American Infantryman Board Landing Craft in England

Concerned about the potential for an aerial attack by the Luftwaffe — the German air force — Allied ships employed barrage balloons as a precaution during the crossing. The balloons were equipped with mines and tethered to the landing craft as they made their way toward the beaches. One of the many types of vessels used to transport American soldiers was a Landing Craft, Tank (LCT), shown here with soldiers packed in among vehicles and supplies.

Courtesy of The National WWII Museum