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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive

Lost to enemy action, 7 November 1942

USS Thomas Stone (APA-29)
ex
USS Thomas Stone (AP-59) (1942 - 1943)

Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons

Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row - Combat Action Ribbon
Bottom Row - American Campaign Medal - Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign Medal (1) - World War II Victory Medal
Personnel Awards

Purple Hearts (9-WIA, 7 November 1942)

President Jackson Class Transport

Laid down, 12 August 1940, as SS President Van Buren, a Maritime Commission type (C3-A) hull, under Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 58) at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock, Newport News, VA.

Launched, 1 May 1941

Delivered to American President Lines, 11 September 1941

Acquired from American President Lines by the War Shipping Administration, 14 January 1942

Allocated to the US Navy, 14 January 1942

Converted to a Naval Transport

Commissioned USS Thomas Stone (AP-59), 18 May 1942, CAPT. O. R. Bennehoff, USN in command

During World War II USS Thomas Stone was assigned to the Europe-Africa-Middle East Theater and participated in the following campaign:

Campaign and Dates
Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaigns
North African occupation Tunisian operations, 8 November 1942 to 9 July 1943

Struck by a German torpedo, 7 September 1942 and towed to Algiers, Algeria

Reclassified as Attack Transport (APA-29), 1 February 1943

Decommissioned, 1 April 1944, due to torpedo damage

Struck from the Naval Register, 8 April 1944

USS Thomas Stone earned one battle star for World War II service

Final Disposition, dismantled at Algiers, Algeria in 1944, hulk sold to Le Material Economique, Algiers for Scrapping

Specifications:
Displacement 9,500 t.(lt), 16,000 t.(fl)
Length 491'
Beam 69' 6"
Draft 26' 6"
Speed 18.4 kts (trial)

Complement

35 Officers

477 Enlisted

Troop Accommodations

70 Officers

1,312 Enlisted

Flag Accommodations 8 Officers

Largest Boom Capacity 30t.

Cargo Capacity 6,800 DWT

non-refrigerated 185,000Cu. ft.

Armament

four single 3"/50 dual purpose guns

two twin 40mm AA gun mounts

three single 40mm AA gun mounts

twelve single 20mm AA gun mounts

Boats

thirty-two LCVPs

three LCM(3)

Fuel Capacities

NSFO 10,950 Bbls.

Diesel 800Bbls

Propulsion

one Newport News Shipbuilding geared turbine drive

two Babcock and Wilcox header-type boilers, 450psi 750°

double Westinghouse Main Reduction Gear

Ships Service Generators, four 300Kw 120V/240V D.C.

single propeller, designed shaft horsepower 8,500

Click On Image For Full Size Image	Size	Image Description	Contributed By
Maritime Commission - SS President Van Buren
100302949	256k	SS President Van Buren on the builders ways at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock, Corp. Newport News VA. 1 May 1941. ready for launching. Mrs. Mrs. Alben W. Barkley sponsored SS President Van Buren Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock photo.	Dale Hargrave
100302950	252k		Dale Hargrave
USS Thomas Stone (AP-59)
	76k	*Namesake* Thomas Stone was born at Poynton Manor in Charles County Maryland in 1743. He was educated by a Scottish school-master and later studied law at the office of Thomas Johnson. He was admitted to the Bar in 1764 and set up practice in Frederick Maryland. He was a prosperous landowner and moderately successful lawyer. Stone was elected to Congress in 1775. He did not speak much in congress, so little is known of his service there, except that he was a member of the committee that framed the Articles of Confederation. He voted for Independence in 1776, and his name is affixed to the Declaration. He was elected to Congress again in 1783 and served as chairman, but retired at the end of his term. He was elected to attend the Constitutional Convention in 1787, but declined the office because of his wife's failing health. She died 1787, and Stone never got over the grief. He decided to travel to England, but died in Alexandria while waiting for the ship. He was forty-four years old. Little else is know about Thomas Stone, as no letters or papers accounting his life have ever been found. Photo and Text courtesy of ushistory.org	Bill Gonyo
	72k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** underway off her conversion yard, Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co, Newport News VA., 25 May 1942. US National Archives, RG-19-LCM, Photo No. unknown	Mike Green
	101k	Overhead view of *USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** at anchor off Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co, Newport News VA., 27 May 1942. US Navy photo, from "U.S. Amphibious Ships and Craft: An Illustrated Design History" by Norman Friedman	Robert Hurst
US National Archives BUSHIP 19-N-30289	185k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** at anchor off Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co, Newport News VA., June 1942. US National Archives photo #'s 19-N-30289, 19-N-30290, 19-N-30292 USN 4646678 US Navy photos now in the collections of the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
US National Archives BUSHIP 19-N-30290	158k
US National Archives BUSHIP 19-N-30292	228k
US Navy photo 4646678	301k
US National Archives	595k
	180k	Tending the Colors on board a US Navy transport, during amphibious exercises off the East Coast, circa mid-1942. The gun in the foreground is a 5"/51. The transport in the right middle distance is *USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)**. US Navy photo #: 80-G-K-11398 now in the collections of the US National Archives.	Robert Hurst
100302951	112k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** underway for sea departing Halifax, Nova Scotia harbor anchorage, 29 September 1942. From there her force became convoy AT23, cruising a long path of ocean miles and port stops before arriving at the Algiers assaults in early November. Photo by HB Jefferson, Nova Scotia Archives. Used for educational and non-commercial purpose.	John Chiquoine
Imperial War Museum Admiralty Photo No. © IWM(A 12749)	59k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** in Algiers Harbor in November, 1942. The ship was part of a 500 ship invasion convoy that deployed Allied troops to French North Africa. Damaged by a torpedo 7 November, the ship had to be towed to Algiers. The damage to her stern is evident here. Imperial War Museum Admiralty Official collection by Beadell, S.J. (Lt), Photo No. © IWM(A 12749) and Imperial War Museum Admiralty Official collection by Beadell, S.J. (Lt), Photo No. © IWM(A 12749)	Mike Green
Imperial War Museum Admiralty Photo No. © IWM(A 12750)	72k		Mike Green
US National Archives SC 23674-R	191k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59) washed ashore at Algiers, 24 November 1942. Thomas Stone** was towed to Algiers harbor after being torpedoed, 7 November 1942. US National Archives and Private photos	Michael Fraticelli
US National Archives	301k
US National Archives	83k
	223k
	205k
	290k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, December 1943, before the ship had taken a list and before stripping had started. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 916 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	351k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, 15 December 1943. Anchor winch before removal. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1031 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	319k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, 15 December 1943. Looking forward before stripping began. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1039 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	326k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, 3 January 1944. Position just before stripping began. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1039 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	270k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, 9 January 1944. Stripping started, looking forward from the bridge. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1051 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	311k	Aerial view of *USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, 9 January 1944, forward deck as stripping began. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1048 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	328k	Stern view of *USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, 9 January 1944. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1046 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	317k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, 15 December 1943. Looking forward before stripping. Tackle was rigged in attempt to rescue ship for the beach. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1035 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	315k	Aerial view of *USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, 15 January 1944, when stripping began. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1052 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	481k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, April 1944. Looking forward from bridge, ship partially stripped. Note 1-Anchor winch has been removed from base (upper center) and is now at extreme left center ready to be hoisted over port side. 2-Hatch covers, lower center and left hand corner are removed. 3-All heavy deck gear has been removed by the two booms showing. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1266 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	266k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, April 1944. General Mess compartment stripping complete. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1277 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	309k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, April 1944. Typical cabin completely stripped. Note. 1-Cabin is completely stripped of all furniture. 2-Port hole fittings have been completely removed. 3-Light fixtures have been removed. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1276 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	277k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, April 1944. Chief Payclerk Wiggin and anchor winch base. Note. Wiggin and five men removed the complete hoisting equipment in eight days. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1275 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	242k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, April 1944. Hole in wardroom deck. The hole was cut to remove blowers and motors from the lower deck. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1274 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	400k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, April 1944. The drill press was removed from the engine room, which was under water, by a salvage group under LT. Miller. After it was brought above water the Material Recovery Unit removed it from the ship, stripped it down and cleaned and reconditioned it. The large value in the lower left will be removed. The ladder on the right will be removed. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1273 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	369k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, April 1944. Anchor winch ready to go over the side. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1272 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	434k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, April 1944. Looking aft from upper deck, partially stripped. Note following: All the deck hoisting machinery and equipment has been removed except for the boom and winch.The winch is used for lifting, the boom is moved by hand. The boom lying on the deck, right center will be removed. The ring posts will not be removed. All guns have been removed Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1271 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	268k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, April 1944. Heavy material was removed from the ship over the port side into LCMs whenever the sea was absolutely calm with no swells. The starboard side was toward the shore and affected by rough or choppy sea. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1270 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	344k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, April 1944. Starboard side showing holes cut to aid in removing machinery. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1269 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	220k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, April 1944. Port side stripping partially completed. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1267 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	468k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, April 1944. Removing Shaper. It took four days by LT. Miller with a salvage group to remove the shaper from under water. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1268 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	458k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, April 1944. Shaper about to go over the side thorough a hole in the starboard side of the ship. Personnel shown are CWO Wiggin, SK2c Hogete, F/2c Coulters, F/1c Farmer and F/2c Angell. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1279 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	289k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** material removed from the ship and stored ashore, April 1944. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1280 and 1282 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	348k		Michael Fraticelli
	284k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, April 1944. LTjg. Tietig and CWO Wiggin operating forward deck winch. The hulk in the background has burned and been abandoned. Care had to be taken that no fires were started on board by burning equipment. Fire fighting equipment had to be kept on board at all times. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1281 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	362k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** aground in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, April 1944. BOSN Hampton and BM3/c Harcus with a large beam aft. This beam had to be taken off in a craft larger than an LCM. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1283 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	172k	Hulk of ex-*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** in the harbor at Algiers, Algeria, after stripping has been completed. Commander U.S. Naval Forces Northwest African Waters photo # 1283 located in the US National Archives	Michael Fraticelli
	167k	*USS Thomas Stone* (AP-59)** Association membership cards	Michael Fraticelli