Dravo Corporation was an Americanshipbuilding company withshipyards inPittsburgh andWilmington, Delaware. It was founded by Frank and Ralph Dravo in Pittsburgh in 1891.[1] The corporationwent public in 1936 and in 1998 it was bought out byCarmeuse for $192 million ($370.4 million today).[2] On March 5, 1942, it became the first corporation to receive theArmy-Navy "E" Award for outstanding war time production.[3] Dravo ranked 72nd among United States corporations in the value ofWorld War II military production contracts.[4]
From 1942 to 1945, Dravo Corporation builtLanding Ship, Tank, (LST). LST were built to supportamphibious operations able to landtanks, vehicles, cargo, andlanding troops on to beaches. Nodocks orpiers were required for theseamphibious assaults. The LST had a specialbow with a large door that could open. Then aramp was installed for unloading allied vehicles. The LST had aflatkeel, so it could bebeached and stay upright. Thepropellers andrudders were protected fromgrounding damage. Many were used in thePacific War and in theEuropean theatre, especially onBattle of Normandy. In 1942 and 1943, Dravo Corporation also builtSubmarine chasers.[5]
 United States Navy |
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| United States Navy LST-1-classtank landing ships |
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| United States Navy LST-542-classtank landing ships |
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