LVT(A)-1 speeds over dunes in the Pacific in March 1944

U.S. Navy Official photograph, Gift of Charles Ives, 2011.102.279

LVT [Landing vehicle, tracked]. "File No. OOR-44971. March 9, 1944. New 'Water Buffalo' joins the Fleet --- These official U. S. Navy photographs portray the capabilities and characteristics of the new amphibious tank, known as the LVT(A)-1. Differing from earlier styles of the 'Water Buffalo' in that it has a turret 'superstructure', armored vehicle boasts a 37mm cannon and two .50 calibre machine guns for armament. Agile on land, the tank is doubly formidable through its outstanding features of being able to travel on water. Already the craft has played a contributing role in the successful invasion of enemy strongholds in the Pacific, as the Allied standards march West to Tokyo and East to Berlin, the squat, hard-hitting new comer will appear in growing numbers on both sea and land manned by Army troops and Marines. Sand often presents almost as great a hazard as mud. But the Water Buffalo belies its name by speeding over the dry, shifting dunes as easily as over firm ground." 9 March 1944