Life in the WWII Gator Navy: An LST Journey Across the Pacific, Part 2 of 2

Leo Bednarczyk’s account of his experiences in the Navy from his battle station in the engine room of a Landing Ship Tank (LST). He recounts his journey from the South Side of Chicago to the Evansville Ship Yard to commission LST-124, and his experiences as part of the amphibious flotilla that carried troops, invaded the Marianas, and provided the equipment to build air bases in the Pacific 1943-1945. This first-person account of long days at sea, the LST’s role during historic invasions, and meeting unexpected challenges is brought to life with WWII films and photos from the National Archives and Leo’s own photographs developed aboard LST-124. Produced by Susan Bednarczyk and edited by Lloyd Charney. Based on recordings by UNC-Wilmington as part of its “World War II through the Eyes of the Cape Fear” project with the Cape Fear Museum