Service in the Mediterranean
The next day, Robert was sent by train from Oran to the port of Bizerte, French Tunisia. At Bizerte, Robert was finally assigned to his ship, the USS LCI(L)-41, one of many “landing craft infantry” ships designed to haul troops and disembark them directly at shore. He was mustered on the ship by mid-summer 1944.
On the LCI, Robert hauled troops about Italy and southern France. One specific event he took part in was during the Battle of Toulon in August 1944. A previous German attack on the city included the French Navy scuttling dozens of ships in the city’s port, so to assist in supply/ammunition deliveries to the city in this battle, the LCI(L)-41 and LCI(L)-43 took divers and explosives experts out to the harbor to clear the scuttled remains.
The Invasion of Southern France in mid-1944 was the highlight of Robert’s participation in the war. However, throughout his stay on the LCI, Robert would constantly work with his fellow crewmembers in deterring Luftwaffe attacks.
On the LCI, Robert hauled troops about Italy and southern France. One specific event he took part in was during the Battle of Toulon in August 1944. A previous German attack on the city included the French Navy scuttling dozens of ships in the city’s port, so to assist in supply/ammunition deliveries to the city in this battle, the LCI(L)-41 and LCI(L)-43 took divers and explosives experts out to the harbor to clear the scuttled remains.
The Invasion of Southern France in mid-1944 was the highlight of Robert’s participation in the war. However, throughout his stay on the LCI, Robert would constantly work with his fellow crewmembers in deterring Luftwaffe attacks.