Enclosure B

Enclosure B
Prepared by: Robert W. Leuthner, Ensign
LCS(R) Boat Officer, USS LST 173
15 August 1944

Report of Ship's LCS(R) in Amphibious Operations conducted against the enemy in Southern France 15 August 1944.

1. The ship's LCS(R) under my charge served the triple role of rocket, smoke, and scout boat during the operation. As a scout we placed in position buoy "Xray" 1000 yards off left flank of Red Beach, Baie De Cavalaire to mark boat channel for incoming assault waves. As a rocket boat we assisted in the saturation of beachsight prior to landing. As smoke boat we assisted in screening left flank of Red Beach.

2. On approach to beach to place marker buoy we encountered light machine gun fire from ahead. Fired twin 50 calibre to counter this opposition. While laying smoke encountered artillery and machine gun fire from point De Cavalaire. There were several near misses from 88MM shell. Boat holed in bow above water line from enemy machine gun fire and shrapnel. No casualties suffered by members of boat crew. No further damage to boat occurred.

3. The following is a chronological record of events throughout day:

0457:	Boat lowered.
0458:	Boat cleared side with Scouts.
0545:	Rendezvoused with reference vessel "Queen Red" and received order to proceed to "Charlie Red".
0630:	Rendezvoused at "Charlie Red" reference vessel and proceeded on to "Able Red".
0645:	Arrived at reference vessel "Able Red".
0730:	Placed left flank marker buoy "Xray" 1,000 yards off Red Beach.
0735:	Fired 24 barrage rockets at concrete pillbox on left flank of Red Beach. Hits observed.
0745:	Met first rocket boat wave coming in to beach. Fell in on left flank of wave.
0755:	Fired 12 barrage and 12 smoke rockets as part of first rocket boat wave barrage. Purpose: saturation of landing sight.
0800:	Reported to Commander Sector II in LCC 40 and assigned in smoke patrol.
0810:	Layed smoke on left flank. Encountered light artillery and machine gun fire from point Cavalaire.
1000:	Assigned as control vessel for LCT's landing on left flank of Red Beach.
1820:	Duties completed. Hoisted aboard own ship.

4. The conduct and actions of the entire crew was excellent and commendable in view of this being their first time under fire. All orders were obeyed and calmly executed by crew without regard for their personal safety. The cool efficiency displayed by the smoke handlers was outstanding.