Event Schedule

Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel (LCVP)

June 6-13, 2011

Of the more than 22,000 LCVPs manufactured during World War II, fewer than a dozen are known to exist today. You can see one at the First Division Museum at Cantigny on June 6-13. The LCVP will be displayed in the First Division Museum parking lot.

What is an LCVP?

Known as the “Higgins Boat” after designer Andrew Higgins, the 36 foot LCVP landed American troops in every amphibious assault of World War II. Originally designed during the 1930’s as the Higgins “Eureka” boat, the LCVP was capable of navigating the shallow waters of an invasion beach to land troops and material. The LCVP could then "back away” from the beach under its own power and return to the larger troop ships for another load of men and supplies. This unique capability prevented the invasion beaches from becoming clogged with ships stuck on the beach and allowed for a faster transfer of men and supplies. LCVP’s were tough and maneuverable craft, capable of holding 36 infantrymen and their equipment. Higgins boats were responsible for transporting men to shore at Omaha Beach during the Normandy invasion and were also used by Army and Marine forces in amphibious landings in the Pacific theatre of operations. Over 20,000 LCVP’s were manufactured during World War II, yet fewer than a dozen are known to exist today.

For more information on LCVPs, click here and check out our LCVP online exhibit!

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