Comes with a hand-signed C.O.A.

This rare and museum-grade WWII artifact is the personal U.S. Navy sailor’s bible carried by George W. Stabler while participating in 3 amphibious invasions in the Pacific Theater aboard the USS Maricopa County (LST-938). George W. Stabler carried this bible with him throughout his combat operations and service during WWII from November 23rd, 1943 to December 1st, 1945. George W. Stabler and LST 938 participated in the Consolidation and capture of Southern Philippines - Mindanao Island landings from 10 to 18 March and 24 March to 14 April 1945, the Borneo Operation, and Balikpapan Operation from 26 June to 9 July 1945.

The Landing Ship, Tank (LST) was a pivotal innovation during World War II, designed to transport large quantities of vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore without the need for dock facilities. This capability made LSTs crucial to amphibious operations, allowing Allied forces to establish and maintain beachheads in hostile territories. These ships played significant roles in various theaters of the war, including the Pacific, where their contributions were particularly vital in the island-hopping campaigns. Two notable operations highlighting the importance of LSTs were the Consolidation and Capture of Southern Philippines (Mindanao Island landings) and the Borneo Operation (Balikpapan Operation).

Design and Capabilities of the LST

The LST was designed with a flat bottom to enable beach landings, and its bow doors and ramp allowed tanks and other vehicles to disembark directly onto the shore. The standard LST could carry approximately 20 Sherman tanks or a mix of vehicles and cargo. The ship’s dimensions were approximately 328 feet in length and 50 feet in beam, with a draft of about 2.2 feet at the bow and 7.5 feet at the stern when unloaded, allowing them to approach very close to shore.

The LSTs were also equipped with several defensive weapons, including anti-aircraft guns, to protect against aerial attacks during landings. Their speed, although relatively slow at around 10 knots, was adequate for the purposes of amphibious operations. Crewed by naval personnel and capable of embarking army or marine troops, LSTs were versatile and became the backbone of many amphibious assaults.

Role in Combat

The primary role of LSTs was to transport heavy equipment, vehicles, and troops to battlefronts where no port facilities existed. They were essential in bridging the gap between naval power and ground operations. By delivering tanks, artillery, and reinforcements directly onto contested beaches, LSTs enabled rapid build-ups of combat power, which was crucial for establishing and expanding beachheads.

Consolidation and Capture of Southern Philippines: Mindanao Island Landings

The Southern Philippines campaign, particularly the Mindanao Island landings, illustrated the strategic importance of LSTs in the Pacific Theater. Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, was a key target for Allied forces aiming to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation.

In March 1945, American and Filipino forces launched a series of amphibious assaults to secure Mindanao. The LSTs were instrumental in these operations, transporting the 41st Infantry Division and the 24th Infantry Division, along with their tanks, artillery, and supplies. The ability of LSTs to deliver heavy equipment directly to the beaches allowed the assault forces to quickly overcome Japanese defensive positions.

The landings at Mindanao, particularly at Illana Bay and Parang, were complex operations that required precise coordination and timing. LSTs provided the necessary logistical support to sustain the momentum of the offensive. They enabled the rapid unloading of vehicles and supplies under combat conditions, ensuring that the advancing troops had the resources needed to push inland and secure their objectives.

Borneo Operation: Balikpapan Operation

The Borneo campaign, and specifically the Balikpapan operation, was another critical engagement where LSTs proved indispensable. The objective of this campaign was to secure vital oilfields and establish control over the island of Borneo, which was under Japanese control.

The Balikpapan operation, launched in July 1945, was one of the largest amphibious assaults in the Pacific. Australian forces, supported by American and Dutch units, spearheaded the landings. The LSTs played a crucial role in this operation by delivering tanks, artillery, and troops to the beaches of Balikpapan.

The terrain and heavily fortified Japanese defenses made the landings challenging. LSTs, however, were able to transport M4 Sherman tanks and other armored vehicles directly onto the beaches, which were instrumental in breaching Japanese defenses. The LSTs' ability to offload large quantities of supplies and equipment under fire ensured that the landing forces could establish a secure beachhead and advance inland.

The success of the Balikpapan operation was heavily reliant on the logistical capabilities provided by the LSTs. Their contribution to the rapid unloading and deployment of combat power was a key factor in the relatively swift capture of the area, despite the formidable Japanese defenses.

The Landing Ship, Tank was a revolutionary vessel that significantly impacted amphibious warfare during World War II. Its ability to deliver heavy equipment, vehicles, and troops directly onto hostile shores made it an indispensable asset in the Allied war effort. The Mindanao Island landings and the Balikpapan operation are prime examples of how LSTs facilitated complex amphibious assaults, enabling the Allies to achieve their strategic objectives in the Pacific Theater.

By providing the necessary logistical support and ensuring the rapid build-up of combat power on contested beaches, LSTs played a crucial role in the success of these operations. Their contribution to the Allied victory in World War II is a testament to the importance of innovation and adaptability in warfare, underscoring the significance of amphibious capabilities in modern military strategy.