Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans

COMBAT STORIES FROM World War II

Robert von der Osten | LST 388 - Navy

3:20   |   Robert von der Osten remembers some of the daily challenges, and benefits, of working on the LST 388. The process of coming to shore was always a difficulty that required some maneuvering.

More From Robert von der Osten

Keywords   :     Training    difficulties    challenges    England    experience    Africa    London UK    coastal    storm    deck    seasick

Videos ( 5 )
WWII
  • Robert von der Osten  |  WWII  |  LST 388  |  3:57

    Robert von der Osten remembers growing up in Staten Island, New York. Two weeks after Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Navy and began training for the Amphibious Force immediately. Before long, he was headed for North Africa.

  • Robert von der Osten  |  WWII  |  LST 388  |  5:10

    Robert von der Osten remembers the route of the LST 388 as it made landings throughout North Africa and into Italy. The German forces were dug in and prepared which meant danger for American forces hitting the beaches.

  • Robert von der Osten  |  WWII  |  LST 388  |  5:28

    During a training mission in April 1944, Exercise Tiger, some American LSTs were ambushed by German E-boats and hundreds of men died. Only a few weeks later, LST 388 was participating in D-Day. Getting to the beach was a difficult undertaking with the mines that littered the water and incoming fire from the beaches ahead.

  • Robert von der Osten  |  WWII  |  LST 388  |  5:02

    On a resupply mission, General Patton commanded the LST 388 to carry gasoline up through France. On leave, Robert von der Osten got married which gave him enough credit to be able to discharge.

  • Robert von der Osten  |  WWII  |  LST 388  |  3:41

    Robert von der Osten remembers one foggy night they had that led to a close encounter with an approaching freighter. The Battle of Anzio was particularly destructive to the American forces, unfortunately due to friendly fire.

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