Landing Ship Tank LST: Our Landing Ship Tank model ship is made of the finest grade materials which underwent stages of meticulous and careful sanding, carving and modeling to its original form. Our craftsmen and artisans ensure finely handcrafted Landing Ship Tank model ship with precise blueprint details of the original ship. The Landing Ship Tank model ship’s paint scheme, markings and parts are extremely accurate and complete with weaponries and armament, reflecting the true original Landing Ship Tank model ship. It also comes with a sturdy, durable base marked with its official insignia. This authentic Landing Ship Tank model ship will surely mesmerize anyone who receives this elegant desktop display as a gift. Landing Ship Tank History: Landing Ship Tank - abbreviation LST, naval ship specially designed to transport and deploy troops, vehicles, and supplies onto foreign shores for the conduct of offensive military operations. The USS LST-494, a U.S. Navy amphibious tank landing ship, saw combat during World War II in both the European and Pacific Theaters of War. On June 5, 1944 The USS LST-494 departed Plymouth, England and became part of the largest amphibious force in the history of warfare. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, she made the initial assault on "bloody" Omaha Beach during the invasion of Normandy. The 494 landed 378 men of the U.S. Army`s 26th Infantry Regiment (known as the "Blue Spaders" from their distinctive spad-shaped regimental emblem). The 26th Regiment was part of the 1st Infantry Division ("The Big Red One"). Troops aboard the ship were under the command of Major James B. Carvey (West Point Class of 1939). Anti-aircraft fire from the 494 helped down a German Messerschmitt over the invasion beachhead. On June 6th LST 494 aided the USS LCT (Armoredthat had been hit on her starboard side by enemy fire or a mine and was in danger of sinking. On July 7th, V-1 “buzz bombs” passed over LST 494 for many hours. One passed 300 feet over LST 494. LST 494 sailors saw American fighter planes shoot down a number of these aerial bombs. On July 10th LST 494 aided 17 officers and 320 men from the Polish cruiser Dragon. The Dragon had been torpedoed off the coast of Caen, France by a one man German mini-submarine on July 8 and had to be scuttled. LST 494 continued to support the invasion forces through mid-July 1944, by bringing in reinforcements and by operating as a hospital ship carrying wounded servicemen back to England. During the Normandy campaign, LST 494 transported and landed a total of 1,420 American and Canadian soldiers along with 577 tanks, trucks and other vehicles.