Amin ISBIR

10 September 1908  McKeesport

Allegheny County, PENNSYLVANIA

Parents:  Michael & Mary ABBOT

Siblings: John Bedeh, Olga, Peter, Julia, Esper, & Flora ISBIR

LCI(L)-88 

USS LCI(L)-88

LCI-1 Class Landing Craft Infantry (Large):
Laid down, 20 October 1943, at Consolidated Steel Corp., Shipbuilding Div., Orange, TX.
Launched, 20 December 1942)
Commissioned USS LCI(L)-88, 2 February 1943, LT. William B. Cole USCGR in command
During World War II USS LCI(L)-88 was assigned to the Europe-Africa-Middle East Theater, LCI Flotilla Four, Capt. M. E. Imlay, USCG and Flotilla Ten at Normandy and participated in the following campaigns:

Tunisian operation, 1 June to 9 July 1943
Sicilian occupation, 9 to 15 July 1943
Salerno landings, 9 to 21 September 1943
Invasion of Normandy, 6 to 23 June 1944

After completing service in the Mediterranean USS LCI(L)-88 proceeded to England in November 1943 for training in preparation for the Invasion of Normandy
During the Invasion of Normandy USS LCI(L)-88 was damaged off the coast of France
USS LCI(L)-88 departed England 24 October 1944, for Charleston, S.C. for availability and overhaul at US Navy Yard, Charleston, S.C.

Map of Normandy American Cemetery

COX Amin Isbir was born on September 10th, 1908, to Michael Isbir and Mary Abbot, two immigrants from the Syrian region of the Ottoman Empire. Amin attended McKeesport High School and graduated in 1928. It is unknown what he did immediately after high school.

In 1933 Amin joined the United State Naval Reserve at the Naval Reserve Center in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. In 1943 Amin was activated and began training at Fort Pierce, Sampson Naval Training Center, and Camp Bradford, before being sent to the European Theatre.

COX Isbir was placed on the USS LCI(L)-88 to provide reinforcements at Omaha Beach on D-Day. COX Isbir and ENS Vaghi were the first men off the vessel and began to provide medical aid to fallen and wounded soldiers. A shell from a German railway gun sent a nearby Jeep flying which landed on COX Isbir, which ENS Vaghi observed, stating that the impact killed Amin instantly. Because his body was trapped under the Jeep, he was not located until June 8th, 1944, and his date was originally listed as the 8th.

After some research, Amin's nephew believed that this date was incorrect, and with the help of ENS Vaghi, he confirmed his suspicion. In 2009 Amin's nephew appealed to the American Battle Monuments Commission and his headstone was replaced with one with the correct date. In 2012 Amin was officially added to the register of D-Day deaths. Amin was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart and all members of the 6th Beach Battalion were awarded the French Croix de Guerre for their bravery.