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NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive

USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123)
ex
USAT General Simon B. Buckner (1946 - 1950)
USAT Admiral E.W. Eberle (1946)
USS Admiral E.W. Eberle (AP-123) (1944 - 1946)

USS Admiral E.W. Eberle (AP-123 - International Radio Call Sign:
November - India - Victor - Romeo
NIVR

USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123) - International Radio Call Sign:
November - Papa - Xray - Kilo
NPXK
USS Admiral E. W. Eberle Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons


Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row - American Campaign Medal - Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign Medal
Bottom Row - Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal - World War II Victory Medal - Navy Occupation Service Medal (with Asia clasp)

USNS General Simon B. Buckner Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons



Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row - Navy Occupation Service Medal (with Asia clasp)
Second Row - National Defense Service Medal (2) - Korean Service Medal (1) - Vietnam Service Medal (1)
Third Row - United Nations Service Medal - Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal - Republic of Korea War Service Medal (retroactive)



USS Admiral E. W. Eberle (AP-123) was manned by the US Coast Guard during World War II
Admiral W. S. Benson Class Transport:
  • Laid down, 15 February 1943, as a Maritime Commission type (P2-SE2-R1) hull, under Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 681), at Bethlehem-Alameda Shipyard Inc., Alameda, CA.
  • Launched, 14 June 1944
  • Commissioned USS Admiral E. W. Eberle (AP-123), 24 January 1945, CAPT. George C. Carlstedt, USCG, in command
  • During World War II USS Admiral E. W. Eberle (AP-123) served in both the European-Africa-Middle East and Asiatic-Pacific Theaters
  • Following World War II USS Admiral E. W. Eberle was assigned to Occupation service in the Far East for the following periods:

    Navy Occupation Service Medal (Asia)
    4 to 18 November 1945
    15 to 22 February 1946

  • Decommissioned, 8 May 1946
  • Transferred to the US Army Transportation Service, circa 1946
  • Commissioned into Army Transportation Service (ATS) as USAT Admiral E.W. Eberle circa 1946
  • Renamed USAT General Simon B. Buckner circa 1946
  • Reacquired by the Navy, 1 March 1950
  • Assigned to the Military Sea Transport Service (MSTS)
  • Placed in service as USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123)
  • USNS General Simon B. Buckner was assigned to Occupation service in the Far East for the following periods:

    Navy Occupation Service Medal (Asia)
    11 to 13 March 1950
    18 to 23 April 1950

  • During the Korean War USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123) saw service in the war zone from July 1950 to July 1954 and participated in the following campaign:

    Korean War Campaign
    Campaign and Dates
    Inchon Landing, 15 to 17 September 1950

  • During the Vietnam War USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123) participated in the following campaign:

    Vietnam War Campaigns
    Campaign and Dates
    Vietnamese Counteroffensive-Phase II, September and November 1967

  • Placed out of service in 1967
  • Laid up in the National Defense Reserve Fleet
  • Struck from the Naval Register, 20 August 1990
  • USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123) earned one battle star for Korean War service and one campaign star for Vietnam War service
  • Title Transferred to the Maritime Commission, 14 July 1993
  • Final Disposition, dismantled in May 1999 at International Shipbreaking Co., Brownsville, TX.
    Specifications:
    Displacement 9,676 t.(lt) 20,120 t.(fl)
    Length 608' 11"
    Beam 75' 6"
    Draft 26' 11"
    Speed 19 kts.
    Complement
    Officers38
    Enlisted 361
    Troop Accommodations
    Officers 280
    Enlisted 4,431
    Cargo Capacity 100,000 cu. ft.
    Armament
    four single 5"/38 dual purpose gun mounts
    four twin 40mm AA gun mounts
    fourteen twin 20mm AA gun mounts
    Fuel Capacities
    NSFO 25,600 Bbls
    Diesel 350 Bbls
    Propulsion
    two General Electric turbo-electric engines
    four Combustion Engineering D-type boilers, 600psi 840°
    Ship's Service Generators
    four turbo-drive 400Kw 450V A.C.
    two turbo-drive 200Kw 120V/240V D.C.
    two propellers, 18,000shp

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    Size Image Description Contributed
    By
    USS Admiral E. W. Eberle (AP-123)
    Admiral E.W. Eberle 114k
    Namesake

    Edward Walter Eberle was born in Denton, Texas, on 17 August 1864. Raised in Arkansas, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1885. Over the next decade he served in several ships and shore stations, demonstrating a talent for naval ordnance and gunnery. In 1896, after two years' duty at the U.S. Naval Academy, Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Eberle was assigned to the new battleship Oregon (BB-3) and rendered distinguished service as one of her turret officers during the Battle of Santiago in July 1898. Lieutenant Eberle next served as the Asiatic Squadron's Flag Lieutenant, the first of a number of assignments that kept him close to the Navy's senior officers. In the early years of the New Century, he continued his ordnance studies and was one of the Navy's influential figures in this field. He was in charge of the Atlantic Torpedo Flotilla in 1911-13, during which time he received promotion to the rank of Captain. After more sea and shore service, he became Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, holding that position through the First World War. Rear Admiral Eberle commanded Atlantic Fleet battleship divisions in 1919-21, then, with the rank of Admiral, became Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet. In 1923, Admiral Eberle was selected as the Navy's third Chief of Naval Operations. His four years in this position war marked by struggles to maintain the Navy's strength in the face of arms limitation treaties, financial stringency and political attacks on naval aviation. He was successful in obtaining funds to modernize battleships, begin construction of a force of heavy cruisers, and complete the aircraft carriers Lexington (CV-2) and Saratoga (CV-3). Admiral Eberle was relieved as Chief of Naval Operations in November 1927 and served on the General Board until his retirement in August 1928. He died on 6 July 1929.
    Bill Gonyo
    Admiral E. W. Eberle 70k "Going down the ways is the U.S.S. Admiral E.W. Eberle, launched, Wednesday, June 14, at the Alameda shipyard of Bethlehem-Alameda Shipyard, Inc.
    Sponsor of the vessel was Mrs. Earl Warren, wife of Governor Warren of the State of California.
    Guests at the launching from Oakland included. Mrs. James C. Warren, Commander and Mrs. Oscar Johnson, Mrs. W.E. Joost, Miss Katherine Joost, Lieut. William Joost, Mr. and Mrs. John F. Mullins, Mr. and Mrs. George C. Perkins, Mrs. V.R. Plank, Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Real, and Mr. and Mrs. David Wilson; from Sonoma, Mrs. James Ross Gordon, and Mr. and Mrs. James Ross Gordon, Jr.; Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Mulvany from Alameda; and Mr. and Mrs. D.W. McElwain from Berkeley; and Mrs. B.F. Jesses from Sacramento. With Governor and Mrs. Warren were their children Virginia, Earl Jr., Dorothy, Nina and Bobby."
    Photo and caption from the archives of the San Francisco Examiner.
    David Smith
    Admiral E. W. Eberle 71k A halftone reproduction of a photograph of USS Admiral E.W. Eberle (AP-123) taken in 1945 by her builder, Bethlehem-Alameda Shipyard Inc, of Alameda, CA. Copied from the book "Troopships of World War 11", by Roland W. Charles.
    US Navy photo # NH 103621 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center.
    Robert Hurst
    Admiral E. W. Eberle 77k USS Admiral E.W. Eberle (AP-123) at anchor, date and location unknown. Neil F. Martin
    Admiral E. W. Eberle 255k USS Admiral E.W. Eberle (AP-123) carrying 134 officers and 4,369 enlisted men, docking at the Port of Tacoma piers, 23 September 1945. The military personnel aboard were the first to land at Tacoma since the end of World War II.
    Tacoma Public Library, Richards Studios, Photo #'s D20371-5 and D20371-6, made available for educational, academic and personal use.
    Mike Green
    Admiral E. W. Eberle 235k
    Admiral E. W. Eberle 104k USS Admiral E.W. Eberle (AP-123) underway, possibly in San Francisco Bay, circa late 1945 or early 1946. Note the ship's four 5"/38 guns have been removed. This probably occurred during an upkeep period at Seattle in September 1945.
    US Navy photo # NH 103420 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center.
    Robert Hurst
    Admiral E. W. Eberle 318k USS Admiral E.W. Eberle (AP-123) underway, off the northern California coast, circa late 1945 or early 1946.
    US Navy photo probably taken from an airship from Lighter-than-Air Airship Squadron (ZP 31), NAS Santa Ana, CA.
    David Buell
    Admiral E. W. Eberle
    092212336
    93k USS Admiral E.W. Eberle (AP-123) in port, probably in the United States at the end of a Magic Carptet voyage with returning WWII veterans., circa 1945-46. Note the milk cartons in their hands. Probably the first fresh milk they have had in a long time.
    Flickr by photolibrarian
    John Spivey
    USAT Admiral E.W. Eberle
    Admiral E. W. Eberle 62k USAT Admiral E.W. Eberle arriving in the US with returning G.I.s , circa 1946, location unknown. Ron Cheshire
    Admiral E. W. Eberle 74k USAT Admiral E.W. Eberle arriving in the US with returning G.I.s , circa 1946, location unknown. Ron Cheshire
    Admiral E. W. Eberle 81k USAT Admiral E.W. Eberle arriving in the US with returning G.I.s , circa 1946, location unknown. Ron Cheshire
    Admiral E. W. Eberle
    092212335
    215k USAT Admiral E.W. Eberle underway in in San Francisco Bay with Alcatraz off her port bow. circa 1946.
    Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
    Darryl Baker
    Admiral E. W. Eberle 131k USAT Admiral E.W. Eberle Sunday Dinner menu, 8 September 1946 Tommy Trampp
    USAT General Simon B. Buckner
    General Simon B Buckner 65k
    Namesake

    Simon Bolivar Buckner, born 18 July 1886, in Munford-Fille, Ky., attended the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant of Infantry 14 February 1908. From 1908 to 1918 he served both in the United States and the Philippines, then assumed administrative demobilization duties following World War I. During the next two decades he served as instructor and administrator at various posts throughout the United States, including the U.S. Military Academy. In October 1939 he was assigned to the 6th Division as Chief of Staff, and appointed Brigadier General 1 September 1940. During World War II he commanded American troops in Alaska, with headquarters at Fort Richardson, Anchorage. He was promoted to Lieutenant General 4 May 1943 to assume command of the 10th Army August 1944. With overall command of the landing forces on the doorstep of Japan, General Simon B. Buckner was killed in action on Okinawa 18 June 1945.
    U.S. Army Photo
    Bill Gonyo
    General Simon B Buckner 61k USAT General Simon B. Buckner docked at Honshu, Japan in April or May 1948 Submitted by Michael Adams, photo by his father Robert Adams
    General Simon B Buckner 58k
    General Simon B Buckner 49k
    General Simon B Buckner 120k USAT General Simon B. Buckner docked in the Philippines in 1949. Tommy Trampp
    General Simon B Buckner 75k USAT General Simon B. Buckner photographed circa 1946-1950. The original image was printed on postcard stock.
    US Navy photo # NH 105090, from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center, donation of Charles R. Haberlein Jr., 2007.
    Robert Hurst
    General Simon B Buckner 105k USAT General Simon B. Buckner moored in the Philippines (probably Manila) in 1949 taking on passengers Tommy Trampp
    USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123)
    General Simon B Buckner 62k USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123) under way circa 1950s-1960s, location unknown.
    US Navy photo # NH 103563, from the US Naval Historical Centers Military Sealift Command collection.
    Robert Hurst
    General Simon B Buckner 155k USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123) under way circa 1950s, location unknown.
    US Navy photo from "All Hands" magazine October 1989, P.51
    Robert Hurst
    General Simon B Buckner 78k USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123) photographed while underway in the Puget Sound area from an aircraft based at NAS Seattle, WA., 5 September 1952.
    US Navy photo # NH 103564, from the US Naval Historical Centers Military Sealift Command collection.
    Robert Hurst
    General Simon B Buckner 65k Lifeboat drill aboard USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123), date and location unknown. Tommy Trampp
    General Simon B Buckner 118k USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123) underway during the 1950s. Photographed by Boersig. The original image is printed on a postcard published by the Military Sea Transport Service (MSTS) for sale in Buckner's ships' store.
    US Navy photo # NH 105100, from the US Naval Historical Center, donation of Charles R. Haberlein Jr., 2007.
    Robert Hurst
    General Simon B Buckner 76k USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123) underway off Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA., in March 1955.
    US Navy photo # NH 103575, a US Navy Photo from the Military Sealift Command collection at the Naval Historical Center.
    Robert Hurst
    General Simon B Buckner 75k USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123) approaching her berth at Columbus Quay, Bremerhaven, West Germany. The tug Sirius is assisting. USNS Simon B. Buckner served on the New York to Bremerhaven route between 1955 and 1966.
    US Navy photo # NH 103567, a US Navy Photo from the Military Sealift Command collection at the Naval Historical Center.
    Robert Hurst
    General Simon B Buckner 91k USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123) in drydock at the North German Lloyd shipyard at Bremerhaven, West Germany after suffering ice damage to her propeller structure in the Weser River during the previous winter.
    US Navy photo # NH 103568, a US Navy Photo from the Military Sealift Command collection at the Naval Historical Center.
    Robert Hurst
    General Simon B Buckner 120k A letterpress reproduction of a photograph USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123) taken in the 1950s or 1960s.
    US Navy photo # NH 103566-KN, from the Military Sealift Command Collection at the US Navy History and Heritage Command
    Robert Hurst and Bill Valashinas
    General Simon B Buckner 131k USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123) underway, circa 1950s or 1960s, location unknown. William Zarkas, Retired MSC Boatswain
    President, MSC Retiree Association
    General Simon B Buckner 82k USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123) underway, date and location unknown Gerhard Mueller-Debus
    General Simon B Buckner
    092212332
    219k USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123) underway, date and location unknown
    U.S. Navy photo
    Nicholas Tiberio
    General Simon B Buckner
    092212333
    97k USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123) moored pierside at Columbus Pier, Bremerhaven, Germany, date unknown Nicholas Tiberio
    General Simon B Buckner
    092212334
    92k
    General William O Darby 70k Four MSTS Atlantic Fleet transports in Ready Reserve at Caven Point Army Depot, New York, circa early 1967. The ship in the right foreground is USNS General Simon B. Buckner (T-AP-123), with USNS General William O. Darby (T-AP-127) on the far side of the pier. Ahead of them respectively are USNS General Alexander M. Patch (T-AP-122) and USNS General Maurice Rose (T-AP-126). .
    US Navy photo # NH 104181 from the Military Sealift Command collection at the US Naval Historical Center.
    US Naval Historical Center

    USS / USAT Admiral E. W. Eberle / General Simon B. Buckner (AP-123) / T-AP-123)
    Eberle - Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS)
    Buckner - Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS)
    Commanding Officers
    01CAPT. Carlstedt, George Carl USCG24 January 1945 - September 1945
    02CAPT. Cowart, Kenneth Keith USCG :VADMSeptember 1945 - 8 May 1946
    Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler and Ron Reeves

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

    Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
    MARAD Vessel History Database
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    Last Updated 8 March 2024