AL HR392

Dedicates the Commissioning Bell of the USS Chilton to honor citizens of Chilton County, Alabama who served in the Armed Forces of the United States.

Recognizes that 106 residents of Chilton County died in service during World War I, World War II, Korea, Southeast Asia, Lebanon, and Iraq, with 53 specifically sacrificing their lives during World War II.

Honors the USS Chilton (APA-38), a Bayfield Class Attack Transport Ship commissioned on December 7, 1943, which served as Flag Ship of Transport Squadron 17 during the invasion of Okinawa and survived multiple direct hits from Japanese kamikaze aircraft.

Notes the USS Chilton's continued service after World War II, including participation in the Bay of Pigs Operation, the Cuban blockade during October 1962, and Task Force 180 in support of the Apollo 10 space mission before decommissioning in July 1972.

The Commissioning Bell is recognized as the sole remaining artifact of the USS Chilton vessel.