Today in Transportation Corps History

Today in Transportation Corps History

March 09, 1847: The Landing at Vera Cruz



American forces land at Vera Cruz during the Mexican-American War during their drive to capture Mexico City.  In order to shorten the walking distance to the Mexican capitol, Mexico City, the American forces are put aboard ships and taken down the Mexican coast to the city of Vera Cruz for the shorter march inland from there.  Vera Cruz was still controlled by Mexican forces so, using specially built boats, everything is unloaded directly onto a nearby beach.  This can be considered the first LOTS (Logistics Over The Shore) operation in Army history.  It went off perfectly with a single soldier or piece of equipment being lost.

Contemporary Lithograph.  American troops come ashore unopposed at Very Cruz. 1847.
Contemporary Lithograph. American siege guns open fire on the city of Vera Cruz. 1847.

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