What is a Higgins boat?

Indeed I do, CMSgt Mike Esser! It's an LCVP. My father served as the engineering officer (LTJG) aboard USS LST-78 in WWII. This ship carried two LCVPs, although later variants carried four. In the photo you'll see USS LST-78 to the far left and LCVP-78-1 is across the open bow doors of USS LST-78. Photo taken c. 1945, likely at Tinian or Saipan.
LTC Bink Romanick SPC David S. CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 1LT Scott Doyle SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA MSgt Mike Mikulski MAJ Ken Landgren

Yep. I saw one at the WW II museum in New Orleans. In fact, that's the museum that's shown at the end of this video. I had my retirement ceremony right next to that Higgins Boat!

Being that I grew up around New Orleans yes - I think any one from that area knows that boat.

Similar to the Mosquito bomber the British used, the Higgins landing craft's major component was plywood.

My grandfather piloted one in WWII. He never said a word about it until I joined the Army. After that, I found out he only discussed the war with other vets and I was "in the club." I still remember him telling me about how the Japanese artillery would zero in on you - "One round would land in front of you, one behind. The third would land next to you. Don't be there when the fourth round comes." He bailed in the shallows on one landing right before his boat got hammered and was stuck on the beach with the Marines for a good bit trying not to get his ass shot off.

Yes ....

I got to visit the museum some years ago. Awesome history.

LCVP the first ones were wood.

The funny thing is, the majority of US soldiers that landed on D Day used British boats, the LCA.

The Higgins were used in Europe but to a much smaller scale than in the Pacific landings.

They were made here in Louisville.