Navy veteran recounts his LST experience as historic WWII ship docks in Wheeling for public tours

WHEELING, W.Va (WTRF) — A historic tank landing ship is making waves down in Heritage Port.

The LST 325 was built in 1942 and took part in over 40 trips across the English Channel, carrying military equipment, artillery and vehicles.

Cruise director Ken Rupp gives us a bit of background on the only operational WWII LST still in existence.

“I’m standing on the tank deck; 20 Sherman tanks would have been housed here. We’ve got a great video showing a clip of the tanks in the tank deck and coming off and it literally filled this whole area up.”

Ken Rupp, cruise director for the LST 325

Displays scattered throughout the hull showcase what life on the ship was like.

Rupp says it’s important to remember the sacrifices of services members, but we should also acknowledge the contributions of people back home.

“We want people to remember the sailors that staff this ship and the scarifies they made, but we also want to pay homage to the folks that built this ship.”

Kenn Rupp, cruise director for the LST 325

Harold Stamper, former storekeeper third class petty officer, recounts a memory during his time in the navy when he was aboard an LST.

“The ship didn’t show up, so I didn’t have a place to sleep or eat. So, I went over on the LST where my buddy was and he got me a dinner meal, a bunk to sleep in, and breakfast the next morning. Well, the ship showed up the next morning.”

Harold Stamper, former SK3, storekeeper third class petty officer

Stamper says he remembers to this day the three years, two months, and 16 days he gave to our country. A picture and a bullet casing from the ship serve as mementos from that time.

“I was out on the bridge, fresh air, sunshine, I got to see the ocean. Very nice, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Harold Stamper, former SK3, storekeeper third class petty officer

LST 325 will be docketed at Heritage Port through September 10 ^th and will be open for tours every day from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.

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