The 458th Transportation Corps was created on 2 June, 1943 as the 458th Amphibian truck Company. The unit operated modified 2 1/2 ton trucks that had the ability to travel on land or water. DUKW's provided valuable support during World War II, particularly at Omaha Beach on D-Day. The 458th participated in the Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe campaigns, earning the French Croix de Guerre. Richard E. Leibel was an original member of the 458th, serving during the D-Day Landing and many other campaigns.