Originally developed as a swamp rescue vehicle by the millionaire philanthropists Donald and John Roebling (of the Brooklyn Bridge Roebling family), the LVT (Landing Vehicle, Tracked) or Alligator, was widely used in the island hopping campaign. The LVT(4) introduced the rear ramp, which when lowered allowed troops to rush out, rather than clambering over the tall sides as on previous models. Produced by Food Machinery Corporation (FMC), railway equipment manufacturer St. Louis Car Company, and automobile maker Graham-Paige, over 8,000 LVT(4)s were built during the war, but today only few remain. Through dozens of archival photos as well as detailed photographs of some of the finest existent examples of these vehicles, this iconic landing vehicle is explored, and its history explained.

By David Doyle

Size: 9″ x 9″ | 250+ color and b/w photos | 112 pp | Binding: hard cover

ISBN: 9780764360107