On June 6, 1944, 79 years ago to the day at 06:30 French time, soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy.
The unique amphibious landing craft, known as the Land Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP) ship, played a vital role in numerous military operations during World War II. Surprisingly, its original design was inspired by the challenges faced by Andrew Higgins, a lumber businessman and former Nebraska National Guard Infantry Officer. While extracting hardwood trees from Louisiana swamps, Higgins encountered difficulties with his conventional boats repeatedly running aground in shallow waters.