From Ship to Shore: How the Higgins Boat Made D-Day Possible

No Ports, No Problem: How the Higgins Boat Helped Make Amphibious Warfare Possible in World War II

World War II forced the United States to rethink how wars were fought.

Before the war, American troops typically arrived at friendly ports and moved inland. That approach no longer worked.

In Europe, key ports were held by enemy forces. In the Pacific, Japan had built a chain of fortified islands—forcing the U.S. into a strategy of island hopping.

That meant one thing: troops had to move from ships to hostile beaches—without ports, without protection.

There was just one problem.

The United States didn’t yet have the boats—or the fully developed doctrine—to do it.

New solutions had to be created quickly.

One of the most important was the Higgins boat, officially known as the Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel (LCVP). Designed by Andrew Higgins, it featured a shallow draft and a front-loading ramp—allowing troops and equipment to move directly onto beaches under fire.

Its design made large-scale amphibious landings possible and played a critical role in operations across both the European and Pacific theaters.

At the National Museum of Military Vehicles, a detailed diorama brings these early landing craft to life—showing how innovation met urgency in the opening years of the war.

Have you seen the Higgins boat in person—and does knowing its story change how you see World War II?

M551 Sheridan: Innovation, Controversy, and Combat in Vietnam

The M551 Sheridan is often remembered with a mixed reputation—described by many as “pretty negative or at best mediocre.”

Originally conceptualized in 1959 as an Armored Reconnaissance Airborne Assault Vehicle, it was designed to be air-deployable, amphibious, and capable of increased firepower with improved protection. From the beginning, it faced multiple issues—especially with its gun launcher system and ammunition.

Introduced in Vietnam in 1969, the Sheridan was seen as a potential solution to a battlefield gap. The M113 offered mobility but limited firepower, while the M48 provided firepower but struggled in difficult terrain. The Sheridan aimed to combine similar mobility with heavier firepower.

During fighting near Bien Hoa in 1969, Sheridans were described as “indispensable,” and their canister rounds proved devastating in close-quarters combat.

At the same time, the vehicle had clear vulnerabilities. With roughly half an inch to an inch of armor, it was susceptible to mines and RPG fire—sometimes resulting in catastrophic damage. Crews responded by adding belly armor, a modification credited with saving lives, though it increased the vehicle’s weight.

The M551 Sheridan remains a study in trade-offs—mobility and firepower balanced against protection.

Success or failure—where do you land on the Sheridan?

Half-Tracks of World War II: Inside the Museum’s Collection

Half-tracks played an important role during World War II—and at the National Museum of Military Vehicles, we’re able to show that story in depth.

Our collection includes 27 half-tracks:
• 8 fully restored and displayed inside the museum
• 17 currently awaiting restoration outdoors
• 2 additional versions in our restoration shop—some of which are used as parade vehicles

The first two half-tracks developed during World War II were the M2 and M3. White Motor Company developed the M2, while Diamond T Motor Car Company developed the M3. Both were designed, standardized, and introduced at the same time through a joint engineering effort to ensure a common design and nearly all interchangeable parts.

Looking at the M3, each vehicle was equipped with either:
• A 10,000-pound capacity winch, or
• An unditching roller, designed to help the vehicle cross ditches without getting stuck

Both the M2 and M3 used the same six-cylinder gasoline engine, producing 147 horsepower. One of the defining differences from earlier scout cars was the track and suspension system, which replaced rear wheels and provided better cross-country capability.

Despite their similarities, there are key differences:
• The M3 body extends 10 inches longer than the M2
• The M3 includes a rear door, while the M2 does not
• The M3 could carry 13 troops, compared to 10 in the M2

Each vehicle helps tell a deeper story about design, capability, and how these machines were used.

National Museum of Military Vehicles Home to Musket That Fired First Shot at Bunker Hill 250 Years Ago

The musket that fired the first shot at the Battle of Bunker Hill — a pivotal moment in American history — is on display at the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois, Wyoming, thanks to owner Dan Starks. The museum’s vast collection of military artifacts ultimately serves a deeper purpose: to honor the countless known and unknown soldiers who sacrificed to uphold and honor American freedom over the past 250 years.