Posted 13 years ago
scottvez
(977 items)
This huge pennant (15' X 3") was sewn by crew members of LCI 220 prior to her homecoming in January 1945. The LCI was home for a refit in preparation for the Pacific War.
LCI 220 received National recognition when her photograph was used on the March 27, 1944 cover of LIFE Magazine.
LCI 220 participated in 5 major landing operations (5 gold stars) and had a crew of 22 (22 white stars).
The small newspaper that documents the flag is the "Lawley Built LOG" of January 30, 1945. The Lawley Company manufactured LCI 220.
In addition to this Pennant, I have numerous other items from LCI 220. I have photographs, invasion landing maps and the several original invasion landing after action reports, but the most interesting item is the original US Flag that flew on the LCI on the Gela Sicily landing. During that landing, LCI 220 ran aground on the beach, staying stranded for two days and subjected to constant air attack. Five crew members received the Silver Star for their actions during that time. The Flag is testament to the ferocity of the fight-- it has numerous bullet and shrapnel holes and still retains the smells of those days.
I will post the Flag later.
Scott
I posted an Invasion Map used by LCI 220 during Operation Dragon, the Invasion of Southern France on 15 AUG 1944.
Scott
Thanks stepback.
Thanks tom.
Thanks Vikingfan.
How the hell did you get that?? Awesome!
Thanks-- I got it from the radioman who served on the LCI. I also have the US FLAG that flew on the LCI during the Sicily Invasion. The Flag was supposed to be destroyed and he saved it in his sea bag.
Scott
great find!! A museum piece for sure!!
Thanks tlmbaran. It is a great grouping and the period documentation is unusual. I really like it when you can see the EXACT item in a period photograph.
Scott
I read where the crew on a LCI (Landing Craft Infantry) were known as the "Waterbug Navy". much in the same way the Coast Guard were called "Shallow Water Navy".
Thanks tom-- that sure is an appropriate term.
Thanks for the "love" walks-- and the support!
scott