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LSMs were oceangoing
tank landing ships designed to incorporate features of the LST and LCT.
Fully loaded, an LSM could carry and land as many as five tanks (or
equivalent battle vehicles) and the troops to operate them. A modified
version, the LSM(R), incorporated hull and propulsion machinery of the LSM.
LSM(R) armament included rocket launchers; 5-inch, 40 mm, and 20 mm gun
mounts; and mortars.
During the invasion of Okinawa, LSMs and
LSM(R)s were used in amphibious operations and as support vessels during
radar picket station operations.
Six LSMs were sunk by suicide aircraft
attacks during this time: LSM(R)-190 on May 4, 1945; LSM(R)-195
on May 3; LSM(R)s 190 and 194 on May 4; LSM-135
on May 25; and LSM-59 on June 21.
Five other LSMs were damaged by suicide
aircraft: LSM(R)-188 on March 28; LSM-189
on April 12; LSM-28 on April 18; and LSM-213 on June
22.
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