About this Unit
LCI(M)-803 was a Landing Craft Infantry (Mortar) vessel commissioned by the United States Navy during World War II. Laid down in 1944, she was part of the LCI(L)-351-class, later converted to the mortar-armed LCI(M) configuration to provide close-in fire support during amphibious assaults. LCI(M)-803 participated in operations in the Pacific Theater, including support roles during the Okinawa campaign, where her mortars delivered suppressive fire against Japanese shore positions. After the war, she was decommissioned and eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register, concluding her service as part of the US Navy’s amphibious forces.
Historical Facts
• Designation and Role: LCI(M)-803 was a Landing Craft, Infantry (Mortar), a type of amphibious assault vessel used by the United States Navy during World War II. The “M” denotes its adaptation to carry mortars for shore bombardment.
• Commissioning: LCI(M)-803 was commissioned in 1944, as part of the massive U.S. naval expansion to support operations in the Pacific Theater.
• Pacific Operations: The vessel participated in various amphibious assaults in the Pacific, providing valuable mortar fire support during landings on Japanese-held islands.
• Conversion: Originally built as a standard LCI(L) (Landing Craft, Infantry - Large), LCI-803 was later converted to the mortar variant to bolster firepower for beach assaults.
• Mortar Armament: LCI(M)-803 was equipped with six 4.2-inch mortars, allowing it to deliver indirect fire onto enemy positions ahead of advancing troops.
• Okinawa Campaign: The vessel is noted for its participation in the Okinawa campaign, one of the largest amphibious assaults of the war.
• Crew Size: The typical crew of an LCI(M) was around 70 men, including officers, gunners, and support personnel.
• Post-War Fate: After World War II, LCI(M)-803 was decommissioned in 1946 and eventually sold for scrap, reflecting the fate of many specialized landing craft.
• Decorations: The ship earned one battle star for its World War II service, marking its participation in significant combat operations.
• Legacy: LCI(M)-803, along with her sister ships, demonstrated the adaptability of U.S. naval forces, transforming basic infantry landing craft into effective fire support platforms for amphibious warfare.
