My dad was an LST coxswain, he drove one of the small boats that carried troops from the big navy ships to the shore. Talk about a cr@ppy dangerous job!!! He drove LST’s for the invasions of the Solomon Islands, Saipan, and Okinawa. He was on two ships that were sunk by kamikazis at Okinawa. It’s a miracle that he survived the war.
I won’t say he was lucky, more likely he was skilled at survival.
My Dad was at Saipan and Okinawa.
Saipan he was on a troopship (Warhawk).
Okinawa he was on a cargo ship that brought in supplies during the battle.