Our Tribute to William Hart LST 565,325

      The crew of the LST 325 lost a very dedicated man during the preparation of the ship for its eventual return to the USA from Greece.  William Hart, who served on the LST 565 during World War II, dreamed of returning an LST to the USA as a memorial to all those who served on those gallant ships.  Despite his age of 74+, and his medical problems, when the call went out for volunteers to be crewmen on the LST 325, he went to Greece. 

He worked without complaint on the 325 during the very hot summer of 2000.  He worked hard every day, and stood the assigned watches just as he did some 55 years ago.  When his medical condition deteriorated, he reluctantly agreed to return to his home in Reading, PA for medical treatment. He made it only as far as JFK Airport in New York City.

His dedication to the memorial project was an inspiration to those aboard the 325 in Crete.  The crew honored him as he left to return to his home.  His courage and willingness to serve exemplifies the attitudes of most of those in what is now being called "The Greatest Generation". 

We should be grateful that our organization of ex-LST sailors has in its membership men such as William Hart.  He will be remembered as one of the heroes of the memorial LST 325.

Words to Navy Hymn

NAVY HYMN
I
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave.
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea.

II
Oh Christ!  Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy word,
Who walked'st on the foaming deep,
And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea.

III
Most Holy Spirit!  Who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea.

IV
O Trinity of love and power!
Our brethren shield in danger's hour;
>From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe'er they go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.