And most controversially, successfully and famously, a DD Tank. This was a Sherman tank that the British modified to work in the water. It had a "skirt" which could be raised sort of like a canvas shower curtain to surround the tank.
Hundreds were dropped at D-day, miles from the beach. The problem was that with the rough waters, quite a few "drowned", taking their crew with them of course.
What you won't read in too many places is that they may have been the greatest generation, but humans are humans. When the fire from the beaches became intense, many of the sailors piloting the LCTs (Landing Craft - Tank) became primarily focused on getting their troops off their boat and into the water, so they could get the **** out of there. Some got their tanks off early -- too early -- which resulted in sunken tanks. I've read anecdotes that some soldiers, after seeing this, were not too keen on early drop offs, and that where the sailors were insisting that they get in the water, guns were pointed at sailors to help convince them to "get a little ****ing closer to the goddamn beach".
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