[Whiterook]

Originally Posted by Jim O

Expanding on Tom's answer - not as high as they were among their passengers.

And expanding a bit further, consider the layout of the majority, which had the control area in the rear with the engine, which provided a modicum of protection...though the driver I believe rode rather high in the boat behind a small wheel housing. The one you are probably thinking about is the Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP), better known as the "Higgins boat"; but in fact, there were many different types and sizes. The worse part of these craft were, before the landing operations actually began, they would circle out in the open sea (think of circkling Old West wagons), and the flat front made the craft run rough in the water and hard to control...troops tended to get quite sick. Then, as they made their landing approach, the soldiers were often so loaded down that, in the event that the LCVP took critical fire, it was near impossible for a lot of men to jump over the side to safety. Then consider that when it did land, the debarking ramp was in the front, of which enemy fire drove right down their throats. Now thinl about the driver having to back that bad boy up, make it's way back to the ship driving a "plow at sea", and start the run all over again. It's a wonder. WWII was the highlight of this type of craft, and the used the most during that war.