War: LANDING CRAFT

The amphibious operations in Korea depended heavily on the highly specialized landing craft, which the U.S. developed during World War II. Among those used at Inchon:

LSD (Landing Ship—Dock) carries smaller craft within easy reach of beachhead, unloads them by flooding its welldeck, floating them out its stern gates. A versatile ocean-going ferry, the LSD can also be used as a mobile drydock. Length: 457 feet.

LSI (Landing Ship—Tank) has bow doors and beaching ramp, elevators to lift tanks or other cargo from the hold to the main level. Length: 328 feet (World War II models) or 382 feet (postwar models).

LSM (R) (Landing Ship—Medium, Rocket), primarily designed to barrage enemy installations from close in with five-inch rockets fired from ten continually fed launchers. Length: about 200 feet.

LSU (Landing Ship — Utility), the former LCT, carries five 30-ton tanks or 150 tons of combat cargo discharged over a bow ramp. Generally transported to landing area aboard an LST, LSD or cargo ship. Length: 120 feet.

LCVP (Landing Craft—Vehicle, Personnel), carried on LSTs or assault transports, has bow ramps, carries 36 men, a one-ton truck or four tons of cargo. Length: 36 feet.

LVT(A) Landing Vehicle—Tracked, Armored), an armored, amphibious tractor especially useful in storming over reefs and swamps, mounts 75-mm. gun, carries 25 troops. Length: 26 feet.