The 34,000 ton Battleship TEXAS was present and played a key role in each of the major engagements that the USS LST 494 participated in during World War II(Omaha Beach during the Normandy Invasion, Invasion of Southern France and the Assault and Occupation of Okinawa-Gunto). The crew of the 494 feels a special affinity toward the Texas. The massive firepower the Texas was able to bring to bear on the enemy with her 14" guns during invasions helped pave the way for the amphibious forces. |
At Normandy the TEXAS blasted the German defenses with a June 6, 1944 dawn bombardment of 250 projectiles from her 14" guns. The TEXAS spent 33 more days shelling German positions on the Normandy coast. On June 25th, she was struck by enemy shore batteries twice during a three hour duel with German guns at Cherbourg. The hits killed 1 and injured 13 crewman. After repairs, the TEXAS entered the Mediterranean to support the August 15, 1944 invasion of Southern France. The TEXAS then saw action in the Pacific Theater and while at Okinawa, shelled Japanese installations for 50 days. During the Okinawa campaign she fired four complete shiploads of ammunition in support of Marine and Army ground forces. She also fought off repeated Kamikaze attacks, downing one Japanese plane and assisted in splashing three others. |
