ROCKET SHIP CONVERTED FROM AN LCT. Ahead of the first wave of assault troops in landing craft were rocket ships mounting tiers of rocket launchers. As these drew within range of the beach defenses they discharged their rockets. The first troops landed immediately afterward. Rocket ships were equipped with launchers for up to 1,000 rockets.
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SOLDIERS DESCENDING A LADDER into waiting assault craft. Climbing down along the high vertical side of a transport into a heaving and swaying assault craft while loaded down with ammunition, equipment, and rations was in itself a difficult task. The ladder shown here, constructed of chains separated by wooden pieces, was a great improvement over the old rope nets. The latter tended to bunch and stretch, making the descent extremely difficult and slow.
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INFANTRY MAN AND MEDICS in the LCVP nearing a beach. Advancing at full speed, the assault craft approached the beaches in the immediate wake of the rocket ships. Other landing craft can be seen on the beach. At right is an LST. Overhead are three barrage balloons.
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