National Museum of the Army Military Families Magazine

The Higgins assault boat, known officially as a Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel (LCVP), landed more Allied troops on beaches in Europe and the Pacific than all other types of landing craft combined. Designed by Louisiana boat builder Andrew Higgins, these small boats could carry 36 combat-loaded troops, or a jeep and 12 men. The boats were constructed with plywood hulls and had the capability to slide on to a landing beach, lower the front ramp, discharge cargo and troops, and quickly turn around in the surf to pick up another load. (National Museum of the United States Army)