On D-Day, June 6, 1944, many of the landing craft that transported the U.S. assault troops were helmed by United States Coast Guardsmen. Navigating their small craft through the pitching, rolling swells, the men controlling the landing craft struggled to reach their designated sectors of the landing beaches. In the face of the strong currents, enemy artillery, mortar and machine gun fire, underwater landing obstacles, and the smoke and mayhem that comprises the confusion of battle, these men of the USCG were tasked with landing their load of GI's as close to the shore as possible. Some, taken by fear, dropped their ramps in deep water, leading to the drowning of many of the heavily-laden assault troops. Many others, however, risked everything to make sure the soldiers on board had the best chance of making the shoreline. These brave Coast Guardsmen threaded their craft through the obstacles and enemy fire, not stopping until their craft hit bottom. Some, whose landing craft were hung up on obstacles and taking enemy fire, worked feverishly to free their craft so they could try a different route to get closer in. They risked their personal safety for the greater good, a trait that would be in evidence many times by men of all service branches on June 6. It is these men that we honor with our collection of D-Day historic art.
The photograph of the USCG-manned LCVP (Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel) was taken as the craft headed in towards the landing beaches on the morning of D-Day (picture credit: National Archives). The anxious GI's and Coast Guardsmen are no doubt wondering what is in store for them when they hit the beach. The photograph is framed with an authentic reproduction Naval Amphibious Forces shoulder patch, Bronze Star medal, and a copy of Ike's original D-Day message: "Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you..." The letter has been copied from an original in our collection. The photograph has been archival processed.
The finished piece measures 11" x 23". It is matted in a dark olive green, with a lower light green mat upon which the Amphibious Forces Patch and Bronze Star Medal are mounted. The frame is black metal (other colors are available. Contact us for info). Please see the "Frame Info" tab for complete information on how we frame our artwork. Item price includes ground shipping to the continental U.S. |
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