The USS Wexford County (LST-1168), previously USS LST-1168, was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship laid down in 1952, launched in 1953, and commissioned in 1954. She initially served with the Atlantic Fleet, conducted training exercises and deployments throughout the Caribbean before transferring to the Pacific in 1956. During her Pacific service, the ship operated extensively along the US West Coast and made several deployments to the Western Pacific. Her main role was amphibious warfare, transporting troops, vehicles, equipment, and landing craft. The vessel played an important role during the Vietnam War. Beginning in 1965, she conducted operations in South Vietnam and later returned for additional deployments, transporting troops and cargo and supporting amphibious operations. Between 1967 and 1970, she spent extended periods operating in the Western Pacific and Vietnam, earning a Meritorious Unit Commendation and five battle stars for her Vietnam War service. The USS Wexford County was decommissioned in 1971 and stricken from the Register in 1976. Because the ship operated on Vietnam’s inland waterways, veterans who served aboard her during qualifying periods may be eligible for VA benefits based on the presumption of herbicide exposure.
760-621-6147
