D-Day Invasion: Battle-Scarred Flag from LCT 540.  
We are pleased to offer an American flag that flew from the LCT 540 during the D-Day invasion on Omaha Beach, June 6, 1944. It was consigned by Ensign William L. Wilhoit (later Lieutenant), a true American hero who, we are glad to report, is alive and well. He told his story in an audio interview which can be accessed through the web site "Adam P. Kennedy Chronicling Greatness". It runs seven minutes and is well worth your time.

The flag was professionally framed some time ago and is sold as-is, framed. It measures 36" long and is folded and mounted to a red velvet background with a metal plaque inscribed: "Flag of US LCT 540/ Normandy Invasion/ June 6, 1944". The frame measures 44.5" x 17". As to be expected, the flag is tattered along the right side and stained with diesel oil.

The flag is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity signed by Navy Cross recipient Wilhoit dated June 16, 2016. We also include copies of the Presidential Unit Citation to United States LCT 540 signed by Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal along with a Navy Cross Citation to "Ensign William L. Wilhoit United States Naval Reserve" also signed by Forrestal. Both citations relate to the actions taken on D-Day. We urge you to read all these documents posted to our web site and check out the online interview. In the meantime, we feel compelled to quote the Navy Cross citation in full, as it is both gripping and inspiring:

"For extraordinary heroism as Relief Officer on board the U. S. LCT 540 during landing and support operations on the Normandy Coast of France beginning June 6, 1944. Severely wounded during the first moments of the assault when nine shattering blasts from German 88-mm. cannon crippled his ship, killed his Officer-in-Charge, killed or wounded six Army personnel and injured seven crewmen, Ensign Wilhoit unhesitatingly assumed command and despite his extreme youth and lack of combat experience maneuvered the now unwieldy craft toward the beach through German-emplaced obstacles and mines. Intrepid in the face of continued punishing gunfire and unwavering under the grueling day and night duty of the ensuing four days, Ensign Wilhoit faithfully carried on his mission and, by his own great valor, inspired his loyal crew to supreme effort in the repeated landing of equipment, supplies and troops vital to assault operations. By his dauntless leadership, resolute fighting spirit and conspicuous gallantry in the fulfillment of an unfamiliar and perilous task, Ensign Wilhoit upheld and enhanced the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service."