D-Day Type Higgins Boat Under Restoration at Indiana Military Museum

For years I have contemplated traveling to Normandy, France to see firsthand the beaches where Allied forces came ashore on D-Day 1944. While that goal persists, I recently came in contact with an icon of that pivotal day.

This much reproduced photograph (now in public domain) by Robert F Sargent, shows US troops debarking from their landing craft at Normandy's Omaha beach on D-Day. The modern film, Saving Private Ryan opens with this same scene re-imagined for the movie.

The vessel type, known as Higgins Boats by their manufacturer, was designated the Landing Craft, Vehicles and Personnel or LCVP, and was operated by the US Navy. Reports of up to 839 Higgins boats were used to carry US troops and materiel during support of D-Day, June 6th.

Higgins Boats were made of wood and designed to operate in shallow water. LCVPs were powered by 225-250 hp engines, operated by a crew of three, and carried up to 36 soldiers or was reconfigured to haul jeeps and supplies. Higgins Boats were protected with two 30 caliber machine guns.

I thought (incorrectly) that LCVPs used at Normandy were constructed of 100% steel for protection of its contents. Not so. Not even close. See for yourself.

My schooling occurred far from 1944 Normandy in land-locked Vincennes, Indiana at the home of the Indiana Military Museum last fall. There, in the museum's expansive warehouse is a rare specimen of a surviving Higgins Boat - one of 12 reportedly left in the world.

This Higgins Boat was purchased or donated to the museum from a source in Florida during 2012. I believe the craft was last actively used as a fishing boat. The museum is seeking to restore the Higgins Boat for public display - donations are accepted.

Here are a selection of photos of AG 9-2 in her original Navy colors. Inspect the draft, beam, and propeller section of this incredible and historic boat.

There is no mention at the museum as to the history of this particular Higgins Boat during the war. More research is needed. Regardless of its use, either in the Atlantic or Pacific theaters of war, Higgins Boats are forever tied to the D-Day landing at Normandy beaches 74 years ago today.

WWII German Helmet on the March Again

World War II's legacy continues 67 years after German surrender in the form of war relic transactions. Direct from a WWII veteran's estate in Dubuque, Iowa came this German helmet and bayonet (not pictured) for sale at auction.

The long knife and scabbard sold first to a buyer from Wisconsin for $115. He collects Nazi relics and became giddy after the bayonet purchase, although the knife was missing one piece of hardware that attaches the weapon to a German rifle. His wife just rolled her eyes at the purchased weapon.

Then came the selling of the helmet which included a brief description of a cut chinstrap (perhaps by the bayonet) as the only area of concern. Audience attention went from busy chatter to almost silence as the auctioneer opened bidding to the floor and buyers on the telephone. Floor bidders stopped around $700, however action continued between phone bidders until a winner was declared. The hammer fell following a $825 bid from a person in New Jersey.

Brief relic selling was a curious matter-of-fact transaction. Following the sale of these war pieces, the auction resumed its course of collectible glassware, jewelery, appliances, records, magazines and such.

Encountering a piece of history is a rare occurance. Several people examined the helmet before the sale, remarking about it's iconic shape, the cut leather strap, and of course the Nazi emblem. Few expressed an uneasiness with the helmet's creepiness factor of being a powerful symbol of World War II. They are probably glad that the Third Reich helmet is on its way to New Jersey. Know that.

V-E Day Plus 65 Years

On May 8th, 1945 Germany surrendered to the Allies thus ending World War II in Europe. A few days earlier General George Patton and the U.S. Third Army halted his eastern advance at Pilsen, Czechoslovakia.

Sixty-five years after the surrender let us not forget the sacrifice millions of soldiers and civilians made in defence of Europe during World War II. These people helped preserve freedom for millions today. We say thank you in our small way.

Veterans Day 2009: Thank You Over There From Over Here

Ninety-one years ago today the war to end all wars — ended. In 2009 we pause to honor all veterans who served our country and those who are actively defending our freedoms today.

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 Germany signed the armistice with the Allied Powers — including the U.S., France, Britain, Japan and Italy — ending major hostilities and proclaiming the end to World War I. Know that.