A convoy of Landing Craft Infantry (Large) sails across the English Channel toward the Normandy Invasion beaches on D-Day, 6 June 1944. Each of these landing craft is towing a barrage balloon for protection against low-flying German aircraft. Among the LCI(L)s present are: LCI(L)-56, at far left; LCI(L)-325; and LCI(L)-4. Photograph from the U.S. Coast Guard Collection in the U.S. National Archives.
The 80th anniversary of the Normandy D-Day invasion is just a few days way.
Military.com has an excellent overview of US Coast Guard activities during the Normandy Invasion.
If you would like to learn more. Check out these selections from my Heritage page.
- D-Day, 6 June 1944
- U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Flotilla One at Normandy
- D-Day, Normandy Remembered
- Saluting Our Coast Guard Shipmates – Flotilla Ten at Normandy and the loss of LCIs 85, 91, 92 and 93
- The Long Blue line: “Lucky Ox”—surviving the killing fields of D-Day
- LCI(L) 85: The Four- Leaf Clover
- “Coast Guard veteran turns 100, reflects on ‘scary days’ and ‘unbelievable sights’ of D-Day invasion” –D8 Press Release
- The Long Blue Line: Seaman First Class Fletch Burton—he went in harm’s way so others might live free
- The Long Blue Line: The life and times of Marvin Perrett—Portrait of a World War II coxswain and FRC namesake
LCI(L) 85 shortly before she sank, D-Day, 6 June 1944.
“Crew of CG-16 pointing to the tally board of 126 rescued soldiers.”
Photo courtesy of Terry Hannigan.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 
Another great story here: “Love your Freedom, because that’s what we fought for” — D-Day Gunner’s Mate Frank DeVita > United States Coast Guard > My Coast Guard News (uscg.mil)