152 maps, plans and photos. “Among the auxiliary classes of the Navy List are two that carry not only an “auxiliary” but also a “combatant” classification letter. These are the attack transports (APA’s) and the attack cargo vessels (AKA’s). Without belittling the importance of LST’s, LSM’s, LCT’s, and other small types used in the maritime transportation of men and freight, it is the APA’s and the AKA’s that carry the bulk of the troops and equipment to the bloody assault beaches of our overseas landings. They are the backbone of the Amphibious Forces. These ships arrive with the initial amphibious attacks and continue their support throughout the fighting. Unarmored and with small fire power, they yet carry a great weapon that is war’s one essential combat element: the troops that fight on the ground. In war, transports seldom rest. Between assaults, on long and dreary voyages they carry out to distant bases replacement and service troops and freight, and carry back to home ports our casualties and essential war materials. They are the unsung, battle-scarred work horses of the Navy. Transport life was mainly on a humdrum level that had occasional peaks of furious battle. Morale was always high. The resourceful crews of these ships made up for lack of experience through native ingenuity, shining courage, and an eager offensive spirit. As modestly portrayed in Attack Transport, these truly combatant naval vessels of the Amphibious Forces did their share in winning the war. God bless them and the splendid Americans who worked and fought them!”-Admiral Richmond Kelly Turner.