Guadalcanal was the first US amphibious landing operation of WW2. Its success hinged largely on a small transport vessel known as the LCPL—or the Higgins Landing Craft, as it was originally known, named after its inventor, Andrew Higgins. The battle was more than a victory. It was a first step on the road to defeating Japan. Don't miss a new episode of Combat Ships, tomorrow at 8/7c! | Smithsonian Channel Aviation Nation