Unique US Army Heartshield bulletproof bible – named to LST-326 officer – Omaha beach, Anzio Beach – Militaire uitrusting – 1943

Exceedingly difficult to find - an original Heart Shield Bible, from 1943 when these shields were sold. This unique example is named to E. Dunean Hawley, who was serving with the LST-326 (Landing Ship Tank) invasion vessel. This vessel and their crew have a very interesting history: LST-326 was laid down on 12 November 1942 at Philadelphia Navy Yard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Launched on 11 February 1943 and commissioned on 26 February 1943.[2] LST-326 became a Coast Guard manned vessel after her crew and officers were exchanged with USS LST-175 on 25 August 1943. During World War II, LST-223 was assigned to the Europe-Africa-Middle East theater. She took part in the Invasion of Sicilian from 9 to 15 July 1943. She participated in the Anzio-Nettuno landings from 22 January to 2 February 1944 and the Invasion of Normandy from 6 to 25 June 1944. LST-326 was decommissioned on 18 December 1944 and transferred to the Royal Navy. There is anecdotal evidence that she landed both vehicles and troops and returned to the UK with over 200 casualties on D-Day. She, like most of the LSTs at Normandy, made multiple trips to ferry men and supplies (see photo of LST-326 at Omaha... lees verder bij Catawiki