USS Donner LSD-20
The USS Donner (LSD-20) was a Casa Grande-class dock landing ship built for the U.S. Navy in the mid-20th century. It was laid down on September 28, 1944, at the Boston Navy Yard in Massachusetts. The ship launched on February 4, 1945, and was commissioned on March 31, 1945. This ship was part of a World War II effort to boost the Navy's amphibious capabilities, allowing quick deployment and support of troops, vehicles, and equipment in various operations.
Named after Donner Pass in the Sierra Nevada, the USS Donner honors the ill-fated Donner Party, pioneers trapped by snow in the winter of 1846-1847. This naming tradition in the Navy commemorates significant historical events and places, fostering a sense of heritage among its crew and the broader naval community.
The USS Donner had a well deck that could be flooded to launch and recover landing craft and amphibious vehicles. It featured a large stern gate for easy loading and unloading of cargo and personnel. Armed with anti-aircraft guns, it was well-equipped to defend against aerial threats, a common feature for ships of its class. Its design focused on versatility, supporting a wide range of amphibious operations.
The USS Donner left a lasting legacy in the Navy, contributing significantly to amphibious warfare and participating in various military operations. It took part in exercises and missions during the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War. Its ability to transport and deploy Marines, vehicles, and equipment made it a vital asset in projecting American military power and supporting allies in challenging environments.
As part of the Casa Grande class, the USS Donner was designed to support amphibious operations by carrying and launching landing craft and vehicles. These ships were crucial for moving troops and equipment from ship to shore, a key capability in amphibious assaults and maritime operations. The Casa Grande class was a significant advancement in naval engineering, combining transport and landing craft carrier functions into one versatile platform.
The commissioning of the USS Donner on March 31, 1945, marked the start of a distinguished career spanning over two decades. The ceremony was a significant event, attended by naval officers, shipyard workers, and dignitaries celebrating the addition of this formidable vessel to the fleet. Throughout its service, the USS Donner exemplified the Navy's commitment to maintaining a robust and flexible amphibious force, ready to tackle military and humanitarian challenges worldwide.
USS Donner LSD-20: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Donner (LSD-20) was a Casa Grande-class dock landing ship, a key player in the U.S. Navy's amphibious operations. This ship was all about versatility. It had a well deck that could be flooded to launch and recover landing craft and amphibious vehicles. This feature was crucial for getting troops, vehicles, and equipment onto hostile shores quickly and efficiently. The Donner was 457 feet long, with a beam of 72 feet, and displaced about 7,930 tons when fully loaded. Its design included a large superstructure amidships, housing the bridge, command facilities, and crew quarters, striking a balance between functionality and comfort.
For its time, the USS Donner was packed with advanced technology. It had top-notch navigation and communication systems, vital for coordinating complex operations. The radar systems onboard helped detect and track surface and air contacts, boosting situational awareness. The ship also had a robust damage control system, with fire suppression and flooding control measures to ensure survivability in combat. Powered by steam turbines, the Donner could reach speeds of up to 15 knots, providing the necessary propulsion and power for onboard systems.
When it came to defense, the USS Donner was well-armed. It featured twin 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns, capable of taking on both surface targets and aircraft. These guns were mounted in open gun houses, allowing for a wide field of fire and quick response to threats. The ship also had several 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns, which were great for dealing with low-flying aircraft. This combination of weapons created a layered defense system, ensuring the ship could protect itself and its embarked forces during operations.
The Donner's strength wasn't just in its weaponry. It could carry and deploy various landing craft and amphibious vehicles. The well deck could accommodate LCM (Landing Craft Mechanized) and LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel) boats, essential for moving troops and equipment from ship to shore. It could also launch amphibious vehicles like the LVT (Landing Vehicle Tracked), adding to its operational flexibility. This mix of onboard weaponry and deployable assets made the USS Donner a formidable force in amphibious warfare, ready to project power and support ground forces in challenging environments.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Donner (LSD-20) guestbook is a treasure trove of memories shared by its former crewmembers, each recounting their unique experiences aboard the ship. These recollections span from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, painting a vivid picture of life on the USS Donner.
**Harry Brooks** served as a BT3 in 1961 and clarifies a common misconception about the ship's reunions, stating that they have been held for the past 20 years. He encourages those interested to reach out for more information.
**Robert Brown**, who joined the USS Donner right after completing RM A school in 1965, recalls working under RMC Norman, RM1 Ball, and RM2 R.L. George. He fondly remembers his best friend, ET3 James Lewis, and the two Mediterranean cruises and trips to the Caribbean they experienced together.
**James Clay**, a naval reservist in 1967, reminisces about his fellow sailor from Owensboro, Kentucky, named David Wink, who was in E division, and 1st class Cooper from M division.
**Richard I. Eaton**, who served as a SN in 1960, expresses a desire to reunite with his shipmates, cherishing the good memories from his time on the Donner.
**Francis Emerson**, who served from 1964 to 1968 and left as an E5, is on the lookout for the "Roaring Twenties" Med cruise book and asks for assistance in locating it.
**John Gavallas**, who served in the M Division from 1966 to 1968, lists several shipmates he remembers, including Lawson, C.D. Smith, Cooper, Chuck Weir, Sullivan, G.P. Miller, Larry Long, and William Miller. He shares that he is now a police chief in Connecticut.
**Ed Kardas**, who served as a SN in 1968, describes his two years on the ship as very challenging, working under CWO Valetta and BM3 Heintz. He credits the new XO, LCDR Kay, for saving him from a difficult situation.
**Larry Long**, who served as a MM3 in 1964, seeks to reconnect with his fellow M Division shipmates, listing names such as John Wieber, Ed Swank, Sam Fry, Wayne Glover, Chuck Weir, Lee Avery, Danny Jo Carlson, Mike Lawson, Jim Standfield, Sid Cowen, Butch Godsoe, Pete Cerioni, Bob Harris, and Gary Cooper.
**Bathon McDougle**, an E2 in 1971, proudly identifies himself as one of the original plank holders. He recounts the journey from Norfolk, Virginia, to Long Beach, California, through the Canal Zone, across the Equator, and back to Virginia, including the first Med cruise and sea trials.
**Ward Neeley**, who served as a SA in 1960, humorously mentions waiting for the Kitty Hawk to be commissioned and picking up HAM from a space flight. He also notes that he did not fall for the mail buoy watch prank.
**Robert Respecki**, a YN2 in 1967, recalls a single deployment on a Med cruise from July 1967 to January 1968. He shares that he retired after 26 years in law enforcement.
**John Shartzer**, who joined the Donner as a 17-year-old SFP 3 in 1956, reflects on his journey from the tough streets of St. Louis to a fulfilling career in the Navy, retiring as an HTC with 22 years of service. He holds fond memories of the Donner and its crew.
**Jerald Terwilliger**, who served as a RM3 in 1960, highlights the mission of picking up Ham the Space Chimp and his near transfer to the Deck Division.
**Stanley Trew**, an EM3 P1 in 1959, values his time on the Donner for the personal growth, friendships, and travel experiences it provided.
**John Wieber**, who served as a MM3 from 1965 to 1968, is looking to reconnect with his shipmates from the M Division through any Donner associations or memberships.
**Rich Wolf**, a BMSN in 1969, describes his two years on the ship as very hard, working under CWO Valetta and BM3 Heintz. He credits GMG3 Gazowitz, GMG1 Benford, Stefanidis, and Johnson for his promotion to GMG3.
**Terence Woodward**, who served as an EN3 in 1960, mentions his service with K.W. Schuetz and his visits to Texas in 2007. He has also contacted R.J. Fruge and Dale Hilander but is still searching for R.E. Sparrow in Glen Burnie, Maryland.
These shared memories from the USS Donner's crewmembers offer a rich tapestry of camaraderie, challenges, and adventures, reflecting the diverse experiences of those who served aboard this storied vessel.
USS Donner LSD-20: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Donner (LSD-20) was a remarkable ship that served the U.S. Navy with distinction. Commissioned in 1945, it was a dock landing ship, designed to transport and launch landing craft and amphibious vehicles. Over its service life, the Donner underwent several upgrades to keep it at the forefront of naval technology. In the 1950s, it got new radar and communication systems, boosting its operational capabilities. The 1960s brought advanced navigation equipment and more efficient propulsion systems, extending its range and reliability.
The Donner's mission capabilities were diverse and evolved with the Navy's needs. Initially focused on amphibious warfare, it played a crucial role in transporting troops, vehicles, and equipment during assaults. Its well deck could flood, allowing landing craft to embark and disembark easily. But the Donner wasn't just about warfare. It was also equipped for disaster relief, search and rescue, and humanitarian missions. During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, the Donner was part of the naval blockade, highlighting its strategic importance beyond amphibious operations.
The USS Donner's contributions were substantial. It participated in numerous exercises and operations, helping to refine amphibious assault tactics. Working closely with Marine Corps units, it ensured seamless integration and execution of complex operations. During the Cold War, the Donner's ability to rapidly deploy and support ground forces made it a critical asset. Its participation in NATO exercises underscored its importance in joint operations, enhancing interoperability with allied navies.
Beyond its operational achievements, the Donner played a role in the Navy's broader strategic objectives. Its presence in various theaters served as a deterrent to adversaries and reassurance to allies. The ship's ability to project power and provide rapid response was key to the Navy's forward-deployed posture. The Donner's service record is a testament to the enduring value of dock landing ships, demonstrating their critical role in both peacetime and wartime operations. As a versatile and reliable platform, the USS Donner LSD-20 exemplified the adaptability and resilience of the U.S. Navy's amphibious forces.
USS Donner LSD-20: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Donner (LSD-20) had a remarkable service record, marked by numerous deployments and significant contributions to major conflicts. Commissioned in 1945, the ship was ready for action in the Pacific Theater during the final stages of World War II. Although the war ended before the Donner could see combat, it played a crucial role in post-war operations, including the occupation of Japan and the repatriation of Allied prisoners of war. Over the years, the Donner was a frequent participant in Cold War-era exercises and operations, showcasing the versatility and strategic importance of dock landing ships in the U.S. Navy's amphibious warfare capabilities.
During the Korean War, the USS Donner was actively involved in several key operations. The ship provided essential support for amphibious assaults, including the famous Inchon Landing, a turning point in the conflict. The Donner's ability to transport and deploy troops, vehicles, and equipment directly onto hostile shores was invaluable. The crew worked tirelessly under challenging conditions, showcasing their dedication and resilience. The Donner's contributions to the Korean War were recognized with multiple commendations, underscoring the ship's vital role in the success of U.S. military operations during the conflict.
The USS Donner continued to serve with distinction during the Vietnam War. The ship was deployed to Southeast Asia multiple times, supporting a variety of missions, including troop deployments, logistical support, and amphibious assaults. The Donner's capabilities were particularly crucial during the Tet Offensive, providing rapid deployment of reinforcements and supplies to embattled areas. The ship's versatility and reliability were once again on full display, earning it further accolades and solidifying its reputation as a cornerstone of the U.S. Navy's amphibious fleet.
Throughout its service life, the USS Donner received numerous awards and commendations, reflecting its exceptional performance and the dedication of its crew. Among these were the Navy Unit Commendation, the Korean Service Medal with multiple battle stars, and the Vietnam Service Medal. The ship was also recognized for its excellence in various operational and readiness evaluations, earning the Battle Efficiency "E" award on several occasions. These honors are a testament to the USS Donner's significant contributions to U.S. naval operations and its enduring legacy as a formidable and reliable asset in the nation's defense arsenal.
USS Donner LSD-20 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Casa Grande Class Dock Landing Ship |
| Commissioned | July 31, 1945 |
| Displacement | 7,930 tons |
| Length | 457.7 feet |
| Beam | 72 feet |
| Draft | 16.1 feet |
| Speed | 17 knots |
| Complement | 254 Crew 240 Troops |