The USS Leon (APA-48) was a Bayfield-class attack transport laid down on February 6, 1943, and launched on June 19, the same year. It was commissioned on February 12, 1944, under Capt. Bruce B. Adell’s command with the hull number APA-48 and served in the US Navy for 2 years until it was decommissioned on March 7, 1946. During its activities, the ship carried a complement of 575 people on board and had its main missions in Okinawa, Pearl Harbor, Manus, Lingayen, San Francisco, Ulithi, and Palaus. After the decommissioning, the ship was struck from the Navy List and sold in 1947 to the Isthmian Steamship Company where it was renamed Steel Chemist. For the services brought to the country during World War II, the USS Leon (APA-48) received 4 battle stars.
Because of its affordability and many characteristics, like resisting high temperatures and corrosion, asbestos was wildly used in US Navy shipbuilding. Unfortunately, veterans, who served on board these ships, may have developed serious health problems because of long-term asbestos exposure. If you are experiencing symptoms like chest pain, hoarse voice, difficulty breathing, you may be entitled to compensation, and VA benefits.
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