Today in WW II: 21 May 1942 Sinking of the Mexican tanker Faja de Oro by German submarine U-160, off Key West, precipitates Mexican declaration of war against Nazi Germany.

LARC-V Amphibious Craft

The all-aluminum LARC-V (Lighter, Amphibious, Resupply, Cargo, 5 ton capacity) was used by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War to transport onto the beach personnel and cargo discharged from deep-water ships. LARC-Vs operated the LST beach at Cam Ranh Bay, and also at Nha Trang, Phan Rang, Phan Thiet, and Vung Ro Bay. At Phan Thiet, five LARC-Vs supported the 2nd Battalion 7th Cavalry during Operation Byrd. About 900 LARC-V vehicles were manufactured.

The LARC V was 35 feet long, 9.9 feet wide, and 12 feet high with its top erected. It could go 28 mph on land and 12 mph in water. With a gross weight of 19,000 pounds, it could carry five tons of cargo or 40 soldiers, plus a crew of two. It could navigate shallow water with a draft of only 3 1/2 feet.

458th Transportation Company (Light Amphibian) LARC-V at South Beach, Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam.

LARC V (Lighter, Amphibious, Resupply, Cargo, 5 ton capacity) comes ashore on Vietnam beach
LARC-V comes ashore on Vietnam beach.

LARC V (Lighter, Amphibious, Resupply, Cargo, 5 ton capacity) operating off Wunder Beach, Vietnam
LARC-V operating off Wunder Beach, Vietnam.

LARC V (Lighter, Amphibious, Resupply, Cargo, 5 ton capacity)

Pair of LARCs belonging to St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office (Louisiana).