LCM-73 grounded on Utah Beach, Normandy, 1944

Description: 

Photograph. American sailor standing in front of the grounded LCM-73 on Utah Beach; below the US ensign [flag] is the signal flag for M [Mike] designating this vessel LCM section leader; several barrage balloons and DUKWs are operating in the background. Normandy, France. June 1944

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Items from the service of Robert E. Bedford. Bedford served as a Lieutenant in LCM Flotilla 2, participating in the invasions of Sicily and Normandy. During the Invasion of Normandy Bedford served as an officer in LCM Flotilla Two. On the night of June 5, 1944, Bedford set out with the 67 boats of FLotilla Two under their own power in convoy U2A1, heading for Utah Beach. At the appointed time LCM's split up to their assigned attack transports and stood by to bring assault troops to the beach. Bedford's LCM landed in the first few waves of the assault, delivering his troops to a contested Tare Green beach before returning to the transport area and picking up additional waves. For the remainder of June 6, 1944, and over the next few days Bedford made dozens of runs bringing troops and supplies to Utah Beach. This collection consists of photographs taken by Bedford of Utah Beach on D-day, including his LCM making landings, unloading troops, shrapnel damage to his personal belongings and close shots of defensive fortifications. This collection also consists of the after action reports for LCM Flotilla Two and a British cloth escape map indicating positions of German fortifications.
Geography: 
Utah Beach
Thesaurus for Graphic Materials: 
Landing craft--American--France
Sailors--American--France
Beaches--France