Please report any broken links or trouble you might come across to the Webmaster. Please take a moment to let us know so that we can correct any problems and make your visit as enjoyable and as informative as possible.


NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive


Contributed by Mike Smolinski

Contributed by Al Grazevich

USS George Clymer (APA-27)
ex
USS George Clymer (AP-57) (1942 - 1943)

International Radio Call Sign:
November - Alpha - Hotel - Romeo
NAHR
Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons





Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row - China Service Medal (extended) - American Campaign Medal - Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign Medal (1)
Second Row - Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (5) - World War II Victory Medal - Navy Occupation Service Medal (with Asia clasp)
Third Row - National Defense Service Medal (2) - Korean Service Medal (7) - Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Quemoy-Matsu, Vietnam)
Fourth Row - Vietnam Service Medal (3) - Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation (2) - Philippine Liberation Medal
Fifth Row - United Nations Service Medal - Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal - Republic of Korea War Service Medal (retroactive)


Arthur Middleton Class Transport:
  • Laid down as SS African Planet, a Maritime Commission type (C3-P&C) hull, under Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 108) at Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, MS.
  • Launched, 27 September 1941
  • Renamed George Clymer, 9 June 1942
  • Acquired by the Navy and Commissioned as USS George Clymer (AP-57), 15 June 1942, CAPT. Arthur T. Moen in command
  • Redesignated Attack Transport (APA-27), 1 February 1943
  • During World War II USS George Clymer (AP-57 / APA-27) was assigned to both the Europe-Africa-Middle East Theater and Asiatic-Pacific Theater:
    TransRon Twelve, COMO. H.B. Knowles USN (17);
    TransDiv Thirty-Five, CAPT. R.C. Bartman and participating in the following campaigns:

    Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign

    Asiatic-Pacific Campaign
    North Africa occupation
    Algeria-Morocco landings, 8 to 11 November 1942
    Consolidation of Solomon Islands
    Consolidation of southern Solomon Islands, 7 May and 13 April 1943
      Treasury-Bougainville operation
    Occupation and defense of Cape Torokina, 1 and 13 November 1943
      Marianas operation
    Capture and occupation of Saipan, 17 to 30 June 1944
    Capture and occupation of Guam, 21 July to 15 August 1944
      Leyte operation
    Leyte landings, 20 October 1944 - Dulag landing
      Okinawa Gunto operation
    Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto, 1 to 5 April 1945

  • Following World War II USS George Clymer was assigned to Occupation and China service in the Far East for the following periods:

    Navy Occupation Service Medal

    China Service Medal (extended)
    25 to 26 September 19455 January to 18 August 1948
    21 to 27 October 194522 September to 1 October 1951
     25 to 28 February 1952
     3 to 8 March 1952

  • USS George Clymer (APA-27) was assigned to Joint Task Force 1, Task Unit 1.3.1 Transportation Group (Transportation Division (TRANSDIV 31) for Operation Crossroads the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll in July 1946
  • During the Korean War USS George Clymer (APA-27) participated in the following campaigns:

    Korean War Campaigns
    Campaigns and Dates Campaigns and Dates
    North Korean Aggression
    2 to 4 August 1950
    18 September to 30 October 1950
    Second Korean Winter
    5 to 18 December 1951
    20 to 30 December 1951
    11 January 1952
    22 to 23 January 1952
    Inchon Landing
    15 to 17 September 1950
    Third Korean Winter
    28 to 31 January 1953
    23 February to 6 March 1953
    Communist China Spring Offensive
    5 to 8 July 1951
    Korea, Summer-Fall 1953
    18 to 20 July1953
    UN Summer-Fall Offensive
    9 to 19 July 1951
    28 to 31 August 1951
    31 October to 1 November 1951
     

  • During the Vietnam War USS George Clymer (APA-27) participated in the following campaigns:

    Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Vietnam Service Medal
    Campaigns and Dates Campaigns and Dates
    Vietnam Advisory Campaign
    9 to 11 January 1963
    24 to 29 January 1963
    1 to 29 September 1964
    Vietnamese Counteroffensive
    22 to 25 March 1966
    28 March to 4 April 1966
    12 to 15 April 1966
    6 to 18 May 1966
    9 to 27 June1966
    Vietnam Defense
    4 to 9 July 1965
    Vietnamese Counteroffensive - Phase II
    30 to 31 July 1966

  • Decommissioned, 31 October 1967, at San Diego, CA.
  • Struck from the Naval Register, date unknown
  • USS George Clymer earned six battle stars for World War II, seven battle stars for Korean War service. the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with three campaign stars for Vietnam War service
  • Final Disposition, sold for scrapping, 26 July 1968, to National Metals & Steel Corp.,
    Specifications:
    Displacement 9.000 t.(lt) 18,000 t.(fl)
    Length 489'
    Beam 69' 6"
    Draft 26' 6"
    Speed 18.4 kts
    Complement
    Officers 37
    Enlisted 475
    Troop Capacity
    Officers 80
    Enlisted 1264
    Flag Accommodation
    Officers 44
    Enlisted 75
    Largest Boom Capacity 50 t.
    Armament
    four single 3"/50 cal dual purpose gun mounts
    two twin 40MM AA gun mounts
    eight single 20mm gun mounts
    four .50 cal AA machine guns
    Cargo Capacity 3,500 DWT
    non-refrigerated 200,000 Cu. ft. non-refrigerated
    Fuel Capacities
    NSFO 10,685 Bbls
    Diesel 450 Bbls
    Propulsion
    one General Electric steam turbine
    two Foster and Wheeler D-type boilers, 465psi 765°
    double General Electric Main Reduction Gears
    Ship's Service Generators
    three turbo-drive 200Kw 120V/240V D.C.
    one Diesel-drive 300Kw 120V/240V D.C.
    one propeller, 8,500shp

    Click On Image
    For Full Size Image
    Size Image Description Contributed
    By
    Merchant Service Farrell Lines
    George Clymer
    100302723
    123k Miss Catherine Farrell Stapleton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Luke D. Stapleton of Norwalk Conn. who will Christen the SS African Planet at the Ingalls Shipbuilding yards in Pascagoula, inspects a model of the ship. Her mother was the former Catherine Farrell whose brothers John J. Farrell and James A. Farrell Jr. are chairman of the board and president respectively of the American South African Line, for which the new vessel is being built at the cost of $4,000,000. Mr Stapleton is general counsel director and secretary of the line. The SS African Planet is the only passenger vessel among the 14 ships being launched of Liberty Fleet Day. It is the only vessel being launched on the Gulf Coast and the largest, fastest and costliest steamer among the 14 ships.
    "The Chronicle-Star", Pascagoula Mississippi, Friday, September 26, 1941.
    Michael Mohl
    George Clymer
    100302742
    213k A Spring 1941 construction ways view of what will be C3P&C cargo vessel African Planet at the Ingalls Shipbuilding yard, Pascagoula MS. She will be launched by the Navy as George Clymer (AP-57).
    Photo by George Strock, Life Magazine, used for educational and non-commercial purpose.
    John Chiquoine
    USS George Clymer (AP-57)
    George Clymer 68k
    Namesake

    George Clymer, born in Philadelphia, Pa., 16 March 1739, was a Philadelphia merchant and prominent American patriot. Among the first to advocate complete independence from Great Britain, he became a member of the Pennsylvania Committee of Correspondence in 1774 and was elected to the Continental Congress, serving as one of two treasurers from July 1775 to August 1776. He signed the Declaration of Independence 2 August 1776. During the War of Independence, he fought in the Battle of Princeton and served on many commissions that dealt with the war and financial matters. He joined Robert Morris and others in founding the Bank of Pennsylvania in 1780. He again served in the Continental Congress from 1780 to 1783 and was an influential member of the Pennsylvania Assembly from 1785 until 1789. He was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and from 1789 to 1791 served in the First Congress. President Washington appointed him Supervisor of Internal Revenue for Pennsylvania in 1791, but he resigned after the Whisky Rebellion in 1794. In 1796 he served on a special commission that negotiated a treaty with the Creek and Cherokee Indians in Georgia. George Clymer enjoyed a wide reputation for patriotism, learning, and ability in financial matters. He died in Morrisville, Pa., 23 January 1813.
    Photo source: constitution.org
    Bill Gonyo
    George Clymer 74k USS George Clymer (AP-57) off Norfolk Navy Yard, 1 September 1942. She is in her original configuration, with her 5"/51 low-angle gun clearly visible on the stern.
    US National Archives RG-19-LCM, Photo No. 19-N-34169, a US Navy Bureau of Ships photo now in the collections of the US National Archives, courtesy Shipscribe.com.
    Mike Green
    George Clymer 52k USS George Clymer (AP-57) moored pierside at Casablanca inboard of USS Hambleton (DD-455). The destroyer had been torpedoed amidships off Fedala, Morocco, 11 November 1942. Other ships present are USS Henry T. Allen (AP-30), at left, and the French merchant ship De La Salle, at right.
    US National Archives photo # 80-G-21886, a US Navy photo now in the collections of the US National Archives.
    US Naval History and Heritage Command
    USS George Clymer (APA-27)
    George Clymer Clymer 216k USS George Clymer (APA-27) and other unidentified ships in the harbor at Noumea, New Caledonia, August 1943. Photographed from USS Nicholas (DD-449).
    US National Archives, Photo No. 80-G-56821, a US Navy photo now in the collections of the US National Archives
    Mike Green
    President Jackson/George Clymer 82k One of USS President Jackson (APA-18)'s LCVPs approaching a Bougainville beach during a resupply mission, 5 January 1944.The ship in the center right distance is USS George Clymer (APA-27).
    US National Archives photo # 80-G-55881, a US Navy photo now in the collections at the US National Archives
    Submitted by Scott at LBS Products
    George Clymer
    100302712
    93k USS George Clymer (APA-27) underway as part of the Guam invasion task force, 20 June 1944. USS George Clymer is painted in camouflage scheme Measure 32 Design 16D.
    Photos are from the Dwight Spayth collection, taken from USS Ringgold (DD-500)
    John Chiquoine
    George Clymer
    100302724
    293k
    George Clymer
    100302725
    260k
    George Clymer
    100302740
    117k USS George Clymer (APA-27) anchored off Agat Beach Guam during assault operations between 21 and 23 July 1944. She had CTF53.2 and beach platoons aboard.
    Photo by J R Eyerman, Life Magazine, used for educational and non-commercial purpose.
    John Chiquoine
    George Clymer
    100302741
    78k
    George Clymer 167k USS George Clymer (APA-27) under way, date and location unknown.
    US Navy photo
    Hyperwar US Navy in World War II
    George Clymer 127k USS George Clymer (APA-27) under way, date and location unknown.
    US Navy photo
    Hyperwar US Navy in World War II
    George Clymer 450k USS George Clymer (APA-27) under way, date and location unknown.
    US Navy photo
    David Buell
    George Clymer 64k USS George Clymer (APA-27)'s LCVP #3 alongside receiving a dog being lowered down in a sling. Hyperwar US Navy in World War II
    George Clymer 62k USS George Clymer (APA-27)'s LCVP #22 underway, date and location unknown.
    US Navy from "Allied Landing Craft of World War Two", published by Arms and Armour Press.
    Robert Hurst
    George Clymer
    100302739
    272k USS George Clymer (APA-27) entering San Diego Bay passing old Point Loma lighthouse on the hills in the background circa 1950s. Note the pilot boat alongside and large number of troops on deck that would seem to indicate she was returning from overseas or amphibious training off the California Coast. Robert Hurst
    George Clymer 39k USS George Clymer (APA-27) under way in 1951, location unknown. Richard Miller BMCS USNR Ret.
    George Clymer 28k USS George Clymer (APA-27) moored pierside, circa 1951 location unknown. Richard Miller BMCS USNR Ret.
    George Clymer 73k USS George Clymer (APA-27) under way, date and location unknown.
    US Navy photo from "All Hands" magazine, October 1953
    Joe Radigan MACM USN Ret.
    George Clymer 54k USS George Clymer (APA-27) under way, circa 1953 location unknown.
    US Navy photo
     
    George Clymer 321k USS George Clymer (APA-27) moored pierside, date and location unknown. Note USS Seminole (AKA-104) in the background.
    Photo by Ronald Roy SMC USN Ret.
    Scott Nelson for his Grandfather Ronald Roy SMC USN Ret. USS Atlas
    George Clymer 72k USS George Clymer (APA-27) at anchor off the Hawaiian Islands, 1964. Photo by LT. Richard Dawson USS Renville.
    George Clymer 62k USS George Clymer (APA-27) (right) and USS Pickaway (APA-222) (left) at anchor off the Hawaiian Islands, 1964. Photo by LT. Richard Dawson USS Renville.
    George Clymer 68k USS George Clymer (APA-27) at San Francisco, 7 May 1965. This ship was a relief AGC or squadron flagship.
    US Navy photo from "U.S.Amphibious Ships and Craft: An Illustrated Design History" by Norman Friedman.
    Robert Hurst
    George Clymer 208k Personnel transfer via boatswains chair at sea between USS George Clymer (APA-27) and USS General J. C. Breckinridge (T-AP-176) while in transit from Hawaii to Okinawa in May 1965. Thomas Livingston
    George Clymer 93k USS George Clymer (APA-27) passing Point Loma as she clears San Diego harbor on her way out to sea, circa October 1965.
    US Navy photo from "All Hands" magazine, October 1965
    Joe Radigan MACM USN Ret.
    George Clymer 73k USS George Clymer (APA-27) at anchor off Danang, South Vietnam, 1965. Photo by LT. Richard Dawson USS Renville.
    George Clymer
    100302736
    610k USS George Clymer (APA-27) anchored at Vung Tau, South Vietnam, view for one of the ship's LCVPs, 1964-1965.
    Photos by Gary Hornung from USS George Clymer.
    Bob Canchola
    George Clymer
    100302737
    918k USS George Clymer (APA-27) mail call off South Vietnam, 1964-1965.
    Photos by Gary Hornung from USS George Clymer.
    Bob Canchola
    George Clymer
    100302729
    217k USS George Clymer (APA-27) sending the Marines ashore at Chu Lai South Vietnam, circa 1964-1966.
    Photos by Gary Hornung from USS George Clymer.
    Bob Canchola
    George Clymer
    100302730
    952k
    George Clymer
    100302733
    795k
    George Clymer
    100302732
    512k
    George Clymer
    100302734
    890k USS George Clymer (APA-27) view looking from the flag bridge forward, Iwakuni, Japan, 1964-1065
    Photos by Gary Hornung from USS George Clymer.
    Bob Canchola
    George Clymer
    100302735
    804k
    George Clymer
    100302738
    856k USS George Clymer (APA-27) moored pierside at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, HI. in 1966
    Photos by Gary Hornung from USS George Clymer.
    Bob Canchola
    George Clymer
    100302727
    601k USS George Clymer (APA-27) underway, date and location unknown. Nicholas Tiberio
    George Clymer
    100302728
    694k USS George Clymer (APA-27) underway, date and location unknown. Nicholas Tiberio


    For more photos and information about USS George Clymer, see;
  • Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS)
  • MARAD Vessel History Database
  • USS George Clymer General Information by LTjg. Bill Robens Comm Officer, Feb 1959 - Jan 1962

  • Commanding Officers
    01CAPT. Moen, Arthur Thomas, USN (USNA 1918)15 June 1942 - 12 September 1943AP-57 / APA-27
    02CAPT. Talbot, Frank Russell, USN (USNA 1921B) :RADM12 September 1943 - 1 January 1944APA-27
    03CAPT. Farrar, Murvale Talcott, USN (USNA 1923)1 January 1944 - 5 September 1944APA-27
    04CAPT. Snackenberg, John Arthur, USN (USNA 1921A) :RADM5 September 1944 - 25 January 1945APA-27
    05CAPT. Benson, William Howard (TEE), USN (USNA 1925)25 January 1945 - 1946APA-27
    06CAPT. Strauss, Elliott Bowman, USN (USNA 1923) :RADM1946 - December 1946APA-27
    07CAPT. Holbrook, John Ames, USN (USNA 1924)December 1946 - April 1948APA-27
    08CAPT. Taylor, John McNay, USN (USNA 1926)April 1948 - 9 March 1949APA-27
    09CAPT. Branneman, Leonard, USN (USNA 1926)9 March 1949 - 23 May 1950APA-27
    10CAPT. Lamb, Raymond Starr, USN (USNA 1926)23 May 1950 - October 1951APA-27
    12CAPT. Smith, Harry, USN (USNA 1930) :RADMOctober 1951 - 1952APA-27
    12CAPT. O'Donnell, Edward Joseph, USN (USNA 1929) :RADM1952 - 1953APA-27
    13CAPT. Laughlin Jr., William Matthew, USN1953 - June 1954APA-27
    14CAPT. Marshall, Edmund Sylvester Lee, USN (USNA 1930) :RADMJune 1954 - August 1954APA-27
    15CAPT. Lockwood, Robert Elmore, USN (USNA 1931)August 1954 - March 1957APA-27
    16CAPT. Gardes Jr., Alfred Wiltz, USN (USNA 1937)March 1957 - June 1957APA-27
    17CAPT. Smith, Kerfoot Bainbridge, USNJune 1957 - May 1959APA-27
    18CAPT. Klein, Doyen, USN (USNA 1935)May 1959 - May 1960APA-27
    19CAPT. Hines, Kenneth Washburn, USNMay 1960 - March 1961APA-27
    20CAPT. Guinan, Timothy Joseph, USN (USNA 1938)March 1961 - 24 August 1962APA-27
    21CAPT. Rahill, Gerald Wells, USN24 August 1962 - 30 August 1963APA-27
    22CAPT. Smits, Cornelius Johannes, USN30 August 1963 - 8 September 1964APA-27
    23CAPT. Whitman, William Alexander, USN8 September 1964 - 14 August 1965APA-27
    24CAPT. Thomas, John Max, USN14 August 1965 - 22 September 1966APA-27
    25CAPT. McMullan, James Joseph, USN22 September 1966 - 31 October 1967APA-27
    99CAPT. Hartley, Paul James, USNno datesAPA-27
    Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler and Ron Reeves

    Crew Contact And Reunion Information
    U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation - Navy Log

    Back To The Navsource Photo Archives Main Page Back To The Amphibious Ship Type Index Back To The Transport (AP) Photo Index Back To The Attack Transport (APA) Photo Index
    Comments, Suggestions, E-mail Webmaster.
    This page is created and maintained by Gary P. Priolo
    All pages copyright NavSource Naval History
    Last Updated 10 November 2023