The Untold Story of LCI(L)-92: Remembering the Heroes of D-Day
“Identifying the Fallen: DNA Testing Reveals Secrets of D-Day Soldiers Lost at Sea”
Petty Officer 3rd Class Seth Shephard’s heart raced as he gazed through the misty morning fog from the deck of his landing ship. Waves crashed against the bow, fires blazed on the Normandy coastline, and the smell of gunpowder lingered in the air. As Shephard, a Coast Guard photojournalist, prepared to capture the scene, a sudden blast rocked the ship, propelling it out of the water with a fiery explosion.
The harrowing account of LCI(L)-92’s fate on D-Day, 80 years ago, sheds light on the sacrifices made by soldiers and sailors during the Allied invasion of Normandy. The landing craft, carrying over 225 Army soldiers and Coast Guard sailors, was struck by mines and German artillery fire, resulting in the deaths of 27 men trapped in the front hold.
Decades later, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) embarked on a mission to identify the remains of those lost on LCI(L)-92. Through DNA testing and forensic analysis, the agency has successfully identified three soldiers and is working on two more pending identifications.
The story of LCI(L)-92 is just one of many untold tales from D-Day, where over 200 soldiers remain unaccounted for at the Normandy American Cemetery. The DPAA’s efforts to recover and identify these fallen heroes serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during Operation Overlord.
Among the identified soldiers is Sgt. John Herrick, one of four friends from Bushong, Kansas, who perished together on LCI(L)-92. Herrick’s upcoming burial on Veterans Day, his 100th birthday, honors his memory and the camaraderie of the Bushong boys who served side by side.
For families like Roberta Tessendorf, the identification of her uncle, Tech. 4 Elmo Hartwick, has brought closure and a renewed connection to her family’s past. Hartwick’s sacrifice on D-Day will be commemorated with a burial in his hometown, a testament to his service and the DPAA’s dedication to honoring the fallen.
As the DPAA continues its mission to identify and honor the lost soldiers of D-Day, the stories of bravery and sacrifice from that fateful day live on, ensuring that the legacy of those who gave their lives for freedom will never be forgotten.