The fourth LVT was Designed in 1943 on the basis of the LVT-2, but was the first to feature a stern ramp for unloading of personnel and cargo. It was also the most produced of any LVTs during the war. This alone was a remarkable step forward, essentially dictated by early battle reports over casualties resulting on landing troops.

It was completely remodelled to achieve this, with relocated engine was from the rear to behind the driver’s cab. This allowed for a larger cargo area and thus provided enough space to accommodate a full rear loading ramp, and far more troops (from 16 to 30 compared to the LVT-2).

This rear configuration also better protected landing forces and facilitated loading. Another particular was to have Wash Vanes (honeycombed boxes above the tracks) that forces the water out, pushed by the grousers when in motion.

More than 8300 were produced from December 1943 until the end of the war. The LVT-4s were first used at Peleliu with LVT-2s. This operation showed how far the designers efforts resulted in a way better machine, useful, well-protecting and reliable. On the long run, the engine\’s location facilitated its maintenance.

LVT(4)s participated in the Saipan campaign (June 1944), Guam and Tinian (July 1944). LVT-4s were also used by British and Canadian troops during the operations in the Netherlands and by allied forces when crossing the Rhine in march 1945.