James Strickland Swarts

Service No.: 96231
Ship Assignment: USS LST507

Lieutenant James Strickland Swarts, a US Navy serviceman, played a pivotal role during Exercise Tiger, a crucial rehearsal for the D-Day invasion. Born on July 18, 1916, in Oklahoma, USA, he grew up in a family deeply rooted in public service. His father, James W. Swarts, served as the county attorney in Culberson County, Texas, and his mother, Catherine Swarts, nurtured his interests and ambitions. James’ early life in Oklahoma and Texas laid the foundation for his dedication to the Navy.

James graduated from the University of Georgia in June 1941.

Military Service

James enlisted at 2551 15th Street, N.W., Washington D.C., and was commissioned as an Ensign on 28th February, 1941. Assigned to the Pearl Harbor base at Hawaii, he served about two years in the Pacific and Aleutians coming back to the United States for special training. In the early part of 1944 he was promoted to Lieutenant (Senior Grade), placed in Command of the USS LST-507, and sent to England to train in preparation for the invasion of Europe.

Exercise Tiger

Exercise Tiger was a large-scale rehearsal for the D-Day invasion, designed to prepare Allied forces for the Normandy landings. However, the operation took a tragic turn due to unforeseen attacks by German E-boats.

Lieutenant Swarts, a renowned military officer, displayed extraordinary bravery during the attack and was the last man to leave the ship at around 02:35, or just after. Unfortunately, after being taken aboard USS LST-515 and given emergency first aid, he died of exposure and shock, having been in the extremely cold water for around four hours. Lieutenant James Strickland Swarts, a very capable and earnest young man who at all times kept the safety of his ship in mind, made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He died aged just 27.

Lieutenant Swarts left a wife, Mrs. Esther Larsen Swarts, whom he married on May 1, 1943 in Dallas, Texas.

Honors and Memorials

For his heroism, Lieutenant Swarts was posthumously awarded a purple heart and a Bronze Star Medal.

Initially buried at Brookwood Cemetery, with other casualties from the Exercise Tiger action, Lieutenant Swarts’ body was relocated to Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, Texas, on 5th August, 1948, a place of reflection and remembrance, serving as a focal point for his legacy.