Roebling Alligator: Unexpected USMC Advantage

[Mike H.]

Hello all, here is today's article posted on TheArmoryLife.com. It is titled “Roebling Alligator: Unexpected USMC Advantage” and can be found at https://www.thearmorylife.com/donald-roebling-alligator-landing-vehicle-tracked/.

 

[dr5505uy]

I was a crew chief on the LVTP7A1 version on the troop, command vehicle and recovery vehicle. These were very adaptable to medical, machine gun mount, and troop support with the open flip top after amphibious landing. I recently saw one being transported in MN heading north but unsure where it was headed and wondering if it was going to be able to be seen by my grandchildren. Not sure who to contact.

 

[dr5505uy]

I was a crew chief on the LVTP7A1 version on the troop, command vehicle and recovery vehicle. These were very adaptable to medical,

machine gun mount, and troop support with the open flip top after amphibious landing. I recently saw one being transported in MN heading north but unsure where it was headed and wondering if it was going to be able to be seen by my grandchildren. Not sure who to contact.

 

[Talyn]

Since these were in operational use prior to ETO D-Day (June 1944) landings I wonder why they were not used then, but then some showed up later for Low Country ops and the various river crossings.

 

[Randall Chaney]

I was a crew chief on the LVTP7A1 version on the troop, command vehicle and recovery vehicle. These were very adaptable to medical, machine gun mount, and troop support with the open flip top after amphibious landing. I recently saw one being transported in MN heading north but unsure where it was headed and wondering if it was going to be able to be seen by my grandchildren. Not sure who to contact.

Thank you for your service, Sir.

Randall

 

[Randall Chaney]

Nice pic. Hey, two and ten! Just kidding.

Randall

 

[Randall Chaney]

Since these were in operational use prior to ETO D-Day (June 1944) landings I wonder why they were not used then, but then some showed up later for Low Country ops and the various river crossings.

Good question, Talyn. I don’t know but some our readers might.

Randall

 

[Talyn]

Good question, Talyn. I don’t know but some our readers might.

Randall

I did some more research and apparently they had some LVT-2s but only us for cargo transfer vs. assaulting the beach.

Considering how many men died wading ashore I would think that the casualties would have been lower if they used LVTs to bring the troops ashore and across the beach to the sea wall.