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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive

USS LST-973

International Radio Call Sign:
November - Kilo - Kilo - Papa NKKP

Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons

Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row - Navy Unit Commendation - American Campaign Medal - Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
Second Row - World War II Victory Medal - Navy Occupation Service Medal (with Asia clasp) - National Defense Service Medal
Third Row - Korean Service Medal (4) - United Nations Service Medal - Republic of Korea War Service Medal (retroactive)

USS LST-973 was transferred to France and named RFS Golo (L 9008)

RFS Golo International Radio Call Sign:
Foxtrot - Alpha - Delta - Charlie FADC

LST-542 Class Tank Landing Ship:

Laid down, 25 November 1944, at Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyard, Inc., Hingham, MA.

Launched, 27 December 1944

Commissioned USS LST-973, 27 January 1945, LT. George I. Purdy, USNR in command

During World War II USS LST-973 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater

Following World War II USS LST-973 was assigned to Occupation service in the Far East from 6 to 23 September 1945

Decommissioned, 24 May 1946 and transferred to US Army custody

Struck from the Naval Register, 29 September 1947

Reinstated in the Naval Register, 6 September 1950

Recommissioned, 6 September 1950, LT. Robert I. Trapp USN in command

During the Korean War USS LST-973 participated in the following campaigns:

Campaigns and Dates	Campaign and Dates
Korean War Campaigns
North Korean Aggression 12 to 14 September 1950	Inchon Landing 15 September 1950
Communist China Aggression 3 November to 28 December 1950	First UN Counter Offensive 30 January to 3 April 1951

Decommissioned, 7 November 1951

Transferred to France, 7 November 1951, named RFS Golo (L 9008) "Navy Times" 10 and 24 November 1951

Struck from the US Naval Register, 20 November 1951

Struck from the French Navy in 1960

USS LST-973 earned four battle stars and one award of the Navy Unit Commendation for Korean service

Final Disposition, sold for scrapping in 1959

Specifications:

Displacement

1,625 t.(lt)

4,080 t.(fl) (sea-going draft w/1675 ton load)

2,366 t. (beaching displacement)

Length 328' o.a.

Beam 50'

Draft

light 2' 4" fwd, 7' 6" aft

sea-going 8' 3" fwd, 14' 1" aft

landing 3' 11" fwd, 9' 10" aft (landing w/500 ton load)

limiting 11' 2"

maximum navigation 14' 1"

Speed 11.6 kts. (trial)

Endurance 24,000 miles @ 9kts. while displacing 3960 tons

Complement

13 officers

104 enlisted

Troop Accommodations

16 officers

147 enlisted

Boats 2 LCVP

Cargo Capacity (varied with mission - payloads between 1600 and 1900 tons)

Typical loads

One Landing Craft Tank (LCT), tanks, wheeled and tracked vehicles, artillery, construction equipment and military supplies. A ramp or elevator forward allowed vehicles access to tank deck from main deck

Additional capacity included sectional pontoons carried on each side of vessel amidships, to either build Rhino Barges or use as causeways. Married to the bow ramp, the causeways would enabled payloads to be delivered ashore from deeper water or where a beachhead would not allow the vessel to be grounded forward after ballasting

Armament (varied with availability when each vessel was outfitted. Retro-fitting was accomplished throughout WWII. The ultimate armament design for United States vessels was

2 - Twin 40MM gun mounts w/Mk. 51 directors

4 - Single 40MM gun mounts

12 single 20MM gun mounts

Fuel Capacity

Diesel 4,300 Bbls

Propulsion

two General Motors 12-567A, 900hp Diesel engines

single Falk Main Reduction Gears

three Diesel-drive 100Kw 230V D.C. Ship's Service Generators

two propellers, 1,700shp

twin rudders

Click On Image For Full Size Image	Size	Image Description	Contributed By
USS LST-973
	89k	USS LST-973 being turned over to France, 7 November 1951, at San Diego, CA. After training in the San Diego area the ship departed for loading out at San Francisco thence proceeding to Haiphong, Vietnam, via San Francisco, Pearl Harbor, Guam and Manila arriving 28 January 1952 to support French military operations during the French-Indochina War. RFS Golo crew list	André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo.
RFS Golo (L 9008)
	57k	French crew of *RFS Golo* (L 9008)** waits to take part in the transfer ceremony of USS LST-973 to the French Navy at San Diego, CA., in the afternoon of 7 November 1951.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy Jacques Raymond Quartermaster (manoeuvre) RFS Golo
	85k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** underway fully loaded with combat equipment enroute to French Indochina, via Honolulu (for Christmas 1951), Guam, and Manila, circa 12 December 1951 to 28 January 1952.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy : Magali Lermaire, granddaughter of Quartermaster (gunner) Emile Edrich (deceased) RFS Golo
	86k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** arriving at Haiphong Vietnam from San Francisco, 28 January 1952.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy EV denis Martin RFS Chélif
	44k	Three of *RFS Golo* (L 9008)**'s Quartermasters (signalmen) in 1953, left to right, QM1 Colling, QM2 Le Hegarat, and QM2 Olivro.	André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo
	90k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** moving to Qui nhon during French Indochina War.	André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo
	113k	Vietnamese artist's painting of *RFS Golo* (L 9008)** underway in heavy seas off the Annam coast in Indochina waters, date unknown.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy Théophile Troadec.
	133k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** moored pierside on the Saigon river at Saigon, Indochina. She is preparing for operation with elements of the French First Foreign Cavalry Regiment. Note the six LVT Alligators and several small vessels the French called "crabs", date unknown.	André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo
	68k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** moored the Saigon river at Saigon, Indo-china, circa 1953-54	André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo
	103k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** at anchor off the coast of Indo-China, circa 1953.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy Théophile Troadec, quartermaster electrician RFS Golo
	169k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008) in dry dock at Saigon, circa 1953. The stern of RFS Rance (L 9004) is visitable beyond Golo**.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy jacques Raymond, quartermaster (manoeuvre) RFS Golo
	99k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** disembarking one LVT alligator somewhere in the Vietnamese delta, circa 1953.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy jacques Raymond, quartermaster (manoeuvre) RFS Golo
	73k	The crew of *RFS Golo* (L 9008)** at work in 1953, during the French-Indochina War.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy Jacques Raymond Quartermaster (manoeuvre) RFS Golo
	77k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** beached at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, during the French-Indochina War, date unknown.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy Paul Gripon Quartermaster (electrician) RFS Golo
	156k	One of *RFS Golo* (L 9008)** LCVPs at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, taking a swim party ashore for R&R, date unknown.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy Paul Gripon Quartermaster (electrician) RFS Golo
	25k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** at anchor in Along Bay, Vietnam, date unknown.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy Bernard Gouhier.
	25k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** at anchor in Along Bay, Vietnam, date unknown.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy Bernard Gouhier.
	80k	Two photos of *RFS Golo* (L 9008)** disembarking French troops into an LCM, at Tourane (now Danang), Vietnam, date unknown.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy Bernard Gouhier.
	32k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** anchored off Tourane (now Danang), Vietnam in 1953	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo
	41k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** crew members left to right : matelot mécanicien Gras, matelot gunner Paul, Q/M signalman Pilon, date and location unknown.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo
	41k	One of *RFS Golo* (L 9008)**'s LCVPs underway alongside the ship, date and location unknown.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy Bernard Gouhier.
	23k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** beached in Vietnam while unloading vehicles, date and location unknown.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy Bernard Gouhier.
	42k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** partial crew photo, date and location unknown.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy Bernard Gouhier.
	41k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** partial crew photo, date and location unknown.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy Bernard Gouhier.
	23k	French LVT assigned to *RFS Golo* (L 9008)** for amphibious operations, date and location unknown.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy Bernard Gouhier.
1016097363	81k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** beached close to the power unit of the Saïgon shipyard, 1954.	Jacques Druel
	68k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** transporting troop to RFS Pasteur at Along Bay Indochina in 1954 for return to France.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy André Lagardère Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo
	99k	One of *RFS Golo* (L 9008)**'s LCVPs embarking personnel somewhere along the Annam coast, Indochina in 1954. Note the officer in the US Navy jacket. The ships were turned over the French Navy completely equipped, including clothing.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy André Lagardère Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo
	96k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** disembarking alligators belonging to the Foreign Légion for operation along the Annam Coast, Indochina.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy André Lagardère Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo
	47k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** at anchor in French Indo China, date and location unknown. Photo Marine National.	Robert Hurst
	103k	Preparing one of *RFS Golo* (L 9008)**'s LCFPs for launching, date and location unknown.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy André Lagardère Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo
	70k	KP duty aboard *RFS Golo* (L 9008)**, date and location unknown.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy André Lagardère Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo
	89k	Chipping paint on one of *RFS Golo* (L 9008)**'s boat davits, date and location unknown.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy André Lagardère Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo
	57k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** forward twin 20mm AA gun mount, date and location unknown.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy André Lagardère Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo
	42k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** aft twin 20mm AA gun mount, date and location unknown.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy André Lagardère Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo
	68k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** beached at Nha-trang, Indochina in 1956, during the French-Indochina War.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy Paul Gripon Quartermaster (electrician) RFS Golo and Robert Hurst
	75k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** beached, probably in Indochina in 1956, during the French-Indochina War.	Robert Hurst
	65k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** underway enroute from Saigon, Vietnam to Nouméa, New Caledonia during the French evacuation from Vietnam in 1956 with a deck load of equipment including several Grumann Goose seaplanes.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy Paul Gripon Quartermaster (electrician) RFS Golo
	79k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** underway enroute from Saigon, Vietnam to Nouméa, New Caledonia during the French evacuation from Vietnam in 1956 with a deck load of equipment including several Grumann Goose seaplanes. This photo was taken just before the start of the crossing the line "equator" ceremony aboard ship. The neophyte crew members "pollywogs" have been assembled on deck in front of the conning tower waiting for the ceremonies to begin.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy Paul Gripon Quartermaster (electrician) RFS Golo
	64k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** drydocked at Diego Suarez, Madagascar, date unknown.	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy Paul Gripon Quartermaster (electrician) RFS Golo
	332k	1 - *RFS Golo* (L 9008)** anchored with flags (possibly during a French national holiday) at Naval Yard Diego Suarez, Madagascar in 1957. Note the LCT alongside. 2 - Group photo of crew members of "transmission service" 3 - Partial group photo of crew members of "transmission service"	Submitted by André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo Courtesy Patrice Calvez QM fourrier RFS Golo
	338k
	336k
	616k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** crew photo while at Diego Suarez, Madagascar in 1957.	André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo, courtesy Patrice Calvez, QM fourrier RFS Golo
	50k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008)** underway in the roads at Toulon, France in 1958.	André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo
	78k	*RFS Golo* (L 9008) and RFS Foudre (L646)** underway off the coast of Oran-Mers el Kebir, Algéria, 14 June 1959. Official French Navy photo.	André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo
	115k	Souvenir silk flag commemorating French Naval campaign in the Far East, 1951-1953. Belonging to Stephan Raymond *RFS Golo* (L 9008)**.	André Pilon Quartermaster (signalman) RFS Golo. Courtesy Stephan Raymond Quartermaster (bossman) RFS Golo

RFS Golo (L 9008)
Scale 1/100 Model Built by Guy Vagnat seaman signalman RFS Golo, 1953

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

Commanding Officers
01	LT. Purdy, George Irwin, USNR	27 January 1945 - December 1945
02	LTjg. Weidemeyer, Dick, USN	December 1945 - 24 May 1946
	Decommissioned	24 May 1946 - 6 September 1950
03	LT. Trapp, Robert Irving, USN	6 September 1950 - 7 November 1951


Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler and Ron Reeves

For more photos and information about USS LST-973/ RFS Golo see;
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships
The USS LST Ship Memorial
LST Home Port

State LST Chapters
United States LST Association
RFS Golo Crew Training Orders to the United States
Handover Ceremony by André Pilon

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This page is created and maintained by Gary P. Priolo

Last Updated 20 October 2023