The 718th Amphibian Tractor Battalion shipped out just in time to participate in the invasion of Leyte Gulf, where they took part in raids behind Japanese lines.
Though seeing a fair amount of action, they only suffered one KIA.
After the Philippines, they participated in the invasion of Okinawa where their duties were more supply and logistical in nature, rather than engaging the enemy.
The son of Jerry Smith, of the Army’s 718th Amphibious Tractor Battalion, has shared the following photos.
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Jerry Smith served in the Army’s 718th Amphibious Tractor Battalion. He was a driver and armorer on an LVT-4 amphibian tractor.
The Okinawa countryside.
Jerry Smith on duty in Okinawa.
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