this is what the journaling reads-On Board the " General Patch" one of the last troop transport Ships. From Germany to the United States. Dad was assigned to oklahoma after thier return from Germany. Mom says I had a concussion from rolling into a wall below deck. To this day I just love these big ships, I have enjoyed several cruises now. March 1966.

This is a black and White Photo my Dad took, I drew the rest of the picture on the background paper using a pencil, and then going over it in a fine zig pen.

Here is a little history about this ship


Admiral R.E. Coontz (AP-122) (q.v.) was reacquired by the Navy from the Army Transport Service as General Alexander H. Patch 1 March 1950 and assigned to MSTS. Manned by a civilian crew, she operated out of New York to Bremerhaven, Germany, and Southampton, England, during the next 5 years, rotating troops, transporting military dependents, and carrying European refugees to the United States. During October and November 1956 she steamed to the Mediterranean where she supported peace-keeping operations of the mighty 6th Fleet.

Returning to New York 15 November, she resumed transatlantic service to Bremerhaven. From I956 to 11965, she completed more than 120 voyages to Bremerhaven and back. She also deployed to the Mediterranean six more times, and, during political crises in Jordan and Lebanon, she supported counteraction by the 6th Fleet.

In response to Communist infiltration and aggression in South Vietnam, General Alexander H. Patch departed New York 15 August 1965 for the Far East. Sailing via Charleston, S.C., and Long Beach, Calif., she carried troops and supplies to bolster American military aid for strife-torn South Vietnam. Arriving Qui Nhon 16 September, she steamed via Cam Ranh Bay to Vung Tau before departing the 22d for the United States. She arrived San Francisco 2 October, and from 20 October to 9 November she again sailed to Vung Tau with men and military supplies. From South Vietnam she sailed via Penang, Malaysia, the Suez Canal; and Bremerhaven, Germany, to New York, arrived 15 December.

Following seven transatlantic voyages to Bremerhaven and back, General Alexander H. Patch resumed troop transport duty to South Vietnam. After embarking troops at Boston, .she sailed 15 July 1966 and arrived Vung Tau 13 August. She departed the next day via Yokosuka, Japan, for Pusan, South Korea, where she arrived 2G August. There she embarked South Korean soldiers and sailed for Nha Trang 30 August, arriving 7 September. She continued to transport troops and supplies supporting the effort to repel Communist aggression in South Vietnam until heading home 31 December. She reached New York, via Suez and Gibraltar, late in January 1967 and was placed in ready reserve status while preparing for future service.