Troop Ship Memories Submitted by Bob Rudolph |
MARINE SERPENT: Following the end of World War II, MARINE SERPENT took part in the massive sealift to carry occupation troops to the Far East and to return veterans of the Pacific campsigns to the United States. In response to the increased depands on U.S. seapower during the U.N. police action in Korea, MARINE SERPENT was acquired by the Navy from the Maritime Administration 8 May 1952 and assigned to duty with MSTS. Manned by a civil service crew, MARINE SERPENT completed activation at San Francisco 13 September, thence sailed to San Diego where she departed for the Far East 15 September. During the reminder of the Korean conflict, she made six voyages out of west coast ports including Seattle, San Francisco and San Diego to Japanese and South Korean ports. The MARINE SERPENT carried replacement troops to the troubled Far East and returned veterans to the United States. During 1953 and much of 1954 she made seven runs to the western Pacific. MARINE SERPENT received three battle stars for Korean service. (Source: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Vol. IV - 1969) ASA Korea Members, Charles Knappenberger and Robert Rudolph were among those who received orders to report to the 501st CRG and were transported on MARINE SERPENT. The following pages contain copies of Special Orders which contain the names of many men who no doubt went to Korea on the MARINE SERPENT and copies of THE SERPENT'S TONGUE offical newspaper of the MARINE SERPENT. (Submitted by: ASA Korea Member Robert Rudolph) |