LST-340
LST-340 was laid down on 17 July 1942 at the Norfolk Navy Yard; launched on 8 November 1942; sponsored by Mrs. A. W. Raab; and commissioned on 26 December 1942, Lt. William Villella in command.
During World War II, LST-340 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the following operations:
Consolidation of southern Solomons-June 1943
Capture and occupation of Saipan-June through August 1944
Tinian capture and occupation-July through August 1944
On 20 October 1944, she was redesignated IX-196 and named Spark (q.v.). The ship was decommissioned on 24 October 1944 and struck from the Navy list on 1 September 1945.
Spark earned three battle stars and the Navy Unit Commendation for service in World War II as LST-340.
