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.
Iowa's portion of the Great River Road along the Mississippi River stretches from Lansing to Keokuk in the south. These roads are part of confederation of national, state and county roadways running three thousand miles from Minnesota to Louisiana. Both sides of the river have designated roadways where travelers can experience the Mississippi close-up. Scenic roadways wind through small and large towns and rural areas. These photos are from Guttenberg, in northeast Iowa. Here Lock and Dam #10 maintains a thirty-some mile long pool of navigable water for upper Mississippi River commercial and pleasure craft traffic.
Today being Labor Day, the river hosted fleets of pleasure craft. A bit of rain tried to move through the area which added to the hazy and warm conditions. Near the end of the day many boats were seen being towed home, indicating the end of the long weekend or end of the boating season.
This summer's temperatures and lack of substantial rain has been brutal on these latitudes. So to find an outboard motor prop resting idly when it could be twirling through a spring-fed lake is almost unthinkable. However in the owner's defense this prop looks quite used. I must have caught it during a forced time out. Still if it were up to me, that prop, engine and boat would have been skimming the waves enjoying a summer day.
Behold Clear Lake, Iowa, one of a few glacier formed lakes gifted to the Hawkeye State courtesy of the last ice age. Located in extreme northern Iowa, Clear Lake is rimmed by lakeside houses and businesses. Being a large, natural lake by Iowa standards (seven miles long, half mile wide,) it draws many people throughout the year. Last Saturday under nearly 100F temperatures the lake was understandably saturated with sailboats, power boats, and kayaks. I spotted only a few people fishing while the majority of boaters took part in nautical cruising.
In the background (looking south) is a portion of a tens of miles long wind farm that makes use of mid-continent climate and topography to produce electricity. Directly behind me is the famous Surf Ballroom. But the big question is...is the lake really clear? Yes it is, due to being spring-fed. Come visit and see for yourself.
