Collection Guide:
The photographs associated with LST-55 are mainly associated with the Normandy Invasion, depicting staging preparations in England such as loading ships with vehicles, cargo, and equipment. Views related to the Normandy landings consist of onboard ship activities; off-loading tanks and vehicles (several photos are dated June 6, 1944); also included are craft performing maneuvers pre landing on June 6. Additional ships seen either landing at Normandy or at sea include LST 61, LCT 954, LST 345, LCT 763. LST 51, LCT 726, LCT 884. Other subject matter related to Normandy consists of trading German prisoners and loading wounded prisoners aboard an LST. Also viewed are images of sailing into New York City; captain’s inspection aboard ship¸ sailors painting the ship; various officers and members of crew; orchestra playing aboard ship; the fleet at sea (possibly sailing to France). Also showed are several images of bombed cities/buildings, possibly in England or France.
The photographs related to USS Sarsfield (DD-837) are not dated, but are most likely circa 1945-1946. Images include the ship at sea and fellow crew members.
Also included, but undated, are sailors standing with a captured German V-2 rocket. The background of these photos suggest they are in a bombed city, as there is much building damage behind them. The association between these photos and Homer Crickenberger is unknown, however he may be one of the sailors in the photographs.
