A Landing Ship Medium (LSM) is a naval vessel that is primarily used to transport troops, vehicles, and equipment to a landing site for military operations. Synonyms for LSM include Landing Craft, Infantry (LCI), Landing Craft, Tank (LCT), and Landing Ship Tank (LST). All of these vessels have the same purpose of transporting personnel or equipment to shore during amphibious assaults. These vessels played a crucial role in many significant historical military operations, including the Normandy landings during World War II. While their designs have evolved over time, the necessity for quick and efficient troop and equipment transportation remains a vital aspect of amphibious warfare.