Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships
Office of the Chief of Naval OperationsNaval History Division • Washington
(LCI(G)-457: dp. 234; l. 158'6"; b. 23'3"; dr. 2'8" fwd, 4'10" aft; s. 16 k.; cpl 24; trp. 188; a. 4 20mm.)
The keel for USS LCI(G)-457 was laid on 15 July 1943 at the New Jersey Shipbuilding Co., Barber, N.J., and commissioned on 8 September 1943.
The gunboat was assigned to ComPhibPac Flotilla Three, Group 8, Division 16 and took part in the Marshall's operation (29 Jan-8 Feb 44), the invasion of Saipan (11 Jun-10 Aug 44) Tinian (24 Jul-1 Aug 44) and Guam (12 Jul-15 Aug 44). While supporting pre-invasion operations at Iwo Jima on 17 February 1945, LCI(G)-497 was seriously damaged by Japanese shore batteries. After extensive repairs, the gunboat was able to return to the U.S. under her own power.
Deemed not essential to national defense, LCI(G)-457 was decommissioned 4 April 1946 and delivered to the Maritime Commission on 16 October 1947 at Lake Charles, La. The ship was then sold to Charles Marine Sales and delivered the same day.
LCI(G)-457 earned 5 battle stars for her World War II service.