Understanding Military Terms

Airborne: Troops delivered by parachute or glider Beachhead: Initial foothold on enemy shore Bocage: Norman countryside of small fields enclosed by thick hedgerows DD Tank: Duplex Drive amphibious Sherman tank E-boat: German motor torpedo boat (Schnellboot) Flak: Anti-aircraft fire (from German Fliegerabwehrkanone) H-Hour: Time designated for start of assault LCA: Landing Craft, Assault LCI: Landing Craft, Infantry LCT: Landing Craft, Tank LCVP: Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel (Higgins boat) LST: Landing Ship, Tank Mulberry Harbor: Artificial harbors constructed off invasion beaches Rhino Ferry: Powered raft for ship-to-shore transport SHAEF: Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force Wehrmacht: German armed forces