Coast Guardsman Robert Campbell and LVT(A)-1 Amtracs

As their crews prepare for the invasion of Cape Sansapor, Coast Guardsman Robert Campbell stands watch over LVT(A)-1 Amtracs on the beach in Maffin Bay. The LVT(A)-1 had a M3 tank turret with a 37mm gun. At 0730 Hours on July 30, 1944, an LST launched 12 LVT(A)-1s and 4 LVTs, carrying the 6th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop to Middleburg Island just off Cape Sansapor. Allied planners felt that Middleburg offered a place to quickly build an airstrip. The island was unoccupied, and the 6th Cavalry, minus a garrison force, was moved to Cape Sansapor the same day. One man was killed when a 37mm gun accidentally discharged. Seabees constructed an airfield on Middleburg that was in operation by August 17.