Annotated Bibliography
"Bourbon Street Parade," Al Hirt, former Higgins Industries employee and member of the Higgins Band, 1990.
Primary Sources
ADVERTISEMENT
“From the High C of Production.” LIFE Magazine, Time, Inc. 23 November 1942. Web. 25 January 2010.
While viewing this advertisement, I became aware that in 1942, Higgins Industries had 8 plants in the United States and the plants were opened without financial aid from the government. I also found that the company had established the greatest boat production in history.
BOOKS
Cooke, Alistair. The American Home Front: 1941-1942. Grove Press: New York, 2006. Web. 15 January 2010.
After reading Cooke’s description of Andrew Jackson Higgins, I could better understand how many natives of New Orleans perceived him. Higgins, from Nebraska, did not fit in well with the Southern genteel set. He was a hard driving, highly successful businessman, whose practices irritated the natives. For the time, he was unconventional in his hiring practices because he hired African-Americans. His business revenues went from $500,000 in 1939 to $100,000,000 in 1942.
CARTOONS
Spangler, Frank M. “Just Wait Until the Little Feller Grows Up.” Salem History. n.d. Web. 20 December 2009.
By studying this cartoon, I can recognize that three Axis powers represented in the picture did not consider the Allies a big threat in 1942. However, the Axis powers are depicted with weaponry that far outranks the Allied cherub, who has only a slingshot. From this cartoon I discovered that the Allied powers believed that God would help them in battle, just as He did David in his conflict with Goliath.
DIARY
The Diary of a Corsair Pilot in the Solomons, 1943: Ewa Fields. Lt. Charles C. Winnia. Web. 10 December 2009.
Reading selections of Lt. Winnia’s diary gave me insight into the daily life of a pilot during World War II. I learned that some days were grueling, involving 10 hours of flying, while other days were spent waiting and attending parties in the evening. The diary breaks off very abruptly, just as Lt. Winnia’s life ends abruptly when he is lost in a dogfight Kahili.
GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT
United States. National Archives. Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Web. 21 February 2010.
By viewing this document I learned that the 1964 Civil Rights Act forbade discrimination on the basis of sex as well as race in hiring and firing. I also found that Title VII of the act created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and this commission was authorized to make rules to help end discrimination. I also discovered that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, as well as age, gender, or disability.
Interview with Reichmarschall Hermann Goering. War Document. National Archives. Washington, D.C., 21 July 1945. Web. 9 January 2010.
After reading this interview I became aware of the Germans’ difficulties in repelling Allied troops on D-day. I learned that Allied paratroopers were highly successful in the invasion because German air power was limited. What really amazed me was that Goering wanted to strike the Allied armament build up on the coast of England, but Hitler insisted on focusing air assaults on London, which was heavily fortified and defended.
United States. National Archives. War Department. Compilation of War Department General Orders,
Bulletins, and Circulars. Washington, D.C.: US Government Printing Office, 1943. Web. 23 January
2010.
I found this war publication very helpful since it stated the conditions for awarded the Army-Navy "E" award, which Higgins Industries received several times. I used the document information on my web page to further explain the conditions of the award, which further explains its impact.
INTERVIEWS
Murphy, Dawn Higgins. Telephone interview. 20 November 2009.
From this interview with Andrew Jackson Higgins’ youngest daughter, I learned that Higgins was a sentimental, soft-spoken family man who loved his quiet time and his music. I also discovered that Higgins was a very determined man who accomplished the goals he set for himself and his company, including building the Higgins Boat in three days for the Navy.
Murphy, Dawn Higgins. Telephone interview. 26 February 2010.
In speaking with Dawn Higgins Murphy, I discovered that Mr. Higgins had organized a Higgins’ Marching Band with well-known trumpeter Al Hirt. I learned that Mr. Higgins loved marching band music and music in general. I thought the period marching music used in several of my web pages was appropriate because of Mr. Higgins’ preferences. I also learned that Mr. Higgins was the first equal opportunity employer in New Orleans before the term was even used. He hired and paid employees according to job performance, not race, gender, or age.
Higgins, Edward B., Jr. Interview. 17 March 2010.
After interviewing Edward Higgins, Jr., great nephew of A.J. Higgins, I discovered that the development of the Higgins boat was pivotal to the outcome of the war. According to Mr. Edward Higgins, Hitler’s Operation Sea Lion included plans to invade England using amphibious landing craft. However, Hitler did not have the landing craft to implement this plan. Andrew Jackson Higgins made the landing craft available to the Allies first before the Germans could develop their own. Mr. Edward Higgins also stated that A.J. Higgins knew that he had a winning craft and that amphibious landing craft were key to winning the war. I also learned that the use of the Higgins boat in the Pacific Theater was integral to winning the war.
Higgins, Edward B., Jr. Interview 23 March 2010.
In this interview, I learned much more about the variations of Higgins' landing craft, particularly the LCM, which was built all out of steel and designed to carry a Sherman Tank. I also learned that the LCM was powered by two diesel engines rather than just one as in the LCVP.
Schrader, Dorothy. Interview. 16 January 2010.
I profited from this interview with a first-hand account of the war on the home front. I discovered information such as how the American people reacted to the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by rallying behind the President and Congress with their declaration of war. I learned of the extent of the people’s patriotism when I was told about the use of wartime flour sacks to make clothing, maximum speed limits of 35 mph to save gas, and even the entirely halted production of cars in order to make full production potential available for manufacturing aircraft.
Underwood, Jake. Sergeant. Interview. 29 January 2010.
By interviewing this World War II veteran, I learned about his experience riding on a Higgins Boat across the English Channel before he was in the Battle of the Bulge. I also learned about his experiences in the Battle of the Bulge, including his position as commanding officer of his battalion. Mr. Underwood was later awarded the Silver Star for leading his men in continuing their firing on the Germans. According to the awarding officer, Mr. Underwood and his men were the only regiment who continued firing on the Germans as the Americans were encircled by the Germans. Mr. Underwood stated that many soldiers from other regiments stayed in their foxholes, but he commented, "We weren't sent over there to stay in a foxhole." His bravery and leadership helped me understand the importance of what veterans have accomplished for this nation.
MAGAZINES
"Army & Navy - Skeleton in the Bureau." Time Magazine 13 March 1944. Web 10 February 2010. Web. 9 February 2010.
By reading this article I found that the Navy Bureau of Ships was cited by the Truman Committee as "negligent" or showing "willful misconduct." The Truman Committee made this statement because the bureau persisted in keeping their own tank lighter design, even though it was inferior to Higgins' design.
Burck, Gilbert. “Mr. Higgins and His Wonderful Boats.” LIFE Magazine 16 August 1943, 100-110. Web. 5 December 2009.
Viewing this article gave me a much better understanding of the impact of Higgins’ innovative landing craft. I learned that during World War II, all U.S. invasion boats and tank lighters, including Higgins’ competition, were created from Higgins basic design, which he developed before the war. I also discovered that Higgins was innovative in labor rights: he attended the Southern Conference for Human Welfare in Nashville in 1942, and hired African-Americans at equal pay. Higgins' other innovations included ship to shore telephone system, smoke generator operating independently of the engine and capable of putting out several miles of screen, a 1-hp pump the size of a grapefruit capable of pumping 100 gallons a minute. I also became aware that Higgins was awarded an honorary degree from Creighton University, where he had previously attended for three years.
Grahame, Arthur. “To Storm Enemy Shores: How We Built Our Invasion Fleet.” Popular Science April 1944, 144:4, 72-79, 200. Web. 15 November 2009.
This article gave me much greater awareness of the development of invasion craft, dating back to 1804 and Napoleon’s failed attempt to land on Great Britain. The article enabled me to see the necessity for invasion craft that will move large numbers of troops from ship to shore quickly. The author states that the large-scale use of invasion craft will help Allied powers end the war more quickly by overpowering the enemy with large troop movement. I also discovered that Higgins boats were fast for the day: a Higgins boat set the record for the 1,1500 mile trip from New Orleans to St. Louis on the Mississippi River in 72 hours. The author also pointed out another Higgins’ innovation: he added a ramp to his boat and a few more inches of beam to accommodate a light tank, designating the craft the LCV (Landing Craft, Vehicle).
“Sport: Elcos, Eurekas, Etc.” Time Magazine 15 Jan. 1940. Web. 29 January 2010.
I found the information in this article very helpful in understanding the versatility and durability of the Eureka boat. I also learned from this article that Higgins loved fast boats and enjoyed the process of designing a boat to increase its speed, a factor that became very useful in the LCVPs and PT boats during the war.
MAPS OR CHARTS
Operational Chain of Command, AEF, 1 April 1944. Dwight D.Eisenhower Presidential Library. Web. 9 January 2010.
This chart gave me a better understanding of the hierarchy of power in the Allied force. I became aware of the leaders of all three branches of the military service: air force, navy, army.
MUSIC
“El Capitan.” Arthur Pryor Band. Collected Works of Arthur Pryor's Band. Internet Archive. 78 RPMs & Cylinder Recordings. 1904. Web. 10 January 2010.
While listening to this music, I gained an understanding of the type of music that Mr. Higgins may have listened to when he was a young man.I also discovered the type of marching music that was popular for this era.
"Ramshackle Rag." Arthur Pryor Band. Collected Works of Arthur Pryor's Band. Internet Archive. 78 RPMs & Cylinder Recordings. 1911. Web. 10 January 2010.
I chose this song for the "Early Innovations" page because the song has a military sound and Higgins may have been familiar with this popular song. The song is appropriate since this web page discusses Higgins early engineering experience while he was in the military.
"Rosie the Riveter." Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb. Internet Archive. 78 RPMs & Cylinder Recordings. 1943. Web. 1 February 2010.
This iconic song represents the home front equivalent of a G.I. Joe, the female defense worker. While studying this topic, I learned about six million women entered the workforce for the first time. Many of these were married, white, middle-class women who had always been homemakers. I used this song on my "Change" page because Higgins changed employment practices by not only hiring women, but paying them equally with men, an innovative practice.
“Sailin’ on the Robert E. Lee.” Sydney Firman & His Band. Internet Archive. 78 RPMs & Cylinder Recordings. 1932. Web. 10 January 2010.
By hearing this recording, I became aware of the big band sound that was popular in the 1930s. I also found that the steamer, the Robert E. Lee, was popular enough to have a song written about it. I used this song on the "Higgins Industries" page since Higgins broke the record of the legendary steamer, the Robert E. Lee.
"The Longest Day." Mitch Miller. 1950. Web. 28 January 2010.
This song I thought appropriate for background music for the WWII and LCVP page because the lyrics describe the sacrifice of the soldiers who were taken to the beaches of Normandy in the Higgins boats on D-day. The song accurately depicts the vast number of soldiers who would never live to see another day; their sacrifice helped enable the defeat of Nazi Germany, discrimination, and tyranny.
PHOTOGRAPHS
Allied Landing Craft and Ships. Division of Naval Intelligence. Washington,D.C. June 1944. Web. 7
November 2009.
In this diagram, I gathered up some useful information on the specifications of one of Higgins’s older landing craft designs. The specific design in the photo is an LCPL or Landing Craft, Personnel (Large), but Higgins knew it as the Eureka.
Army-Navy "E" Flag. United States. War Department. Compilation of War Department General Orders,
Bulletins, and Circulars. Washington, D.C.: US Government Printing Office, 1943. Web. 1 February
2010.
This source had the image of the Army-Navy "E" award flag. I used this flag on a page linked to the "Change" page.
General Eisenhower and Troops. Newbury, England, June 5 1944, Prior to Loading of Paratroopers of the Airborne Division. Eisenhower Presidential Library. National Archives, Washington, D.C., 5 June 1944. Web. 19 March 2010.
I chose this photograph to use on the WWII Impact page. While visiting the National World War II Museum, I saw this photograph in an exhibit and read a soldier’s quote stating that he believed Eisenhower was not only reassuring and encouraging his troops, but also that Eisenhower himself gained reassurance and encouragement in speaking with the troops before D-day.
Lambermont, Paul. Helicopters and Autogyros of the World. London: Cassell, 1958. Web. 16 December 2009.
This source provided two pictures that helped me understand the structure of this unique helicopter, the Higgins EB-1.
LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle Personnel). Landing Craft Vessels of Liberation. 1944. Web. 19 February 2010.
I found this photograph helpful in depicting what the LCVP looked like fully loaded with troops. I used this picture on the "WWII & LCVP" page.
Miller, Howard J. We Can Do It. Color poster. National Archives, Washington, D.C., 1942. Web. 17 November2009.
Viewing this photograph helped me understand the determined effort that women put into the war effort. From this picture I could appreciate the commitment and hard work that women and other minority groups performed at Higgins Industries and other plants to help ensure Allied victory. I also learned that in 1942, an artist at Westinghouse named J. Howard Miller created "We Can Do It!" Since the government encouraged industries to recruit workers, Miller probably created the poster to show patriotic support at work. I also found that the poster "We Can Do It!" initially had no connection with a person named Rosie.
Rockwell, Norman. Rosie the Riveter. World War II/Home Front National Historic Park, 1943. Web. 21 February 2010.
I discovered that Rockwell created this painting after the song "Rosie the Riveter" was written and produced. The picture appeared on the Memorial Day Edition of the Saturday Evening Post, 1943. I also learned that two weeks after Rockwell's picture appeared on the magazine cover, the press found the story of a woman named Rose Hickey, who, along with her partner, drove a record number of rivets into the wing of a TBM Avenger at a Tarrytown, New York, plant. Another riveter in Michigan, Rose Monroe, made a film about selling war bonds and then a commercial movie called Rosie the Riveter.
Roosevelt, President Franklin D. “Signing the Declaration of War against Japan.” National Archives, Washington, D.C., 8 December 1941. Web. 9 January 2010.
The resolve and seriousness on President Roosevelt’s face helped me understand the responsibility of this decision for him. This photograph indicated that he may have been thinking about the huge undertaking another world war would present.
Sargent, Robert F. CPhoM. “Landing on the coast of France.” National Archives, Washington, D.C., 6 June 1944. Web. 13 December 2009.
I found this photograph very insightful. The American soldiers faced Nazi gunfire with virtually no protection as they left the landing craft boat. Although the boat was effective in getting soldiers close to the coastline, once there, soldiers had little protection from enemy gunfire.
The 7000th brand new copy of the barge-style assault LCVP. Higgins Industries. Challenge LCVP-Higgins Boat. Web. 1 February 2010.
I used this picture on the "Higgins Industries" page. The photograph shows the 7,000th LVCP rolling off the assembly line, ready for action.
"We took the Beaches with Higgins Boats." New Orleans History-Lake Ponchartrain. 1945. Web. 10 February History-Lake Ponchartrain. 1945. Web. 10 February 2010.
I used this depiction of soldiers unloading from a Higgins boat and landing on a beach. I included this picture because it shows the importance of this amphibious craft to winning World War II.
RADIO
“Audio Recording of Eleanor Roosevelt’s Radio Program on the Night of the Pearl Harbor Attack.” The Presidential Timeline of the Twentieth Century. 7 December 1941. Web. 9 January 2010.
The First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, was encouraging Americans in this speech and assuring them that they had been preparing for the possibility of war for a long time. She also Identified with American families as she spoke of her concern for her own son in the navy.
SPEECHES
Eisenhower, General Dwight D. Speech to armed forces. 6 June 1944. Great Historical Moments in the 20th Century Captured on Sound. Web. 20 January 2010.
This audio clip of General Eisenhower to the armed forces about to land on Normandy helped me understand the importance of D-Day and understand the expectations of the rest of the free world on our armed forces. General Eisenhower states that the rest of the world will be watching, emphasizing the importance of this operation. I also learned from the speech that Eisenhower credited the home front with providing the support the troops needed to win the war.
Roosevelt, President Franklin. “The Four Freedoms.” Annual Address to Congress. Washington, D.C. 6 Jan. 1941. Web. 9 January 2010. Web. 9 January 2010.
After reading the text of President Roosevelt’s speech, I discovered for what the four freedoms stand. I learned they are the freedom of speech and expression; the freedom to worship God however we want; the freedom from want; and the freedom from fear. I also learned understood that Roosevelt’s four freedoms really applied to human rights all over the world. I also found that Roosevelt’s idea of a world order meant free countries working together in a civilized society. This speech helped me understand that our country’s freedom wasn’t always a guarantee.
Secondary Sources
BOOKS
Hersey, John. Hiroshima. New York: Bantam, 1946.
After reading this book, I discovered the impact of the atomic bomb on the lives of the Japanese. I also understood how the atomic bomb shortened the war and precluded the need for an invasion into Japan.
Strahan, Jerry E. Andrew Jackson Higgins and the Boats That Won World War II. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State UP, 1994. Print.
Although this book is a secondary source, it contains many very helpful primary source pictures and quotes which I used on my web page. Since Strahan is considered a foremost expert on Higgins, I found his research reliable and extremely helpful. Strahan presents a compelling portrait of the man Andrew Jackson Higgins, with valuable source material to support his information. The majority of the information used on my website came from Mr. Strahan's book. He is considered the foremost expert on A.J. Higgins.
GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS
Higgins, Andrew J. Naval History & Heritage Command. Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
Washington, D.C.: Dept. of the Navy, 2006.
I learned of Higgins’ decent variety of products, going from the landing craft and boats that made him famous to gun turrets and smoke generators. Interestingly, he also invented and held some 30 patents pertinent to amphibious landing craft and vehicles.
Jefferson, William [D-LA]. National Archives. Introduction of the Higgins Gold Medal Resolution. Washington, D. C., 4 May 2000.
From this source I learned of the incredible achievements of Mr. Higgins and his company of 20,000. They worked non-stop around the clock for over 4 years and, at peak production, put out 700 boats per month. By the end of production, they had furnished a whole 20,094 landing craft of all types.
Harvey, Sheridan. "Rosie the Riveter: Real Women Workers in World War II. Journeys & Crossings." Library of Congress. 22 May 2009. Web. 1 February 2010.
From this document I learned that Rosie the Riveter was the famous female icon of World War II, who was the equivalent of G.I. Joe. I also found that she represented not just an aircraft worker; she is an example of a strong and competent female defense worker. I also discovered that 6 million first-time female workers joined the workforce, and many never went back to being just a housewife.
INTERNET
Van Harl, Major USAF Ret. The Boat That Won WWII. 2006. Web. 11 February 2010.Web.
I discovered many interesting facts about the Higgins boat, including the major invasions the boat was used in, Sicily, Africa, and Normandy. I also learned that Higgins boats have been modified and used for civilian purposes.
Landing Craft: Vessels of liberation. Battlefield Normandy. 24 November 2009. Web. 21 January 2010.
This particular source provided plenty of information and facts on the specifications and variations of the Higgins boat. Also included with the information is an abundance of illustrations that leave many options open for what could be used in the website.This particular source provided plenty of information and facts on the specifications and variations of the Higgins boat. Also included with the information is an abundance of illustrations that leave many options open for what could be used in the website.
Meyer, Jerry.Higgins Memorial: The Little Boat That Won The War. Higgins Memorial Project. n.d. Web. 24 November 2009.
I compiled much information on Higgins’ youth, information seemingly unique to this website. I also discovered that a high school teacher from Columbus Nebraska organized, designed, and completedI compiled much information on Higgins’ youth, information seemingly unique to this website. I also discovered that a high school teacher from Columbus Nebraska organized, designed, and completed it with the help of his students and local donors. I visited this site in March 2010.
INTERVIEWS
Chapman, Gayle Pauli. Interview. 16 March 2010.
By interviewing Ms. Chapman, I learned that her father, Peter Pauli, was a welder at Higgins Shipyards. I discovered that labor shortages were significant in New Orleans during World War II. When Mr. Pauli was interviewed by Higgins’ personnel, the Higgins’ official asked Mr. Pauli if he could weld. Although Mr. Pauli could not weld, he replied that he could and was hired. Ms. Chapman stated that labor shortages were so great that incidences like this one were common.
Harper, D. New Orleans Police Officer. Interview. 16 March 2010.
Through interviewing this officer, I gained insight into New Orleaneans’ knowledge of A. J. Higgins. I asked Officer Harper if A.J. Higgins was known in New Orleans. The officer stated that Higgins is “somewhat well-known” by fellow citizens of New Orleans, replying erroneously that a high school Westbank is named after the LCVP innovator. I learned later that the officer was incorrect. The high school in Westbank was named after a different person by the name of Higgins. I discovered from this interview that even native New Orleaneans do not necessarily know who Andrew Jackson Higgins was or what his accomplishments were.
Bob McKey. Interview. National World War II Museum. Interview. 16 March 2010.
In addition to learning specifications of the Higgins boatfrom this interview, I also learned that the LCVP played a crucial role in WWII. According to Mr. McKey, if Hitler had developed landing craft with the LCVP’s capabilities first, then Hitler would have invaded England. I understood that the impact of the Higgins boat on the outcome of World War II was huge.
Schrader, Sherry. Platt County Museum & Historical Society. Interview. 11 March 2010.
By interviewing Ms. Schrader, I gained a better understanding of A.J. Higgins early life and his roots in his native Columbus, Nebraska. Ms. Schrader also shared valuable primary sources with me to expand my knowledge of Higgins’ accomplishments.
Schwab, Leonard. Vietnam Veteran, USAF. Interview. 14 January 2010.
This interview provided very helpful information regarding one of Higgins’ products: the EB-1 helicopter. I discovered much about the design features of the Higgins EB-1 and its control system, and also learned several of the standard features of other helicopters, which I can compare to the Higgins aircraft.
Strahan, Jerry. Author. Telephone interview. 17 March 2010.
From this interview I understood that Higgins was not really a social revolutionary. He was a patriot whose main concern was producing the best machinery for the soldier in the field to be successful. Higgins was fair in his hiring and paying practices in that he paid people according to their job rating. I also learned that Higgins understood that if his workers were happy, then they would produce more on the job; thus, he provided housing and daycare for his workers and their children. Mr. Strahan also mentioned that Higgins did provide news articles that featured blacks and women in his publication the Eureka News Bulletin, which set him apart, since no one else was doing this. I also gained insight into Higgins’ innovative production methods of using assembly line mass production in building ships.
LETTERS
Lempke, Roger P. Adjutant General Nebraska National Guard. Letter to Mr. Michael J. Smith, CEO Nebraska Guard. State Historical Society. 17 July 2007.
From this letter I see that Nebraskans wanted to honor Higgins in the Nebraska Hall of Fame for his contribution in helping fight and conquer Nazism. The letter also shines a little light on how Higgins’ childhood home influenced him to where he would later start ship-building in New Orleans.
MAGAZINE
Anderson, J. “The Story of the Higgins Homes and their Unique Role in New Orleans.” Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans. 17 April 2009.Web. 5 January 2010.
In this document I learned that Higgins set some important standards concerning equal opportunity employment and racial integration by hiring and equally paying whites, blacks, women, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. This influence spread through New Orleans as he integrated neighborhoods when building homes for his workers, numbering around 25,000 total.
Ebeling, Charles W. “The Boats That Made the Landings Possible, and the Man Behind Them.” Invention & Possible, and the Man Behind Them.” Invention & Technology Magazine Summer 2004 20:1.
I discovered many interesting facts about the Higgins boat, including the major invasions the boat was used in, Sicily, Africa, Normandy, Italy, Pacific Islands, and Normandy. I also learned that the LCVP was 36 feet long and 11 feet wide, holding a platoon of 36 fully equipped men or twelve men and a jeep. I found that the boat, made of mahogany, pine, and oak, and was unique because it could run its bow up onto a beach, retract quickly, and then transport another load of soldiers. I learned that the Higgins boat drew only 2 feet 2 inches at the bow and 3 feet aft; the steel ramp at the front dropped down to discharge troops, which allowed the troops to easily get off the boat. The ramp was a great addition, since the previous design required soldiers to jump off the side of the boat, and some soldiers drowned with their heavy packs and equipment; the boat was powered by a 225-horsepower Gray diesel engine, reaching a speed of 12 knots.
MAPS OR CHARTS
World War II Code Names. Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library. n.d.7 February 2010.
By studying this chart, I understood what the different code names stood for on military documents. I found this chart very helpful in understanding other military documents.
D-day the 6th of June: Normandy 1944. U.S. Army Center of Military History. Washington, D.C., 1993. Web. 7 February 2010.
By viewing this map and reading the information, I gained a better understanding of the difficulties American soldiers faced especially at Omaha Beach. I learned that enemy positions on Omaha Beach were located on some bluffs as high as 170 feet. I also became aware that soldiers had to also overcome water and beach obstacles that nearly stopped the invasion on that first morning. The map gave me an overall understanding of where the different Allied invasion forces were going to land.By viewing this map and reading the information, I gained a better understanding of the difficulties American soldiers faced especially at Omaha Beach. I learned that enemy positions on Omaha Beach were located on some bluffs as high as 170 feet. I also became aware that soldiers had to also overcome water and beach obstacles that nearly stopped the invasion on that first morning. The map gave me an overall understanding of where the different Allied invasion forces were going to land.
MUSIC
Hirt, Al. "Bourbon Street Parade." Al Hirt: All Time Greatest Hits. BMG Entertainment, 1990. Web. 20 March 2010.
After speaking with Dawn Higgins Murphy, I learned that in 1944, at the age of fifteen, Al Hirt worked at Higgins Industries, and he also was a trumpeter in the Higgins Band. I discovered that Mr. Higgins loved music and he started his own company band, which Al Hirt joined before he left New Orleans for further musical training. I used Hirt's "Bourbon Street Parade" song on the bibliography page.
NEWSPAPER
Ringle, Ken. “The Boat That Sank Hitler: Andrew Higgins’ Landing Craft Survived D-Day and Bureaucracy.” Washington Post 29 May 2000.
From this article I found that Eisenhower believed we won the war with this boat. I also discovered that the Navy was not receptive to or supportive of the Higgins Boat, largely because Higgins was a small-time New Orleans boat manufacturer and the Navy preferred business with the large East Coast boat manufacturers.
VIDEO RECORDING
Ccekanski, Tom. Director of Exhibitions and Collections at The National World War II Museum. “The Higgins Boat.” The Motor Pool.The National World War II Museum. National World War II Museum, 2009. Film.
I discovered several useful facts on the boat in this informational clip, like some unique qualities of the boats controls, the different variations of engines put in it, some of the hydrodynamic design implements, and other information about the Higgins boat. The video hosts also showed the role of the crewmembers and how they operated the craft.I discovered several useful facts on the boat in this informational clip, like some unique qualities of the boats controls, the different variations of engines put in it, some of the hydrodynamic design implements, and other information about the Higgins boat. The video hosts also showed the role of the crewmembers and how they operated the craft.
Beyond All Boundaries. Tom Hanks, Executive Producer. The National World War II Museum, 2010. Film.
From this film, I learned that even though the Normandy Invasion was successful, the war was far from over. One soldier stated that to him the D-Day Invasion may as well have occurred on the moon, since he was in the Pacific Theater and thought he would have to invade Japan. I also discovered that the US Military ordered approximately 250,000 body bags in preparation for an invasion of Japan. I also understood the significance of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which precluded the need for an invasion of Japan, saving American lives. However, I gained greater awareness of the cost of the atomic bombs on the lives thousands of Japanese.
Man, Moment, Machine: Higgins Landing Craft. History Channel. 2008. Film.
This video helped me understand the most important design features of the Higgins boat. I learned that the reverse slope on the aft portion of the boat prevented propeller cavitation. This feature helped me understand why the boat was unique and why the Navy needed it.
“History of the PT Boat.” Military News Network. 14 Aug. 2008.
From viewing this video, I understood that PT boats were nicknamed the “Mosquito Fleet” because of their size. I also learned that these boats served several functions: search and rescue, intelligence operations, disrupt trade, and attack enemy craft both above and below the surface.
