Graham was born in South Weymouth, Norfolk, MA and NOT in Melrose, MA as many newspapers seem to believe. Graham's parents and his two sibs, Margaret, b. Brunswick, Maine, and John Robert b. Weymouth, Norfolk, MA, lived in Weymouth, MA at the time of the 1920 US Census. His youngest sister, Jean Ruth Alvord, was also born in Weymouth on 4 Sep 1923. Mass birth records confirm their nativity. By 1929, the family had removed to Melrose, MA. Graham was one of two sons and two daughters of Prof. Henry Bissell and Margaret G. Graham Alvord. Graham married Miss Jean Lovejoy Drake on 17 Mar 1945 in Winchester, Middlesex, MA. Parents of six children. Graham's mother Margaret and his wife Jean and her mother Jennette Lovejoy (Sargent) Drake graduated from the very prestigious Smith College in Northampton, MA. Jean first met Graham as a war-time pen-pal. How that happened is only speculation on my part, but it may have a Smith College alumni connection.
Graham graduated from Melrose's Roosevelt Grammar School in the spring of 1929. He entered Melrose High School the following fall. Some of his high school activities included; Theater plays, Debating and Orchestra. He was one of 242 graduates at commencement exercises on 09 June 1933 from Melrose High School. Graham was accepted to Harvard University out of high school but chose another route first. In the fall of 1934, Graham attended Burdett Business Junior College in Boston for 2 years graduating in 1936 with a diploma in Stenographic studies. He entered Harvard University as a Freshman in 1936. He graduated after only three years Cum Laude on 22 June 1939 from Harvard with BA degree in Economics. Early in 1940, Graham was enumerated in the 1940 US Census working for the Alexandria City, VA Gas Co. as a secretary. He was a lodger with a Mrs Elizabeth Grady (59) and her daughter Miss Helen D. Grady (39). On 16 Oct 1940, Graham registered for the draft. He was still employed with the Alexandria, VA Gas Co. He wrote that his nativity was South Weymouth, MA.
The following year Graham Alvord enlisted in the Volunteer US Naval Reserve (NSN: 603-00-40) in the V-4 program (Intelligence) as a Yeoman First Class (Y1c) on 6 Jun 1941 (I can find no records that he ever enlisted in the US Army first.). He reported to the Naval Receiving Station, Norfolk, VA on 2 July 1941 from the Navy Yard, (NYD), Washington, DC. He transferred on 05 July 1941 to the transport USS Chaumont (AP-5) for further transfer (FFT) to COMTEN for assignment. The following year Graham was commissioned an Ensign, US Naval Reserve (D-V(S)) on 10 July 1942 with a date of rank of 09 Mar 1942. The D-V(S) designation means deck officers, commissioned and warrant, including boatswains and ships clerks, qualified for specialist duties. He advanced in rank to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) on 01 May 1943. A short time later, Ltjg Alvord was assigned to the precommissioning crew of the newly constructed Landing Ship Tank (LST) 133 as the executive officer. The ship was commissioned on 29 Nov 1943 in New Orleans, LA where she was being outfitted for duty.
LST 133 was the first of twelve new LSTs that would be placed into commission over the period of November - December 1943. They would comprise the yet to be commissioned LST Group Thirty, a element of Flotilla 10. LSTs 51, 133, 134, 285, 286, and 502 would comprise Division Fifty Nine (Div 59), and LSTs 53, 288, 494, 495, 504 and 505 would be assigned to Division Sixty (Div. 60). On 28 Feb 1944, LST GROUP THIRTY was placed in commission. It would be decommissioned on 21 Dec 1944. On that date the LSTs of Div 59 and Div 60 were reassigned to Commander Amphibious Training Command.
LST 133, under the command of recently commissioned LT Floyd Eugene Roberts, USN, a prior enlisted sailor, was underway from New Orleans steaming to St. Andrews Bay, FL on 18 Dec 1943. On New Year's Day 1944, LST 133 began shakedown training. Several days later, she steamed back to New Orleans and the Todd Johnson shipyard where she entered dry-dock for repairs and alterations on 5 Jan. Repairs completed, LST 133 got underway on 16 Jan from Pilotown, LA steaming for New York. After a brief port call at New York on 23 Jan 1944 for cargo delivery, she was underway again steaming for Narragansett Bay and Davisville, RI and an equipment load-out. After the load-out was completed, she steamed to Boston arriving on 06 Feb. Several days later, she was underway again steaming to Halifax, Nova Scotia to await the formation of a convoy bound for England. Convoy SC-153 formed and got underway on 13 Feb 1944 initially destined for Milford Haven, Wales, UK. However, the final destination was changed on 28 Feb to Falmouth, England via Milford Haven, Wales.
The convoy safely anchored at Milford Haven on 02 March. The following day the remainder of the convoy got underway for Falmouth where the ships anchored on 04 Mar. Over the next several weeks, LST 133 embarked personnel and a variety of cargo for delivery to Netley, Southampton, England on 13 Mar then on the 23rd she was enroute to the Isle of Wight and on 25 March she anchored at Jenny Cliff Bay, Plymouth, England.
During April 1944, according to the WWII war diaries of Commander LST Grp 30, ships in LST Divisions 59 and 60 were employed in training and routine maintenance. LST 133 departed Plymouth, England on 24 April steaming to Falmouth were she arrived later that day. She departed Falmouth on the 27th bound for Portland, England where she anchored on 28 April. During May LST 133 engaged in training, maintenance, and cargo/personnel transport.
On 01 June 1944, ships of Divisions 59, 60, and 69 (under administrative control of LST Grp Thirty) were assigned to the Assault Force "O" and "B" of the Western Task Force, commanded by Rear Admiral Kirk, to participate in operation Neptune (Neptune was the code word for the Normandy landings.). From 01 Jun - 04 Jun, ships of division 59 (LSTs 133, 51, 134, 286, 285, and 502) loaded army vehicles and personnel for operation Neptune at Portland Harbor, England. On 05 Jun 1944, LST 133 with 13 other LSTs of Convoy Group III sortied from Portland and during the day lay at anchor in Weymouth Bay taking Rhino ferries and Tugs in tow. The convoy got underway at approximately H minus 13 hours (1730, 5 Jun) and steamed to the assault area about 120 miles away. The Convoy Group was delayed, however, and it did not arrive at the transport area until 1900. LST 133 arrived at her designated sector of Fox Green and anchored 3 miles off Omaha Beach in the Bay of Seine. A short time later, LST 133 received orders to proceed toward the beach immediately. Tow was cast off and word passed throughout the ship to all hands and Army personnel embarked to prepare for beaching.
As the ship approached the beach they could see it was littered with wrecks of small boats and almost a continuous line of wrecked and stranded vehicles. It was obvious that obstructions had not been cleared as they were 5-6 rows deep. No beach organization was apparent. The ship began opening her bow doors about 400 yards off the beach. Word was passed to standby for beaching. Suddenly, a flashing light message was received from LCI 86. It said, "Don't beach." Fortunately, LST 133 was able to back away from the beach, and she proceeded to anchor 1 1/2 miles from the beach at 2212.
The morning of 06 Jun dawned cloudy with a low hanging fog surrounding LST 133 while she was at anchor at Baie De La Seine, Omaha Beach. Suddenly, without warning, 3 JU-88 German twin engine aircraft appeared at an altitude of several hundred feet making a level attack. They were taken under fire from the ship almost immediately as all gun stations had been manned as a precaution. One plane was seen to sever a barrage balloon anchoring cable. Several hits were observed on the aircraft from the ship's guns. One plane was shot down. The ship was not engaged in any further activity that day.
On 07 Jun 1944, LST 133 received orders to beach by 1330. She weighted anchor and steamed for Sector Dog Red. As the ship approached the beach they observed a beach not yet marked, a similar scene of unbroken lines of uncleared obstructions and wrecks. The ship moved to the right flank of Dog Red and proceeded into the beach. Beach parties signaled NOT to beach, but it was too late as the ship had too much way on and could not stop in time. She grounded in 6 feet of water off the bow. Smart ship handling and an alert watch enabled the ship to avoid half submerged element "C" obstructions with Teller mines attached. In the War Diary of LST 133 it was written, "It would appear that by an act of Providence the ship had beached on the unique piece of sand in this sector suitable for beaching." This narrow piece of beach was the only area free of submerged obstruction and buried mines that had not been cleared. As the ship offloaded its cargo of vehicles and army personnel she came under fire from the cliffs above. All army personnel and vehicles were put ashore and beyond the beach line without even a minor injury or damage. At 2135, the ship retreated from the beach without incident and anchored about 2 miles off shore. The following evening (08 Jun), the ship returned to Portland Harbor in convoy.
On June 11, more than 326,000 troops, 50,000 vehicles and 100,000 tons of equipment had landed on the secured Normandy beaches. The Allies fought across the countryside in Normandy in the weeks that followed. They successfully seized the vital port of Cherbourg, landed approximately 850,000 men and 150,000 vehicles in Normandy and were poised to continue their march across France.
On 14 Jun 1944, LST 133 was transporting its third cargo of Army vehicles and personnel from Portland Harbor, Dorset, England to Omaha beach at Normandy. This cargo was comprised of men and equipment of the HQ and three batteries of the 113th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th US Infantry Division. The load-out was finished by late afternoon. Orders were to join convoy EPL-8 and sortie at 2200. LST 133 was delayed by the late delivery of two C.B. Rhino tugs. Consequently, the ship did not clear the channel until 2310. The delay put the ship some 3000 yards astern of the convoy. Shortly after mid-nite star shells were seen indicating a possible E-Boat attack. After executing several evasive maneuvers the ship rang up flank speed. Shortly after 0500, the ship joined the convoy and assumed its position. Not long afterward however, the ship began to lose its position again.
By 0800, she was about 27 miles northeast of Barfleur, France and about 2000 yards behind station. Suddenly, at 0816, an underwater explosion rocked the ship. The explosion blew off the greater part of the fantail into the sea. The starboard engine stalled. General quarters was sounded. One man was seen in the water. The ship was left without propulsion or steering, but for the most part it was still intact and water tight integrity was maintained forward of frame 41. Later damage assessments indicated extensive damage to various parts of the ship, but especially to the area of the stern where several gun emplacements were situated. USS Raven (AM 55) and USS Chickadee (AM 59) en route to Portsmouth came alongside to take off the wounded, while Raven took LST-133 in tow towards Omaha Beach until relieved by USS Arikara (ATF 98) at 1235 hours. Omaha beach was reached at 1912. The ship beached at the first high tide with the help of USS LCI(L)-490 and USS LCI(L)-84 at 1938. At 2345, the tide was low enough to start unloading. By 0200 on 16 June, all Army personnel and vehicles were unloaded. On the high tide of the following morning, the ship retracted from the beach and was temporarily berthed alongside a blockship for sufficient repairs, removal of bodies from the wreckage, and shoring to permit towing to England. On 18 June 1944, the ship left Omaha beach for the last time. She was towed by British tug Empire Meadow steaming for Southampton and later the repair yard at Barry, Wales.
The cause of the underwater explosion that damaged LST 133 was originally believed to have been made by an acoustic mine. However, that doesn’t seem plausible because the entire convoy had passed over that immediate area without it detonating. LST 133 came along shortly afterward. Another alternative was that the explosion was caused by a submarine fired Gnat torpedo. LST 133, who was lagging behind the convoy, was the perfect target for a submarine. U-621 was earlier credited with damaging USS LST-280, but the submarine's reporting time and position of the attack indicate that LST-133 was the target. And, because the explosion was believed to have been caused by a mine, US convoy escorts did not respond with anti-submarine searches allowing the sub to escape unscathed. U-621 was sunk several months later in the Bay of Bengal.
Casualties were high. Ship’s company: 7 dead, 17 wounded, 8 missing. Army passengers: 2 dead, 8 wounded, 20 missing. Seabee passengers: 01 dead, 3 wounded, 5 missing. Totals: 10 dead, 42 missing, 28 wounded.
While the ship was being towed back to England on 19 June she was attacked by 3 JU-88 German aircraft at 2322. Due to low visibility conditions the aircraft were able to approach the ship to within 100 yards before gun crews were able to respond. Several wakes in the water were seen to pass under the ship but there was no explosion. The ship was unable to determine the type of weapon used by the German planes; torpedoes or mines. The three planes departed the area without perceptible damage. There were no shipboard injuries or damage.
Later in June 1944, LST 133 arrived at the repair facilities in Barry, Wales. Repairs were conducted over the summer to make her seaworthy for a transatlantic trip to the Brooklyn, Navy Yard in New York. On 2 Sep 1944, tug USS Choctaw (ATF-70) left Barry towing the disabled LST 133 bound for the United States. After several days of storm related delays, Choctaw towed LST 133 to Milford Haven, Wales to join a special towing convoy bound for New York and Boston. On 13 Sep after the convoy steamed out of Milford Haven bound for the US, Choctaw’s 1 5/8” towing cable parted setting LST 133 adrift. After several hours, Choctaw regained control of her charge. The following day LST 133 and LST 981 were lashed together and towed by Choctaw. After a long, slow journey that included changes of course to avoid a hurricane, the convoy finally arrived in the US territorial waters on 30 Sep. Choctaw was relieved of her tow. USS LST 133 was picked up by the rescue tug USS ATR 54 at Ambrose Light Ship, NY and towed to the Brooklyn Navy Yard for permanent repairs.
Repairs on LST 133 were in the final stages by New Years Day, 1945 in New York. She was underway and steaming for Norfolk, VA on 5 Jan 1945. She arrived at the amphibious base at Little Creek, VA on the next day. Several days later she began a shakedown period. She set sail for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on 26 Jan anchoring there on 01 Feb 1945. Several days later, she steamed for the Panama Canal and her first stop at the Coco Solo, Naval Base on 6 Feb 1945. She continued her voyage and moored at Cristobal, Canal Zone on 11 Feb. Underway again on 15 Feb, LST 133 steamed for Pearl Harbor. She moored at Pearl Harbor on 08 March.
During the next four weeks LST 133 engaged in landing exercise practices and generally made ready to steam into danger in the Western Pacific combat zone. She set sail for Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands on 4 April and arrived on 16 April. The next day she steamed out of the harbor bound for Guam, Mariana Islands. Her cargo was the 5th Naval Construction Brigade and Combat Air Service Unit 48. She arrived at Guam on the 22nd and was underway again on the 28th bound for Leyte, P.I. She was at Okinawa in early June and returned to Leyte Gulf, P.I. on 18 June. She returned to Okinawa carrying cargo on 08 July. For the next month until the cessation of hostilities with Japan, LST 133 made a number of round trips between Okinawa and the Philippines carrying cargo and personnel. She anchored at Subic Bay on 17 Aug 1945 after departing Okinawa on 12 Aug. For the next month, she steamed to various ports carrying cargo. On 20 Sep 1945, she was underway from Batangas Bay, Luzon, P.I. bound for Tokyo Bay, Japan. She anchored in Tokyo Bay off Yokohama on 29 Sep. Underway again on 03 Oct, she steamed to Manila, P.I., and then returned to Batangas Bay later in the month. She made another trip to Tokyo Bay getting underway on 01 Nov 1945 and anchoring in Tokyo Bay on 04 Nov. One week later, LST 133 weighted anchor and got underway for Saipan arriving there on 12 Nov 1945.
In Jan 1946, her only Captain, Lt Floyd E. Roberts was relieved of command by her last CO, Lt Vinton Claude Vint. LST 133 remained in the Pacific where she was used as a target in the Bikini atomic bomb tests in July 1946. USS LST 133 was decommissioned on 29 August that same year. She was eventually scuttled as a target ship off Kwajalein on 11 May 1948. Lt Richards was awarded the Silver Star sometime between July 1944 and July 1945 according to the Naval Officers Register of 01 July 1945. I do not know the action for which he was awarded the Silver Star, but I presume it had to do with the air attacks and submarine attack on his ship in June 1944 at Normandy.
Lt Alvord was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern-Campaign Medal and one bronze battle star for the invasion of Normandy and the World War II Victory Medal. It isn't known exactly when Lt Alvord was detached from LST 133 or when he was discharged from the US Navy. However, he married his pen pal, sweetheart and then wife in Winchester, Middlesex, MA on 17 Mar 1945 in uniform. So, he was probably detached from LST 133 prior to her completion of repairs in January 1945 and was discharged later that year or early 1946.
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The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in awarding the Navy Unit Commendation to USS Landing Ship (Tank) 133 for service during assault operations against German-held beaches in the Bay of the Seine, northern France. "Under orders to land heavy artillery and antiaircraft equipment, USS LST 133 proceeded to the assigned area and closed the beach despite mine fields, underwater obstructions and wreckage of derelict craft. Under shellfire, sniper fire and aerial bombardment, her crew successfully beached the craft, unloaded her cargo of personnel and weapons, and took aboard 65 casualties for evacuation. The first LST of the force to hit the beach and the first in her assault group to put all army equipment and personnel ashore, the LST 133 completed her mission without loss of men or material."
Navy Unit Commendation Awarded in 1947.
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Mr. Graham Alvord awarded the Legion of Honor
On Friday July 5, 2013, Consul General Fabien Fieschi honored Veteran Graham Alvord with the Legion of Honor, France's oldest and most prestigious medals. The boat for which he was executive officer, LST #133, is believed to be the first ship to land on the beach and struck a mine on its third trip to Omaha Beach, after which it still off-loaded the soldiers it carried. For his bravery during World War II he has been awarded the American Defense Medal, the American Campaign medal and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and one star for the invasion of Normandy.
Today Mr. Alvord lives in Kittery Point, Maine with his wife Jean. He had a successful career as a High School teacher for Portsmouth (N.H.). Having been to France many times since his service, he maintains a love and respect for the French people. His first time back at the beaches of Normandy in 1970, when he was overcome with emotion.
In order to honor and remember such incredible sacrifice, France presents the Legion of Honor. Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte established this award in 1802 to recognize exemplary military and civilian services and is the oldest as well as highest honor in France. Mr. Alvord’s service and courage perfectly match the description of this award, and the Consul General, in the name of the President François Hollande, presented it to him in a quiet ceremony.
Source: Seacoast Online. July 2, 2013. http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20130629-NEWS-306290319 [retrieved online 28 July 2017]. Original article edited for content.
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KITTERY POINT, Maine - Graham Alvord died peacefully at home on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the age of 103, joining his wife Jean in heaven, who died nine days before. Graham was born on September 7, 1916 in Melrose, Mass., to Henry and Margaret Alvord. He is survived by five children. (note: Graham was born in South Weymouth, MA according to MA birth records.)
[Bio #239 composed by Gerry Lawton (G47)]
Military Hall of Honor Honoree ID: 320030
Graham graduated from Melrose's Roosevelt Grammar School in the spring of 1929. He entered Melrose High School the following fall. Some of his high school activities included; Theater plays, Debating and Orchestra. He was one of 242 graduates at commencement exercises on 09 June 1933 from Melrose High School. Graham was accepted to Harvard University out of high school but chose another route first. In the fall of 1934, Graham attended Burdett Business Junior College in Boston for 2 years graduating in 1936 with a diploma in Stenographic studies. He entered Harvard University as a Freshman in 1936. He graduated after only three years Cum Laude on 22 June 1939 from Harvard with BA degree in Economics. Early in 1940, Graham was enumerated in the 1940 US Census working for the Alexandria City, VA Gas Co. as a secretary. He was a lodger with a Mrs Elizabeth Grady (59) and her daughter Miss Helen D. Grady (39). On 16 Oct 1940, Graham registered for the draft. He was still employed with the Alexandria, VA Gas Co. He wrote that his nativity was South Weymouth, MA.
The following year Graham Alvord enlisted in the Volunteer US Naval Reserve (NSN: 603-00-40) in the V-4 program (Intelligence) as a Yeoman First Class (Y1c) on 6 Jun 1941 (I can find no records that he ever enlisted in the US Army first.). He reported to the Naval Receiving Station, Norfolk, VA on 2 July 1941 from the Navy Yard, (NYD), Washington, DC. He transferred on 05 July 1941 to the transport USS Chaumont (AP-5) for further transfer (FFT) to COMTEN for assignment. The following year Graham was commissioned an Ensign, US Naval Reserve (D-V(S)) on 10 July 1942 with a date of rank of 09 Mar 1942. The D-V(S) designation means deck officers, commissioned and warrant, including boatswains and ships clerks, qualified for specialist duties. He advanced in rank to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) on 01 May 1943. A short time later, Ltjg Alvord was assigned to the precommissioning crew of the newly constructed Landing Ship Tank (LST) 133 as the executive officer. The ship was commissioned on 29 Nov 1943 in New Orleans, LA where she was being outfitted for duty.
LST 133 was the first of twelve new LSTs that would be placed into commission over the period of November - December 1943. They would comprise the yet to be commissioned LST Group Thirty, a element of Flotilla 10. LSTs 51, 133, 134, 285, 286, and 502 would comprise Division Fifty Nine (Div 59), and LSTs 53, 288, 494, 495, 504 and 505 would be assigned to Division Sixty (Div. 60). On 28 Feb 1944, LST GROUP THIRTY was placed in commission. It would be decommissioned on 21 Dec 1944. On that date the LSTs of Div 59 and Div 60 were reassigned to Commander Amphibious Training Command.
LST 133, under the command of recently commissioned LT Floyd Eugene Roberts, USN, a prior enlisted sailor, was underway from New Orleans steaming to St. Andrews Bay, FL on 18 Dec 1943. On New Year's Day 1944, LST 133 began shakedown training. Several days later, she steamed back to New Orleans and the Todd Johnson shipyard where she entered dry-dock for repairs and alterations on 5 Jan. Repairs completed, LST 133 got underway on 16 Jan from Pilotown, LA steaming for New York. After a brief port call at New York on 23 Jan 1944 for cargo delivery, she was underway again steaming for Narragansett Bay and Davisville, RI and an equipment load-out. After the load-out was completed, she steamed to Boston arriving on 06 Feb. Several days later, she was underway again steaming to Halifax, Nova Scotia to await the formation of a convoy bound for England. Convoy SC-153 formed and got underway on 13 Feb 1944 initially destined for Milford Haven, Wales, UK. However, the final destination was changed on 28 Feb to Falmouth, England via Milford Haven, Wales.
The convoy safely anchored at Milford Haven on 02 March. The following day the remainder of the convoy got underway for Falmouth where the ships anchored on 04 Mar. Over the next several weeks, LST 133 embarked personnel and a variety of cargo for delivery to Netley, Southampton, England on 13 Mar then on the 23rd she was enroute to the Isle of Wight and on 25 March she anchored at Jenny Cliff Bay, Plymouth, England.
During April 1944, according to the WWII war diaries of Commander LST Grp 30, ships in LST Divisions 59 and 60 were employed in training and routine maintenance. LST 133 departed Plymouth, England on 24 April steaming to Falmouth were she arrived later that day. She departed Falmouth on the 27th bound for Portland, England where she anchored on 28 April. During May LST 133 engaged in training, maintenance, and cargo/personnel transport.
On 01 June 1944, ships of Divisions 59, 60, and 69 (under administrative control of LST Grp Thirty) were assigned to the Assault Force "O" and "B" of the Western Task Force, commanded by Rear Admiral Kirk, to participate in operation Neptune (Neptune was the code word for the Normandy landings.). From 01 Jun - 04 Jun, ships of division 59 (LSTs 133, 51, 134, 286, 285, and 502) loaded army vehicles and personnel for operation Neptune at Portland Harbor, England. On 05 Jun 1944, LST 133 with 13 other LSTs of Convoy Group III sortied from Portland and during the day lay at anchor in Weymouth Bay taking Rhino ferries and Tugs in tow. The convoy got underway at approximately H minus 13 hours (1730, 5 Jun) and steamed to the assault area about 120 miles away. The Convoy Group was delayed, however, and it did not arrive at the transport area until 1900. LST 133 arrived at her designated sector of Fox Green and anchored 3 miles off Omaha Beach in the Bay of Seine. A short time later, LST 133 received orders to proceed toward the beach immediately. Tow was cast off and word passed throughout the ship to all hands and Army personnel embarked to prepare for beaching.
As the ship approached the beach they could see it was littered with wrecks of small boats and almost a continuous line of wrecked and stranded vehicles. It was obvious that obstructions had not been cleared as they were 5-6 rows deep. No beach organization was apparent. The ship began opening her bow doors about 400 yards off the beach. Word was passed to standby for beaching. Suddenly, a flashing light message was received from LCI 86. It said, "Don't beach." Fortunately, LST 133 was able to back away from the beach, and she proceeded to anchor 1 1/2 miles from the beach at 2212.
The morning of 06 Jun dawned cloudy with a low hanging fog surrounding LST 133 while she was at anchor at Baie De La Seine, Omaha Beach. Suddenly, without warning, 3 JU-88 German twin engine aircraft appeared at an altitude of several hundred feet making a level attack. They were taken under fire from the ship almost immediately as all gun stations had been manned as a precaution. One plane was seen to sever a barrage balloon anchoring cable. Several hits were observed on the aircraft from the ship's guns. One plane was shot down. The ship was not engaged in any further activity that day.
On 07 Jun 1944, LST 133 received orders to beach by 1330. She weighted anchor and steamed for Sector Dog Red. As the ship approached the beach they observed a beach not yet marked, a similar scene of unbroken lines of uncleared obstructions and wrecks. The ship moved to the right flank of Dog Red and proceeded into the beach. Beach parties signaled NOT to beach, but it was too late as the ship had too much way on and could not stop in time. She grounded in 6 feet of water off the bow. Smart ship handling and an alert watch enabled the ship to avoid half submerged element "C" obstructions with Teller mines attached. In the War Diary of LST 133 it was written, "It would appear that by an act of Providence the ship had beached on the unique piece of sand in this sector suitable for beaching." This narrow piece of beach was the only area free of submerged obstruction and buried mines that had not been cleared. As the ship offloaded its cargo of vehicles and army personnel she came under fire from the cliffs above. All army personnel and vehicles were put ashore and beyond the beach line without even a minor injury or damage. At 2135, the ship retreated from the beach without incident and anchored about 2 miles off shore. The following evening (08 Jun), the ship returned to Portland Harbor in convoy.
On June 11, more than 326,000 troops, 50,000 vehicles and 100,000 tons of equipment had landed on the secured Normandy beaches. The Allies fought across the countryside in Normandy in the weeks that followed. They successfully seized the vital port of Cherbourg, landed approximately 850,000 men and 150,000 vehicles in Normandy and were poised to continue their march across France.
On 14 Jun 1944, LST 133 was transporting its third cargo of Army vehicles and personnel from Portland Harbor, Dorset, England to Omaha beach at Normandy. This cargo was comprised of men and equipment of the HQ and three batteries of the 113th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th US Infantry Division. The load-out was finished by late afternoon. Orders were to join convoy EPL-8 and sortie at 2200. LST 133 was delayed by the late delivery of two C.B. Rhino tugs. Consequently, the ship did not clear the channel until 2310. The delay put the ship some 3000 yards astern of the convoy. Shortly after mid-nite star shells were seen indicating a possible E-Boat attack. After executing several evasive maneuvers the ship rang up flank speed. Shortly after 0500, the ship joined the convoy and assumed its position. Not long afterward however, the ship began to lose its position again.
By 0800, she was about 27 miles northeast of Barfleur, France and about 2000 yards behind station. Suddenly, at 0816, an underwater explosion rocked the ship. The explosion blew off the greater part of the fantail into the sea. The starboard engine stalled. General quarters was sounded. One man was seen in the water. The ship was left without propulsion or steering, but for the most part it was still intact and water tight integrity was maintained forward of frame 41. Later damage assessments indicated extensive damage to various parts of the ship, but especially to the area of the stern where several gun emplacements were situated. USS Raven (AM 55) and USS Chickadee (AM 59) en route to Portsmouth came alongside to take off the wounded, while Raven took LST-133 in tow towards Omaha Beach until relieved by USS Arikara (ATF 98) at 1235 hours. Omaha beach was reached at 1912. The ship beached at the first high tide with the help of USS LCI(L)-490 and USS LCI(L)-84 at 1938. At 2345, the tide was low enough to start unloading. By 0200 on 16 June, all Army personnel and vehicles were unloaded. On the high tide of the following morning, the ship retracted from the beach and was temporarily berthed alongside a blockship for sufficient repairs, removal of bodies from the wreckage, and shoring to permit towing to England. On 18 June 1944, the ship left Omaha beach for the last time. She was towed by British tug Empire Meadow steaming for Southampton and later the repair yard at Barry, Wales.
The cause of the underwater explosion that damaged LST 133 was originally believed to have been made by an acoustic mine. However, that doesn’t seem plausible because the entire convoy had passed over that immediate area without it detonating. LST 133 came along shortly afterward. Another alternative was that the explosion was caused by a submarine fired Gnat torpedo. LST 133, who was lagging behind the convoy, was the perfect target for a submarine. U-621 was earlier credited with damaging USS LST-280, but the submarine's reporting time and position of the attack indicate that LST-133 was the target. And, because the explosion was believed to have been caused by a mine, US convoy escorts did not respond with anti-submarine searches allowing the sub to escape unscathed. U-621 was sunk several months later in the Bay of Bengal.
Casualties were high. Ship’s company: 7 dead, 17 wounded, 8 missing. Army passengers: 2 dead, 8 wounded, 20 missing. Seabee passengers: 01 dead, 3 wounded, 5 missing. Totals: 10 dead, 42 missing, 28 wounded.
While the ship was being towed back to England on 19 June she was attacked by 3 JU-88 German aircraft at 2322. Due to low visibility conditions the aircraft were able to approach the ship to within 100 yards before gun crews were able to respond. Several wakes in the water were seen to pass under the ship but there was no explosion. The ship was unable to determine the type of weapon used by the German planes; torpedoes or mines. The three planes departed the area without perceptible damage. There were no shipboard injuries or damage.
Later in June 1944, LST 133 arrived at the repair facilities in Barry, Wales. Repairs were conducted over the summer to make her seaworthy for a transatlantic trip to the Brooklyn, Navy Yard in New York. On 2 Sep 1944, tug USS Choctaw (ATF-70) left Barry towing the disabled LST 133 bound for the United States. After several days of storm related delays, Choctaw towed LST 133 to Milford Haven, Wales to join a special towing convoy bound for New York and Boston. On 13 Sep after the convoy steamed out of Milford Haven bound for the US, Choctaw’s 1 5/8” towing cable parted setting LST 133 adrift. After several hours, Choctaw regained control of her charge. The following day LST 133 and LST 981 were lashed together and towed by Choctaw. After a long, slow journey that included changes of course to avoid a hurricane, the convoy finally arrived in the US territorial waters on 30 Sep. Choctaw was relieved of her tow. USS LST 133 was picked up by the rescue tug USS ATR 54 at Ambrose Light Ship, NY and towed to the Brooklyn Navy Yard for permanent repairs.
Repairs on LST 133 were in the final stages by New Years Day, 1945 in New York. She was underway and steaming for Norfolk, VA on 5 Jan 1945. She arrived at the amphibious base at Little Creek, VA on the next day. Several days later she began a shakedown period. She set sail for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on 26 Jan anchoring there on 01 Feb 1945. Several days later, she steamed for the Panama Canal and her first stop at the Coco Solo, Naval Base on 6 Feb 1945. She continued her voyage and moored at Cristobal, Canal Zone on 11 Feb. Underway again on 15 Feb, LST 133 steamed for Pearl Harbor. She moored at Pearl Harbor on 08 March.
During the next four weeks LST 133 engaged in landing exercise practices and generally made ready to steam into danger in the Western Pacific combat zone. She set sail for Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands on 4 April and arrived on 16 April. The next day she steamed out of the harbor bound for Guam, Mariana Islands. Her cargo was the 5th Naval Construction Brigade and Combat Air Service Unit 48. She arrived at Guam on the 22nd and was underway again on the 28th bound for Leyte, P.I. She was at Okinawa in early June and returned to Leyte Gulf, P.I. on 18 June. She returned to Okinawa carrying cargo on 08 July. For the next month until the cessation of hostilities with Japan, LST 133 made a number of round trips between Okinawa and the Philippines carrying cargo and personnel. She anchored at Subic Bay on 17 Aug 1945 after departing Okinawa on 12 Aug. For the next month, she steamed to various ports carrying cargo. On 20 Sep 1945, she was underway from Batangas Bay, Luzon, P.I. bound for Tokyo Bay, Japan. She anchored in Tokyo Bay off Yokohama on 29 Sep. Underway again on 03 Oct, she steamed to Manila, P.I., and then returned to Batangas Bay later in the month. She made another trip to Tokyo Bay getting underway on 01 Nov 1945 and anchoring in Tokyo Bay on 04 Nov. One week later, LST 133 weighted anchor and got underway for Saipan arriving there on 12 Nov 1945.
In Jan 1946, her only Captain, Lt Floyd E. Roberts was relieved of command by her last CO, Lt Vinton Claude Vint. LST 133 remained in the Pacific where she was used as a target in the Bikini atomic bomb tests in July 1946. USS LST 133 was decommissioned on 29 August that same year. She was eventually scuttled as a target ship off Kwajalein on 11 May 1948. Lt Richards was awarded the Silver Star sometime between July 1944 and July 1945 according to the Naval Officers Register of 01 July 1945. I do not know the action for which he was awarded the Silver Star, but I presume it had to do with the air attacks and submarine attack on his ship in June 1944 at Normandy.
Lt Alvord was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern-Campaign Medal and one bronze battle star for the invasion of Normandy and the World War II Victory Medal. It isn't known exactly when Lt Alvord was detached from LST 133 or when he was discharged from the US Navy. However, he married his pen pal, sweetheart and then wife in Winchester, Middlesex, MA on 17 Mar 1945 in uniform. So, he was probably detached from LST 133 prior to her completion of repairs in January 1945 and was discharged later that year or early 1946.
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The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in awarding the Navy Unit Commendation to USS Landing Ship (Tank) 133 for service during assault operations against German-held beaches in the Bay of the Seine, northern France. "Under orders to land heavy artillery and antiaircraft equipment, USS LST 133 proceeded to the assigned area and closed the beach despite mine fields, underwater obstructions and wreckage of derelict craft. Under shellfire, sniper fire and aerial bombardment, her crew successfully beached the craft, unloaded her cargo of personnel and weapons, and took aboard 65 casualties for evacuation. The first LST of the force to hit the beach and the first in her assault group to put all army equipment and personnel ashore, the LST 133 completed her mission without loss of men or material."
Navy Unit Commendation Awarded in 1947.
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Mr. Graham Alvord awarded the Legion of Honor
On Friday July 5, 2013, Consul General Fabien Fieschi honored Veteran Graham Alvord with the Legion of Honor, France's oldest and most prestigious medals. The boat for which he was executive officer, LST #133, is believed to be the first ship to land on the beach and struck a mine on its third trip to Omaha Beach, after which it still off-loaded the soldiers it carried. For his bravery during World War II he has been awarded the American Defense Medal, the American Campaign medal and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and one star for the invasion of Normandy.
Today Mr. Alvord lives in Kittery Point, Maine with his wife Jean. He had a successful career as a High School teacher for Portsmouth (N.H.). Having been to France many times since his service, he maintains a love and respect for the French people. His first time back at the beaches of Normandy in 1970, when he was overcome with emotion.
In order to honor and remember such incredible sacrifice, France presents the Legion of Honor. Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte established this award in 1802 to recognize exemplary military and civilian services and is the oldest as well as highest honor in France. Mr. Alvord’s service and courage perfectly match the description of this award, and the Consul General, in the name of the President François Hollande, presented it to him in a quiet ceremony.
Source: Seacoast Online. July 2, 2013. http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20130629-NEWS-306290319 [retrieved online 28 July 2017]. Original article edited for content.
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KITTERY POINT, Maine - Graham Alvord died peacefully at home on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the age of 103, joining his wife Jean in heaven, who died nine days before. Graham was born on September 7, 1916 in Melrose, Mass., to Henry and Margaret Alvord. He is survived by five children. (note: Graham was born in South Weymouth, MA according to MA birth records.)
[Bio #239 composed by Gerry Lawton (G47)]
Military Hall of Honor Honoree ID: 320030
Graham was born in South Weymouth, Norfolk, MA and NOT in Melrose, MA as many newspapers seem to believe. Graham's parents and his two sibs, Margaret, b. Brunswick, Maine, and John Robert b. Weymouth, Norfolk, MA, lived in Weymouth, MA at the time of the 1920 US Census. His youngest sister, Jean Ruth Alvord, was also born in Weymouth on 4 Sep 1923. Mass birth records confirm their nativity. By 1929, the family had removed to Melrose, MA. Graham was one of two sons and two daughters of Prof. Henry Bissell and Margaret G. Graham Alvord. Graham married Miss Jean Lovejoy Drake on 17 Mar 1945 in Winchester, Middlesex, MA. Parents of six children. Graham's mother Margaret and his wife Jean and her mother Jennette Lovejoy (Sargent) Drake graduated from the very prestigious Smith College in Northampton, MA. Jean first met Graham as a war-time pen-pal. How that happened is only speculation on my part, but it may have a Smith College alumni connection.
Graham graduated from Melrose's Roosevelt Grammar School in the spring of 1929. He entered Melrose High School the following fall. Some of his high school activities included; Theater plays, Debating and Orchestra. He was one of 242 graduates at commencement exercises on 09 June 1933 from Melrose High School. Graham was accepted to Harvard University out of high school but chose another route first. In the fall of 1934, Graham attended Burdett Business Junior College in Boston for 2 years graduating in 1936 with a diploma in Stenographic studies. He entered Harvard University as a Freshman in 1936. He graduated after only three years Cum Laude on 22 June 1939 from Harvard with BA degree in Economics. Early in 1940, Graham was enumerated in the 1940 US Census working for the Alexandria City, VA Gas Co. as a secretary. He was a lodger with a Mrs Elizabeth Grady (59) and her daughter Miss Helen D. Grady (39). On 16 Oct 1940, Graham registered for the draft. He was still employed with the Alexandria, VA Gas Co. He wrote that his nativity was South Weymouth, MA.
The following year Graham Alvord enlisted in the Volunteer US Naval Reserve (NSN: 603-00-40) in the V-4 program (Intelligence) as a Yeoman First Class (Y1c) on 6 Jun 1941 (I can find no records that he ever enlisted in the US Army first.). He reported to the Naval Receiving Station, Norfolk, VA on 2 July 1941 from the Navy Yard, (NYD), Washington, DC. He transferred on 05 July 1941 to the transport USS Chaumont (AP-5) for further transfer (FFT) to COMTEN for assignment. The following year Graham was commissioned an Ensign, US Naval Reserve (D-V(S)) on 10 July 1942 with a date of rank of 09 Mar 1942. The D-V(S) designation means deck officers, commissioned and warrant, including boatswains and ships clerks, qualified for specialist duties. He advanced in rank to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) on 01 May 1943. A short time later, Ltjg Alvord was assigned to the precommissioning crew of the newly constructed Landing Ship Tank (LST) 133 as the executive officer. The ship was commissioned on 29 Nov 1943 in New Orleans, LA where she was being outfitted for duty.
LST 133 was the first of twelve new LSTs that would be placed into commission over the period of November - December 1943. They would comprise the yet to be commissioned LST Group Thirty, a element of Flotilla 10. LSTs 51, 133, 134, 285, 286, and 502 would comprise Division Fifty Nine (Div 59), and LSTs 53, 288, 494, 495, 504 and 505 would be assigned to Division Sixty (Div. 60). On 28 Feb 1944, LST GROUP THIRTY was placed in commission. It would be decommissioned on 21 Dec 1944. On that date the LSTs of Div 59 and Div 60 were reassigned to Commander Amphibious Training Command.
LST 133, under the command of recently commissioned LT Floyd Eugene Roberts, USN, a prior enlisted sailor, was underway from New Orleans steaming to St. Andrews Bay, FL on 18 Dec 1943. On New Year's Day 1944, LST 133 began shakedown training. Several days later, she steamed back to New Orleans and the Todd Johnson shipyard where she entered dry-dock for repairs and alterations on 5 Jan. Repairs completed, LST 133 got underway on 16 Jan from Pilotown, LA steaming for New York. After a brief port call at New York on 23 Jan 1944 for cargo delivery, she was underway again steaming for Narragansett Bay and Davisville, RI and an equipment load-out. After the load-out was completed, she steamed to Boston arriving on 06 Feb. Several days later, she was underway again steaming to Halifax, Nova Scotia to await the formation of a convoy bound for England. Convoy SC-153 formed and got underway on 13 Feb 1944 initially destined for Milford Haven, Wales, UK. However, the final destination was changed on 28 Feb to Falmouth, England via Milford Haven, Wales.
The convoy safely anchored at Milford Haven on 02 March. The following day the remainder of the convoy got underway for Falmouth where the ships anchored on 04 Mar. Over the next several weeks, LST 133 embarked personnel and a variety of cargo for delivery to Netley, Southampton, England on 13 Mar then on the 23rd she was enroute to the Isle of Wight and on 25 March she anchored at Jenny Cliff Bay, Plymouth, England.
During April 1944, according to the WWII war diaries of Commander LST Grp 30, ships in LST Divisions 59 and 60 were employed in training and routine maintenance. LST 133 departed Plymouth, England on 24 April steaming to Falmouth were she arrived later that day. She departed Falmouth on the 27th bound for Portland, England where she anchored on 28 April. During May LST 133 engaged in training, maintenance, and cargo/personnel transport.
On 01 June 1944, ships of Divisions 59, 60, and 69 (under administrative control of LST Grp Thirty) were assigned to the Assault Force "O" and "B" of the Western Task Force, commanded by Rear Admiral Kirk, to participate in operation Neptune (Neptune was the code word for the Normandy landings.). From 01 Jun - 04 Jun, ships of division 59 (LSTs 133, 51, 134, 286, 285, and 502) loaded army vehicles and personnel for operation Neptune at Portland Harbor, England. On 05 Jun 1944, LST 133 with 13 other LSTs of Convoy Group III sortied from Portland and during the day lay at anchor in Weymouth Bay taking Rhino ferries and Tugs in tow. The convoy got underway at approximately H minus 13 hours (1730, 5 Jun) and steamed to the assault area about 120 miles away. The Convoy Group was delayed, however, and it did not arrive at the transport area until 1900. LST 133 arrived at her designated sector of Fox Green and anchored 3 miles off Omaha Beach in the Bay of Seine. A short time later, LST 133 received orders to proceed toward the beach immediately. Tow was cast off and word passed throughout the ship to all hands and Army personnel embarked to prepare for beaching.
As the ship approached the beach they could see it was littered with wrecks of small boats and almost a continuous line of wrecked and stranded vehicles. It was obvious that obstructions had not been cleared as they were 5-6 rows deep. No beach organization was apparent. The ship began opening her bow doors about 400 yards off the beach. Word was passed to standby for beaching. Suddenly, a flashing light message was received from LCI 86. It said, "Don't beach." Fortunately, LST 133 was able to back away from the beach, and she proceeded to anchor 1 1/2 miles from the beach at 2212.
The morning of 06 Jun dawned cloudy with a low hanging fog surrounding LST 133 while she was at anchor at Baie De La Seine, Omaha Beach. Suddenly, without warning, 3 JU-88 German twin engine aircraft appeared at an altitude of several hundred feet making a level attack. They were taken under fire from the ship almost immediately as all gun stations had been manned as a precaution. One plane was seen to sever a barrage balloon anchoring cable. Several hits were observed on the aircraft from the ship's guns. One plane was shot down. The ship was not engaged in any further activity that day.
On 07 Jun 1944, LST 133 received orders to beach by 1330. She weighted anchor and steamed for Sector Dog Red. As the ship approached the beach they observed a beach not yet marked, a similar scene of unbroken lines of uncleared obstructions and wrecks. The ship moved to the right flank of Dog Red and proceeded into the beach. Beach parties signaled NOT to beach, but it was too late as the ship had too much way on and could not stop in time. She grounded in 6 feet of water off the bow. Smart ship handling and an alert watch enabled the ship to avoid half submerged element "C" obstructions with Teller mines attached. In the War Diary of LST 133 it was written, "It would appear that by an act of Providence the ship had beached on the unique piece of sand in this sector suitable for beaching." This narrow piece of beach was the only area free of submerged obstruction and buried mines that had not been cleared. As the ship offloaded its cargo of vehicles and army personnel she came under fire from the cliffs above. All army personnel and vehicles were put ashore and beyond the beach line without even a minor injury or damage. At 2135, the ship retreated from the beach without incident and anchored about 2 miles off shore. The following evening (08 Jun), the ship returned to Portland Harbor in convoy.
On June 11, more than 326,000 troops, 50,000 vehicles and 100,000 tons of equipment had landed on the secured Normandy beaches. The Allies fought across the countryside in Normandy in the weeks that followed. They successfully seized the vital port of Cherbourg, landed approximately 850,000 men and 150,000 vehicles in Normandy and were poised to continue their march across France.
On 14 Jun 1944, LST 133 was transporting its third cargo of Army vehicles and personnel from Portland Harbor, Dorset, England to Omaha beach at Normandy. This cargo was comprised of men and equipment of the HQ and three batteries of the 113th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th US Infantry Division. The load-out was finished by late afternoon. Orders were to join convoy EPL-8 and sortie at 2200. LST 133 was delayed by the late delivery of two C.B. Rhino tugs. Consequently, the ship did not clear the channel until 2310. The delay put the ship some 3000 yards astern of the convoy. Shortly after mid-nite star shells were seen indicating a possible E-Boat attack. After executing several evasive maneuvers the ship rang up flank speed. Shortly after 0500, the ship joined the convoy and assumed its position. Not long afterward however, the ship began to lose its position again.
By 0800, she was about 27 miles northeast of Barfleur, France and about 2000 yards behind station. Suddenly, at 0816, an underwater explosion rocked the ship. The explosion blew off the greater part of the fantail into the sea. The starboard engine stalled. General quarters was sounded. One man was seen in the water. The ship was left without propulsion or steering, but for the most part it was still intact and water tight integrity was maintained forward of frame 41. Later damage assessments indicated extensive damage to various parts of the ship, but especially to the area of the stern where several gun emplacements were situated. USS Raven (AM 55) and USS Chickadee (AM 59) en route to Portsmouth came alongside to take off the wounded, while Raven took LST-133 in tow towards Omaha Beach until relieved by USS Arikara (ATF 98) at 1235 hours. Omaha beach was reached at 1912. The ship beached at the first high tide with the help of USS LCI(L)-490 and USS LCI(L)-84 at 1938. At 2345, the tide was low enough to start unloading. By 0200 on 16 June, all Army personnel and vehicles were unloaded. On the high tide of the following morning, the ship retracted from the beach and was temporarily berthed alongside a blockship for sufficient repairs, removal of bodies from the wreckage, and shoring to permit towing to England. On 18 June 1944, the ship left Omaha beach for the last time. She was towed by British tug Empire Meadow steaming for Southampton and later the repair yard at Barry, Wales.
The cause of the underwater explosion that damaged LST 133 was originally believed to have been made by an acoustic mine. However, that doesn’t seem plausible because the entire convoy had passed over that immediate area without it detonating. LST 133 came along shortly afterward. Another alternative was that the explosion was caused by a submarine fired Gnat torpedo. LST 133, who was lagging behind the convoy, was the perfect target for a submarine. U-621 was earlier credited with damaging USS LST-280, but the submarine's reporting time and position of the attack indicate that LST-133 was the target. And, because the explosion was believed to have been caused by a mine, US convoy escorts did not respond with anti-submarine searches allowing the sub to escape unscathed. U-621 was sunk several months later in the Bay of Bengal.
Casualties were high. Ship’s company: 7 dead, 17 wounded, 8 missing. Army passengers: 2 dead, 8 wounded, 20 missing. Seabee passengers: 01 dead, 3 wounded, 5 missing. Totals: 10 dead, 42 missing, 28 wounded.
While the ship was being towed back to England on 19 June she was attacked by 3 JU-88 German aircraft at 2322. Due to low visibility conditions the aircraft were able to approach the ship to within 100 yards before gun crews were able to respond. Several wakes in the water were seen to pass under the ship but there was no explosion. The ship was unable to determine the type of weapon used by the German planes; torpedoes or mines. The three planes departed the area without perceptible damage. There were no shipboard injuries or damage.
Later in June 1944, LST 133 arrived at the repair facilities in Barry, Wales. Repairs were conducted over the summer to make her seaworthy for a transatlantic trip to the Brooklyn, Navy Yard in New York. On 2 Sep 1944, tug USS Choctaw (ATF-70) left Barry towing the disabled LST 133 bound for the United States. After several days of storm related delays, Choctaw towed LST 133 to Milford Haven, Wales to join a special towing convoy bound for New York and Boston. On 13 Sep after the convoy steamed out of Milford Haven bound for the US, Choctaw’s 1 5/8” towing cable parted setting LST 133 adrift. After several hours, Choctaw regained control of her charge. The following day LST 133 and LST 981 were lashed together and towed by Choctaw. After a long, slow journey that included changes of course to avoid a hurricane, the convoy finally arrived in the US territorial waters on 30 Sep. Choctaw was relieved of her tow. USS LST 133 was picked up by the rescue tug USS ATR 54 at Ambrose Light Ship, NY and towed to the Brooklyn Navy Yard for permanent repairs.
Repairs on LST 133 were in the final stages by New Years Day, 1945 in New York. She was underway and steaming for Norfolk, VA on 5 Jan 1945. She arrived at the amphibious base at Little Creek, VA on the next day. Several days later she began a shakedown period. She set sail for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on 26 Jan anchoring there on 01 Feb 1945. Several days later, she steamed for the Panama Canal and her first stop at the Coco Solo, Naval Base on 6 Feb 1945. She continued her voyage and moored at Cristobal, Canal Zone on 11 Feb. Underway again on 15 Feb, LST 133 steamed for Pearl Harbor. She moored at Pearl Harbor on 08 March.
During the next four weeks LST 133 engaged in landing exercise practices and generally made ready to steam into danger in the Western Pacific combat zone. She set sail for Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands on 4 April and arrived on 16 April. The next day she steamed out of the harbor bound for Guam, Mariana Islands. Her cargo was the 5th Naval Construction Brigade and Combat Air Service Unit 48. She arrived at Guam on the 22nd and was underway again on the 28th bound for Leyte, P.I. She was at Okinawa in early June and returned to Leyte Gulf, P.I. on 18 June. She returned to Okinawa carrying cargo on 08 July. For the next month until the cessation of hostilities with Japan, LST 133 made a number of round trips between Okinawa and the Philippines carrying cargo and personnel. She anchored at Subic Bay on 17 Aug 1945 after departing Okinawa on 12 Aug. For the next month, she steamed to various ports carrying cargo. On 20 Sep 1945, she was underway from Batangas Bay, Luzon, P.I. bound for Tokyo Bay, Japan. She anchored in Tokyo Bay off Yokohama on 29 Sep. Underway again on 03 Oct, she steamed to Manila, P.I., and then returned to Batangas Bay later in the month. She made another trip to Tokyo Bay getting underway on 01 Nov 1945 and anchoring in Tokyo Bay on 04 Nov. One week later, LST 133 weighted anchor and got underway for Saipan arriving there on 12 Nov 1945.
In Jan 1946, her only Captain, Lt Floyd E. Roberts was relieved of command by her last CO, Lt Vinton Claude Vint. LST 133 remained in the Pacific where she was used as a target in the Bikini atomic bomb tests in July 1946. USS LST 133 was decommissioned on 29 August that same year. She was eventually scuttled as a target ship off Kwajalein on 11 May 1948. Lt Richards was awarded the Silver Star sometime between July 1944 and July 1945 according to the Naval Officers Register of 01 July 1945. I do not know the action for which he was awarded the Silver Star, but I presume it had to do with the air attacks and submarine attack on his ship in June 1944 at Normandy.
Lt Alvord was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern-Campaign Medal and one bronze battle star for the invasion of Normandy and the World War II Victory Medal. It isn't known exactly when Lt Alvord was detached from LST 133 or when he was discharged from the US Navy. However, he married his pen pal, sweetheart and then wife in Winchester, Middlesex, MA on 17 Mar 1945 in uniform. So, he was probably detached from LST 133 prior to her completion of repairs in January 1945 and was discharged later that year or early 1946.
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The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in awarding the Navy Unit Commendation to USS Landing Ship (Tank) 133 for service during assault operations against German-held beaches in the Bay of the Seine, northern France. "Under orders to land heavy artillery and antiaircraft equipment, USS LST 133 proceeded to the assigned area and closed the beach despite mine fields, underwater obstructions and wreckage of derelict craft. Under shellfire, sniper fire and aerial bombardment, her crew successfully beached the craft, unloaded her cargo of personnel and weapons, and took aboard 65 casualties for evacuation. The first LST of the force to hit the beach and the first in her assault group to put all army equipment and personnel ashore, the LST 133 completed her mission without loss of men or material."
Navy Unit Commendation Awarded in 1947.
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Mr. Graham Alvord awarded the Legion of Honor
On Friday July 5, 2013, Consul General Fabien Fieschi honored Veteran Graham Alvord with the Legion of Honor, France's oldest and most prestigious medals. The boat for which he was executive officer, LST #133, is believed to be the first ship to land on the beach and struck a mine on its third trip to Omaha Beach, after which it still off-loaded the soldiers it carried. For his bravery during World War II he has been awarded the American Defense Medal, the American Campaign medal and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and one star for the invasion of Normandy.
Today Mr. Alvord lives in Kittery Point, Maine with his wife Jean. He had a successful career as a High School teacher for Portsmouth (N.H.). Having been to France many times since his service, he maintains a love and respect for the French people. His first time back at the beaches of Normandy in 1970, when he was overcome with emotion.
In order to honor and remember such incredible sacrifice, France presents the Legion of Honor. Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte established this award in 1802 to recognize exemplary military and civilian services and is the oldest as well as highest honor in France. Mr. Alvord’s service and courage perfectly match the description of this award, and the Consul General, in the name of the President François Hollande, presented it to him in a quiet ceremony.
Source: Seacoast Online. July 2, 2013. http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20130629-NEWS-306290319 [retrieved online 28 July 2017]. Original article edited for content.
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KITTERY POINT, Maine - Graham Alvord died peacefully at home on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the age of 103, joining his wife Jean in heaven, who died nine days before. Graham was born on September 7, 1916 in Melrose, Mass., to Henry and Margaret Alvord. He is survived by five children. (note: Graham was born in South Weymouth, MA according to MA birth records.)
[Bio #239 composed by Gerry Lawton (G47)]
Military Hall of Honor Honoree ID: 320030
Graham graduated from Melrose's Roosevelt Grammar School in the spring of 1929. He entered Melrose High School the following fall. Some of his high school activities included; Theater plays, Debating and Orchestra. He was one of 242 graduates at commencement exercises on 09 June 1933 from Melrose High School. Graham was accepted to Harvard University out of high school but chose another route first. In the fall of 1934, Graham attended Burdett Business Junior College in Boston for 2 years graduating in 1936 with a diploma in Stenographic studies. He entered Harvard University as a Freshman in 1936. He graduated after only three years Cum Laude on 22 June 1939 from Harvard with BA degree in Economics. Early in 1940, Graham was enumerated in the 1940 US Census working for the Alexandria City, VA Gas Co. as a secretary. He was a lodger with a Mrs Elizabeth Grady (59) and her daughter Miss Helen D. Grady (39). On 16 Oct 1940, Graham registered for the draft. He was still employed with the Alexandria, VA Gas Co. He wrote that his nativity was South Weymouth, MA.
The following year Graham Alvord enlisted in the Volunteer US Naval Reserve (NSN: 603-00-40) in the V-4 program (Intelligence) as a Yeoman First Class (Y1c) on 6 Jun 1941 (I can find no records that he ever enlisted in the US Army first.). He reported to the Naval Receiving Station, Norfolk, VA on 2 July 1941 from the Navy Yard, (NYD), Washington, DC. He transferred on 05 July 1941 to the transport USS Chaumont (AP-5) for further transfer (FFT) to COMTEN for assignment. The following year Graham was commissioned an Ensign, US Naval Reserve (D-V(S)) on 10 July 1942 with a date of rank of 09 Mar 1942. The D-V(S) designation means deck officers, commissioned and warrant, including boatswains and ships clerks, qualified for specialist duties. He advanced in rank to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) on 01 May 1943. A short time later, Ltjg Alvord was assigned to the precommissioning crew of the newly constructed Landing Ship Tank (LST) 133 as the executive officer. The ship was commissioned on 29 Nov 1943 in New Orleans, LA where she was being outfitted for duty.
LST 133 was the first of twelve new LSTs that would be placed into commission over the period of November - December 1943. They would comprise the yet to be commissioned LST Group Thirty, a element of Flotilla 10. LSTs 51, 133, 134, 285, 286, and 502 would comprise Division Fifty Nine (Div 59), and LSTs 53, 288, 494, 495, 504 and 505 would be assigned to Division Sixty (Div. 60). On 28 Feb 1944, LST GROUP THIRTY was placed in commission. It would be decommissioned on 21 Dec 1944. On that date the LSTs of Div 59 and Div 60 were reassigned to Commander Amphibious Training Command.
LST 133, under the command of recently commissioned LT Floyd Eugene Roberts, USN, a prior enlisted sailor, was underway from New Orleans steaming to St. Andrews Bay, FL on 18 Dec 1943. On New Year's Day 1944, LST 133 began shakedown training. Several days later, she steamed back to New Orleans and the Todd Johnson shipyard where she entered dry-dock for repairs and alterations on 5 Jan. Repairs completed, LST 133 got underway on 16 Jan from Pilotown, LA steaming for New York. After a brief port call at New York on 23 Jan 1944 for cargo delivery, she was underway again steaming for Narragansett Bay and Davisville, RI and an equipment load-out. After the load-out was completed, she steamed to Boston arriving on 06 Feb. Several days later, she was underway again steaming to Halifax, Nova Scotia to await the formation of a convoy bound for England. Convoy SC-153 formed and got underway on 13 Feb 1944 initially destined for Milford Haven, Wales, UK. However, the final destination was changed on 28 Feb to Falmouth, England via Milford Haven, Wales.
The convoy safely anchored at Milford Haven on 02 March. The following day the remainder of the convoy got underway for Falmouth where the ships anchored on 04 Mar. Over the next several weeks, LST 133 embarked personnel and a variety of cargo for delivery to Netley, Southampton, England on 13 Mar then on the 23rd she was enroute to the Isle of Wight and on 25 March she anchored at Jenny Cliff Bay, Plymouth, England.
During April 1944, according to the WWII war diaries of Commander LST Grp 30, ships in LST Divisions 59 and 60 were employed in training and routine maintenance. LST 133 departed Plymouth, England on 24 April steaming to Falmouth were she arrived later that day. She departed Falmouth on the 27th bound for Portland, England where she anchored on 28 April. During May LST 133 engaged in training, maintenance, and cargo/personnel transport.
On 01 June 1944, ships of Divisions 59, 60, and 69 (under administrative control of LST Grp Thirty) were assigned to the Assault Force "O" and "B" of the Western Task Force, commanded by Rear Admiral Kirk, to participate in operation Neptune (Neptune was the code word for the Normandy landings.). From 01 Jun - 04 Jun, ships of division 59 (LSTs 133, 51, 134, 286, 285, and 502) loaded army vehicles and personnel for operation Neptune at Portland Harbor, England. On 05 Jun 1944, LST 133 with 13 other LSTs of Convoy Group III sortied from Portland and during the day lay at anchor in Weymouth Bay taking Rhino ferries and Tugs in tow. The convoy got underway at approximately H minus 13 hours (1730, 5 Jun) and steamed to the assault area about 120 miles away. The Convoy Group was delayed, however, and it did not arrive at the transport area until 1900. LST 133 arrived at her designated sector of Fox Green and anchored 3 miles off Omaha Beach in the Bay of Seine. A short time later, LST 133 received orders to proceed toward the beach immediately. Tow was cast off and word passed throughout the ship to all hands and Army personnel embarked to prepare for beaching.
As the ship approached the beach they could see it was littered with wrecks of small boats and almost a continuous line of wrecked and stranded vehicles. It was obvious that obstructions had not been cleared as they were 5-6 rows deep. No beach organization was apparent. The ship began opening her bow doors about 400 yards off the beach. Word was passed to standby for beaching. Suddenly, a flashing light message was received from LCI 86. It said, "Don't beach." Fortunately, LST 133 was able to back away from the beach, and she proceeded to anchor 1 1/2 miles from the beach at 2212.
The morning of 06 Jun dawned cloudy with a low hanging fog surrounding LST 133 while she was at anchor at Baie De La Seine, Omaha Beach. Suddenly, without warning, 3 JU-88 German twin engine aircraft appeared at an altitude of several hundred feet making a level attack. They were taken under fire from the ship almost immediately as all gun stations had been manned as a precaution. One plane was seen to sever a barrage balloon anchoring cable. Several hits were observed on the aircraft from the ship's guns. One plane was shot down. The ship was not engaged in any further activity that day.
On 07 Jun 1944, LST 133 received orders to beach by 1330. She weighted anchor and steamed for Sector Dog Red. As the ship approached the beach they observed a beach not yet marked, a similar scene of unbroken lines of uncleared obstructions and wrecks. The ship moved to the right flank of Dog Red and proceeded into the beach. Beach parties signaled NOT to beach, but it was too late as the ship had too much way on and could not stop in time. She grounded in 6 feet of water off the bow. Smart ship handling and an alert watch enabled the ship to avoid half submerged element "C" obstructions with Teller mines attached. In the War Diary of LST 133 it was written, "It would appear that by an act of Providence the ship had beached on the unique piece of sand in this sector suitable for beaching." This narrow piece of beach was the only area free of submerged obstruction and buried mines that had not been cleared. As the ship offloaded its cargo of vehicles and army personnel she came under fire from the cliffs above. All army personnel and vehicles were put ashore and beyond the beach line without even a minor injury or damage. At 2135, the ship retreated from the beach without incident and anchored about 2 miles off shore. The following evening (08 Jun), the ship returned to Portland Harbor in convoy.
On June 11, more than 326,000 troops, 50,000 vehicles and 100,000 tons of equipment had landed on the secured Normandy beaches. The Allies fought across the countryside in Normandy in the weeks that followed. They successfully seized the vital port of Cherbourg, landed approximately 850,000 men and 150,000 vehicles in Normandy and were poised to continue their march across France.
On 14 Jun 1944, LST 133 was transporting its third cargo of Army vehicles and personnel from Portland Harbor, Dorset, England to Omaha beach at Normandy. This cargo was comprised of men and equipment of the HQ and three batteries of the 113th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th US Infantry Division. The load-out was finished by late afternoon. Orders were to join convoy EPL-8 and sortie at 2200. LST 133 was delayed by the late delivery of two C.B. Rhino tugs. Consequently, the ship did not clear the channel until 2310. The delay put the ship some 3000 yards astern of the convoy. Shortly after mid-nite star shells were seen indicating a possible E-Boat attack. After executing several evasive maneuvers the ship rang up flank speed. Shortly after 0500, the ship joined the convoy and assumed its position. Not long afterward however, the ship began to lose its position again.
By 0800, she was about 27 miles northeast of Barfleur, France and about 2000 yards behind station. Suddenly, at 0816, an underwater explosion rocked the ship. The explosion blew off the greater part of the fantail into the sea. The starboard engine stalled. General quarters was sounded. One man was seen in the water. The ship was left without propulsion or steering, but for the most part it was still intact and water tight integrity was maintained forward of frame 41. Later damage assessments indicated extensive damage to various parts of the ship, but especially to the area of the stern where several gun emplacements were situated. USS Raven (AM 55) and USS Chickadee (AM 59) en route to Portsmouth came alongside to take off the wounded, while Raven took LST-133 in tow towards Omaha Beach until relieved by USS Arikara (ATF 98) at 1235 hours. Omaha beach was reached at 1912. The ship beached at the first high tide with the help of USS LCI(L)-490 and USS LCI(L)-84 at 1938. At 2345, the tide was low enough to start unloading. By 0200 on 16 June, all Army personnel and vehicles were unloaded. On the high tide of the following morning, the ship retracted from the beach and was temporarily berthed alongside a blockship for sufficient repairs, removal of bodies from the wreckage, and shoring to permit towing to England. On 18 June 1944, the ship left Omaha beach for the last time. She was towed by British tug Empire Meadow steaming for Southampton and later the repair yard at Barry, Wales.
The cause of the underwater explosion that damaged LST 133 was originally believed to have been made by an acoustic mine. However, that doesn’t seem plausible because the entire convoy had passed over that immediate area without it detonating. LST 133 came along shortly afterward. Another alternative was that the explosion was caused by a submarine fired Gnat torpedo. LST 133, who was lagging behind the convoy, was the perfect target for a submarine. U-621 was earlier credited with damaging USS LST-280, but the submarine's reporting time and position of the attack indicate that LST-133 was the target. And, because the explosion was believed to have been caused by a mine, US convoy escorts did not respond with anti-submarine searches allowing the sub to escape unscathed. U-621 was sunk several months later in the Bay of Bengal.
Casualties were high. Ship’s company: 7 dead, 17 wounded, 8 missing. Army passengers: 2 dead, 8 wounded, 20 missing. Seabee passengers: 01 dead, 3 wounded, 5 missing. Totals: 10 dead, 42 missing, 28 wounded.
While the ship was being towed back to England on 19 June she was attacked by 3 JU-88 German aircraft at 2322. Due to low visibility conditions the aircraft were able to approach the ship to within 100 yards before gun crews were able to respond. Several wakes in the water were seen to pass under the ship but there was no explosion. The ship was unable to determine the type of weapon used by the German planes; torpedoes or mines. The three planes departed the area without perceptible damage. There were no shipboard injuries or damage.
Later in June 1944, LST 133 arrived at the repair facilities in Barry, Wales. Repairs were conducted over the summer to make her seaworthy for a transatlantic trip to the Brooklyn, Navy Yard in New York. On 2 Sep 1944, tug USS Choctaw (ATF-70) left Barry towing the disabled LST 133 bound for the United States. After several days of storm related delays, Choctaw towed LST 133 to Milford Haven, Wales to join a special towing convoy bound for New York and Boston. On 13 Sep after the convoy steamed out of Milford Haven bound for the US, Choctaw’s 1 5/8” towing cable parted setting LST 133 adrift. After several hours, Choctaw regained control of her charge. The following day LST 133 and LST 981 were lashed together and towed by Choctaw. After a long, slow journey that included changes of course to avoid a hurricane, the convoy finally arrived in the US territorial waters on 30 Sep. Choctaw was relieved of her tow. USS LST 133 was picked up by the rescue tug USS ATR 54 at Ambrose Light Ship, NY and towed to the Brooklyn Navy Yard for permanent repairs.
Repairs on LST 133 were in the final stages by New Years Day, 1945 in New York. She was underway and steaming for Norfolk, VA on 5 Jan 1945. She arrived at the amphibious base at Little Creek, VA on the next day. Several days later she began a shakedown period. She set sail for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on 26 Jan anchoring there on 01 Feb 1945. Several days later, she steamed for the Panama Canal and her first stop at the Coco Solo, Naval Base on 6 Feb 1945. She continued her voyage and moored at Cristobal, Canal Zone on 11 Feb. Underway again on 15 Feb, LST 133 steamed for Pearl Harbor. She moored at Pearl Harbor on 08 March.
During the next four weeks LST 133 engaged in landing exercise practices and generally made ready to steam into danger in the Western Pacific combat zone. She set sail for Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands on 4 April and arrived on 16 April. The next day she steamed out of the harbor bound for Guam, Mariana Islands. Her cargo was the 5th Naval Construction Brigade and Combat Air Service Unit 48. She arrived at Guam on the 22nd and was underway again on the 28th bound for Leyte, P.I. She was at Okinawa in early June and returned to Leyte Gulf, P.I. on 18 June. She returned to Okinawa carrying cargo on 08 July. For the next month until the cessation of hostilities with Japan, LST 133 made a number of round trips between Okinawa and the Philippines carrying cargo and personnel. She anchored at Subic Bay on 17 Aug 1945 after departing Okinawa on 12 Aug. For the next month, she steamed to various ports carrying cargo. On 20 Sep 1945, she was underway from Batangas Bay, Luzon, P.I. bound for Tokyo Bay, Japan. She anchored in Tokyo Bay off Yokohama on 29 Sep. Underway again on 03 Oct, she steamed to Manila, P.I., and then returned to Batangas Bay later in the month. She made another trip to Tokyo Bay getting underway on 01 Nov 1945 and anchoring in Tokyo Bay on 04 Nov. One week later, LST 133 weighted anchor and got underway for Saipan arriving there on 12 Nov 1945.
In Jan 1946, her only Captain, Lt Floyd E. Roberts was relieved of command by her last CO, Lt Vinton Claude Vint. LST 133 remained in the Pacific where she was used as a target in the Bikini atomic bomb tests in July 1946. USS LST 133 was decommissioned on 29 August that same year. She was eventually scuttled as a target ship off Kwajalein on 11 May 1948. Lt Richards was awarded the Silver Star sometime between July 1944 and July 1945 according to the Naval Officers Register of 01 July 1945. I do not know the action for which he was awarded the Silver Star, but I presume it had to do with the air attacks and submarine attack on his ship in June 1944 at Normandy.
Lt Alvord was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern-Campaign Medal and one bronze battle star for the invasion of Normandy and the World War II Victory Medal. It isn't known exactly when Lt Alvord was detached from LST 133 or when he was discharged from the US Navy. However, he married his pen pal, sweetheart and then wife in Winchester, Middlesex, MA on 17 Mar 1945 in uniform. So, he was probably detached from LST 133 prior to her completion of repairs in January 1945 and was discharged later that year or early 1946.
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The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in awarding the Navy Unit Commendation to USS Landing Ship (Tank) 133 for service during assault operations against German-held beaches in the Bay of the Seine, northern France. "Under orders to land heavy artillery and antiaircraft equipment, USS LST 133 proceeded to the assigned area and closed the beach despite mine fields, underwater obstructions and wreckage of derelict craft. Under shellfire, sniper fire and aerial bombardment, her crew successfully beached the craft, unloaded her cargo of personnel and weapons, and took aboard 65 casualties for evacuation. The first LST of the force to hit the beach and the first in her assault group to put all army equipment and personnel ashore, the LST 133 completed her mission without loss of men or material."
Navy Unit Commendation Awarded in 1947.
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Mr. Graham Alvord awarded the Legion of Honor
On Friday July 5, 2013, Consul General Fabien Fieschi honored Veteran Graham Alvord with the Legion of Honor, France's oldest and most prestigious medals. The boat for which he was executive officer, LST #133, is believed to be the first ship to land on the beach and struck a mine on its third trip to Omaha Beach, after which it still off-loaded the soldiers it carried. For his bravery during World War II he has been awarded the American Defense Medal, the American Campaign medal and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and one star for the invasion of Normandy.
Today Mr. Alvord lives in Kittery Point, Maine with his wife Jean. He had a successful career as a High School teacher for Portsmouth (N.H.). Having been to France many times since his service, he maintains a love and respect for the French people. His first time back at the beaches of Normandy in 1970, when he was overcome with emotion.
In order to honor and remember such incredible sacrifice, France presents the Legion of Honor. Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte established this award in 1802 to recognize exemplary military and civilian services and is the oldest as well as highest honor in France. Mr. Alvord’s service and courage perfectly match the description of this award, and the Consul General, in the name of the President François Hollande, presented it to him in a quiet ceremony.
Source: Seacoast Online. July 2, 2013. http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20130629-NEWS-306290319 [retrieved online 28 July 2017]. Original article edited for content.
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KITTERY POINT, Maine - Graham Alvord died peacefully at home on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the age of 103, joining his wife Jean in heaven, who died nine days before. Graham was born on September 7, 1916 in Melrose, Mass., to Henry and Margaret Alvord. He is survived by five children. (note: Graham was born in South Weymouth, MA according to MA birth records.)
[Bio #239 composed by Gerry Lawton (G47)]
Military Hall of Honor Honoree ID: 320030
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