Museum of The American GI

12/06/2023

Operation Blue Bat: The 1958 U.S. Invasion of Lebanon

On July 15, 1958, President Eisenhower authorized Operation Blue Bat, born during the Cold War Eisenhower Doctrine, to protect Lebanon from communism. The bold move responded to the looming specter of communism inching closer to the oil-rich lands of the Middle East. The Eisenhower Doctrine was a doctrine etched with the mission to shield these nations from the subtle grip of communism. The objective of Operation Blue Bat was to support President Chamoun's government, occupy and secure the Beirut International Airport, secure the city's port, and deploy 14,000 personnel, including 8,509 Army and 5,670 Marine Corps members, to achieve this objective. 1,700 U.S. Marines landed in Beirut at 3 p.m. on July 15, 1958, supported by a fleet of 70 warships. However, the Marines were greeted by civilian beachgoers, sunbathers, street vendors, and helpful people to set up their equipment. Operation Blue Bat was the U.S.'s first Middle East combat operation post-WWII. It successfully secured the airport and stabilized Lebanon, allowing for an election. The U.S. troops left on October 25, 1958, leaving stable conditions until a new government formed.

However, neither Beirut nor Washington D.C. anticipated that this mission would usher in the start of what would seem like an enduring series of American military engagements in the Middle East.

Visit our new exhibits commemorating pivotal moments in military and diplomatic history: “They Came in Peace.” This exhibition tells the story of the Marines joining a multinational force to keep peace in war-torn Lebanon.

As part of our exhibit, we present a brief overview of the US Marine Corps peacekeeping mission in Beirut from 1982 to 1984. This includes an explanation of the Rules of Engagement, the investigation of the tragic events leading up to the bombings of the 1983 US Embassy and USMC Barracks in Beirut, and remembrance.

12/05/2023

Ready for the elf tryouts!
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12/05/2023

Does someone in you life deserve a lump of coal for Christmas? The Museum of the American G.I. Gift Shop has you covered with Duke Cannon Big Ass Lump of Coal Soap once again available!

Don't forget to visit the Museum of the American G.I. Gift Shop as you are doing your Christmas shopping!

12/04/2023

The annual clash between Army and Navy is one of the biggest rivalry games in College Football. In recent years, both teams have been releasing special uniforms to be worn for this game, honoring different aspects of their respective branch of service.

In preparation for their game this Saturday, Navy has unveiled their Silent Service uniform, honoring the Submarine Force. The Naval Academy website says the following about their design: "“The entire uniform is flooded with Eclipse Navy to mimic the covert design of a submarine hull...The design elements of the font are in contrasting white to mimic classification numbers of a submarine hull...On the pants, numbers are stacked vertically to mimic depth numbers of a submarine hull"

This year, Army will be wearing the all-new Dogforce Soldier uniforms for the rivalry game. The "Dogforce Soldier" nickname refers to the 3rd Infantry Division. The uniforms honoring this division feature the desert tan color representing their participation in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The uniforms also feature the Rocky the Bulldog mascot of the division on the helmet, and each player will wear the number and corresponding callsign of one of the division's three brigades on the back of the helmet.

You can see more of these uniforms here: https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2023/11/21/23970132/army-navy-2023-uniforms-gillette-stadium

12/03/2023

It is not too late to get tickets for Winter on the Front at the Museum of the American G.I.!

On December 9th, you will witness and learn about the Christmas Truce of 1914, as well as the harsh realities of late war winter combat.

The schedule of events are as follows:

Saturday – 10 AM – 4 PM
10:00 AM- Gates Open
11:00 AM – Christmas Truce Presentation
12:00 PM – Visit with Living Historians to learn about Winter on the Front
3:00 PM – Late War WWI Battle Skirmish
4:00 PM- Event Over

For tickets and more information, visit our website: https://bit.ly/WinterontheFront

12/02/2023

Did you know that the most decorated unit in United States military history is the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a segregated Japanese American unit.

Despite over 100,000 Japanese-Americans being placed in internment camps and rampant racism against Asian-Americans, the men of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team stepped up to fight for their country. Activated on February 1st, 1943, 2/3's of the unit was comprised of Hawaiian born second-generation Japanese-Americans, with the rest coming from mainland America. The 442nd truly lived up to their "Go for Broke" motto, racking up an impressive track record in the European Theatre.

Decorations earned by the 442nd included over 4,000 Purple Hearts, 4,000 Bronze Stars, 560 Silver Stars, 21 Medals of Honor, and 7 Presidential Unit Citations.

The men overcame racism and suspicion from their fellow American citizens to leave behind a better record than any unit of their size and service length that has ever fought for this country.

12/01/2023

Thank you, KBTX Media for highlighting Winter on rhe Front 1914-1918 coming up on Dec 9, featuring a 1914 Christmas Truce Presentation at 11 AM and a WWI skirmish at 3 PM.

Come and learn what the soldiers experienced as they fought not only the enemy but also the brutal elements during the Winters of the Great War. Cold and heavy rain soaked the trenches and No Man's Land that separated them, making daily life even more miserable in the winter. Frostbite and trench feet were the norm.

In most winters, all the soldiers had to look forward to was a slight lull in the fighting because the miserable weather hampered military operations. But the first winter, the first Christmas, was different.

Join us on Dec 9 to learn how that first Christmas was different and what all the rest were like!

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door and include admission to the museum. After your ticket is scanned, you will ride in a military vehicle to the WWI Demonstration field, where all Winter on the Front activities will occur. The museum opens at 10 AM, so ensure you arrive by 10:30 to have time to reach the demonstration field.

Visit our website to learn more:
https://americangimuseum.org/event/winter-on-the-front-1914-1918/

https://www.kbtx.com/2023/11/30/travel-back-time-watch-this-special-christmas-reenactment/

Museum of the American G.I. has a new event coming soon about a time in history called the Christmas Truce. When the countries of Europe went to war in the summer of 1914, they believed the conflict would be over by Christmas.

12/01/2023

This is a photo of Allied soldiers on the Western Front during World War I. This photograph was unique because it was taken using the Paget method. This early color photography process allowed a colorful look at a conflict often only viewed in black and white.

The Paget method used two glass plates, one comprised of red, green, and blue color filters and the standard black-and-white negative plate. This method made photographs relatively simple to produce and could develop color photographs four times faster than other methods of the time. However, due to the often pale-looking results, the Paget method was scarcely used and considered outdated by the 1920s.

11/30/2023

The Battle of Chosin Reservoir was fought between United Nations Command troops and the People's Republic of China from November 27th to December 13th, 1950 in brutal, freezing cold conditions.

The battle became infamous for the heavy casualties suffered on both sides due to both the harsh conditions and bloody combat. Heroism rose from the intensity, as 13 American servicemen earned a Medal of Honor due to their actions at Chosin Reservoir.

The following men were recipients on the United States' highest military honor:

William E. Barber - Marine Corps
William B. Baugh - Marine Corps
Hector A. Cafferata Jr. - Marine Corps Reserve
Raymond G. Davis - Marine Corps
Don C. Faith Jr. - Army
Thomas J. Hudner Jr. - Navy
James E. Johnson - Marine Corps
Robert S. Kennemore - Marine Corps
Frank N. Mitchell - Marine Corps
Reginald R. Myers - Marine Corps
John U. Page - Army
Carl L. Sitter - Marine Corps
William G. Windrich - Marine Corps

11/29/2023

Visit our new exhibits commemorating pivotal moments in military and diplomatic history: “They Came in Peace.”

Forty years ago, on April 18, 1983, a tragic incident took place at the US Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon. This act of terrorism had a profound impact on the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), US foreign policy, and security measures in the Middle East throughout the 1980s. The attack resulted in the loss of lives, including prominent CIA figures, military members, and American citizens. The bombing on April 18th, 1983, still has a profound impact to this day, casting a long and somber shadow.

The "They Come in Peace" exhibit showcases a chronological timeline, original photos, first-hand accounts, and artifacts from the April 18, 1983, bombing of the US Embassy. "They Came In Peace" pays homage to the dedication and courage of those who served and sacrificed for our nation in 1982-1983. It's a tribute to the steadfast spirit of our military and diplomatic community.

Let's honor and remember the brave men and women who have served our great nation.

11/28/2023

in history, November 28th, 1942, the first B-24 Liberator rolled off the production line at the Ford Willow Run plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Willow Run was the largest factory in the world at the time, and was able to produce one B-24 every hour at its peak production. Over 43,000 men and women had worked at Willow Run manufacturing B-24s, proving the United State's production might could have a major impact on world conflicts.

Designed to fly faster and carry heavier payloads than the B-17 Flying Fortress, the B-24 Liberator saw heavy action in every theatre of the Second World War. Although the Liberator was imperfect, struggling especially at low speeds, the aircraft was key to many successful bombing campaigns.

11/27/2023

Read about a unique method of anti-tank warfare!

https://www.wearethemighty.com/tactical/l-4-grasshopper-world-war-ii-prop-plane-used-mounted-bazookas-against-german-tanks/

L-4 Grasshoppers were first built in 1938 and were dubbed Piper J-3 Cubs. They were light aircraft, slow-movers but were reliable.

11/26/2023

We are only 2 weeks away from Winter on the Front at the Museum of the American G.I.!

Learn what the soldiers experienced as they fought not only the enemy but also the brutal elements during the Winters of the Great War. But the Winter of 1914 differed because the war paused for Christmas. You will watch enemies come together as friends during our Christmas Truce presentation in the morning, followed by the realities of a world at war in the afternoon.

Get your tickets now! ----> https://americangimuseum.org/event/winter-on-the-front-1914-1918/

11/25/2023

The Sunday after Thanksgiving is Museum Shop Sunday!

The Museum of the American G.I. Gift Shop has so much to offer, from paintings, to books, to T-shirts, toys and much more!

Come get your favorite history buff a Christmas gift while supporting your local museum!

11/24/2023

Stop by the museum this weekend and grab a boot mug or two! A great Christmas gift for the person who has everything and a way to support veterans! These cute boot mugs and shot glasses are brought to you by Boot 'n Rally, a group of Aggie entrepreneurs at Mays Business School. All profits support Boot Campaign, a Texas-based non-profit committed to providing veterans with the support and care they need to transition back into civilian life.

We are open Friday and Saturday, 10 AM - 4 PM, and Sunday, noon - 4 PM!

11/24/2023

9 Years! The museum's building opened its doors on Thanksgiving Friday, 2014. Thank you for supporting us and helping us grow! Without you, the Museum of the American G.I. would not be what it is today!

Bring your family by for a visit this weekend! It will be a nice change of pace from cooking and black Friday shopping! We have new displays and exhibits commemorating pivotal moments in military and diplomatic history!

We are open Friday and Saturday, 10 AM - 4 PM, and Sunday, noon - 4 PM!

11/23/2023

Did you know that in 1939 the US had two Thanksgivings?

President George Washington declared in 1789 that Thursday, Nov. 26 as a "Day of Public Thanksgiving". In following years, the day and even the month varied based on presidential proclamation. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln suggested that the nation "set apart and observe the last Thursday of November, next, as a day of Thanksgiving." This set the standard for all future Thanksgiving.

However, things changed during the Great Depression when retailers wrote President Franklin Roosevelt, concerned that since Thanksgiving fell on the last day of November in 1939, they would miss out on a week's worth of revenue from people's Christmas shopping.

Roosevelt intervened with a Presidential Proclamation declaring that the second-to-last Thursday in November would be the new date for Thanksgiving.

This was a wildly unpopular move, and many states or governors issued their own proclamations as to the day the state would celebrate Thanksgiving. The issue widely impacted everyday Americans as well. Americans in one state might have the fourth Thursday of the month off, and the fifth Thursday off in another.

To end the disarray and confusion, on Dec. 26, 1941, Congress passed a law making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday of November every year.

Now you know why Thanksgiving is always on Thursday! Hope you all have a safe Thanksgiving! See y'all tomorrow morning!

11/23/2023

Happy TANKSgiving! A special thank you to all who have served, are serving, and especially those who can not be home. Without your service, we could not have a "healthy peacetime" to celebrate with friends and family.

11/22/2023

Visit our new exhibits commemorating pivotal moments in military and diplomatic history: “They Came in Peace.”

Beirut '83: Shaping History

Forty years ago, on October 23, 1983, the US Marine Corps suffered its deadliest single-day attack since the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. That year, the events that took place in Beirut, Lebanon, significantly impacted US foreign policy and global security. As part of our exhibit, we present a brief overview of the US Marine Corps peacekeeping mission in Beirut from 1982 to 1984. This includes an explanation of the Rules of Engagement, the investigation of the tragic events leading up to the bombings of the 1983 US Embassy and USMC Barracks in Beirut, and how we can move forward today..

We have original photos, personal accounts, and artifacts from the US Embassy bombing and the original door from the USS Iwo Jima, which played a pivotal role in the immediate evacuation of barrack bombing survivors.

Let's honor and remember the brave men and women who have served our great nation.

11/22/2023

We wish everyone safe travels this Thanksgiving Week! May you have a restful time visiting with family and friends.

We will be CLOSED on Wednesday and Thursday, but OPEN on Black Friday.

The museum will be closing early on Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th due to traffic at Santa's Wonderland.

Have a good Thanksgiving and enjoy your food!

11/20/2023

Check out this article about the impact of WWII on the watch industry:

Prior to World War II, there was a thriving American wristwatch industry, but it became a casualty of the war.

11/19/2023

in history, November 19th, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered one of the most iconic speeches in American history, the Gettysburg Address.

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. “Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. “But in a larger sense we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion, that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

11/18/2023

Thank you to everyone who has attended a showing of the Sabaton : The War to End All Wars Movie premiere so far! We are thrilled with the turnout and the support that this event has received.

If you still have not seen the movie yet, we have one more showing tomorrow, November 19th, at 2:00PM.

Get your tickets before its too late!: https://americangimuseum.org/event/sabaton-the-war-to-end-all-wars-movie-premier/

11/18/2023

Thank you Santa's Wonderland- A Texas Christmas Experience for your support of the museum through Cocoa for a Cause. Everyone who purchased cocoa last Saturday helped us in our mission to Preserve history, honor veterans and educate the public. Thank you Santa’s Wonderland for the $10,800!

11/17/2023

Thanksgiving Week is right around the corner! Bring your friends and family for a visit. To help you plan, our Thanksgiving week hours are below.

The Museum of the American G.I. will be open as usual on Sunday the 19th from noon to 5:00 PM and then closed Monday the 20th through Thursday the 23rd for the holiday.

On Black Friday, come to the museum to celebrate the 9th anniversary of the museum building being open with us!

On Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th, the museum will be closing early at 4:00 PM, due to high traffic from Santa's Wonderland.

Normal operating hours will continue the following week.

11/16/2023

Visit our new exhibits commemorating pivotal moments in military and diplomatic history: “They Came in Peace.”

Beirut '83: Shaping History

Forty years ago, on October 23, 1983, the US Marine Corps suffered its deadliest single-day attack since the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. That year, the events that took place in Beirut, Lebanon, significantly impacted US foreign policy and global security. As part of our exhibit, we present a brief overview of the US Marine Corps peacekeeping mission in Beirut from 1982 to 1984. This includes an explanation of the Rules of Engagement, the investigation of the tragic events leading up to the bombings of the 1983 US Embassy and USMC Barracks in Beirut, and how we can move forward today..

We have original photos, personal accounts, and artifacts from the US Embassy bombing and the original door from the USS Iwo Jima, which played a pivotal role in the immediate evacuation of barrack bombing survivors.

Let's honor and remember the brave men and women who have served our great nation.

11/15/2023

Sabaton’s The War to End All Wars Movie Premiers this weekend at the Museum of the American G.I.!

The movie will be shown at the following times:

November 17th, 7:00 PM
November 18th, 11:AM
November 18th, 2:00 PM
November 19th, 2:00PM

Get your tickets now!: https://americangimuseum.org/event/sabaton-the-war-to-end-all-wars-movie-premier/

11/13/2023

Museum Collection Notes: Military Medals: Army of Occupation Medal

The Army of Occupation Medal (AOM) was established by War Department General Orders Number 32 (1946) and designed by Thomas Hudson Jones (1892-1969). Established on April 5, 1946, the World War II Occupation Medal Ribbon honors United States Army and Air Force members who carried out occupation service in Austria, Germany, Italy, or Japan following World War II. To qualify, individuals must have served for a minimum of 30 days consecutively in one of the eligible areas. Individuals may not receive both the Army and Navy versions of the award. On April 2, 1947, the first AOM was awarded to General Dwight D. Eisenhower, with the second being presented to General Douglas MacArthur on the same day.

The bridge on the medal is the Ludendorff railroad bridge at Remagen, Germany, and was situated 22 miles northwest of Koblenz. On March 7, 1945, the Allies established their first bridgehead across the Rhine by seizing the Ludendorff railroad bridge at Remagen before the Germans could destroy it. Since this bridge was a "point of entry" of ground forced into Germany, it was selected to represent the occupation of Germany. The mountain on the back of the medal is Fujiyama, an extinct volcano in south-central Honshu, Shizuoka Prefecture, 70 miles southwest of Tokyo. It is the highest peak in Japan. The two boats are sailing on one of the five small lakes at the base of Fujiyama. This scene symbolizes Japan or the Army of Occupation in Asia. The date denotes the beginning year of the Army of Occupation.

The medal was designed after the Second World War to honor those who had performed occupation service in Germany, Italy, Austria, Japan, or Korea. Initially, the Army of Occupation Medal was only meant for members of the United States Army, but it was later expanded in 1948 to include the United States Air Force shortly after its creation. The Navy and Marine Corps counterpart of the Army of Occupation Medal is the Navy Occupation Service Medal, which has its own medallion and clasps but features the same ribbon.

11/12/2023

We will be closed today, Nov 12, due to a staff emergency. Sorry for the inconvenience. We will be open for regular hours on Wednesday.

11/12/2023

Join us for Winter on the Front 1914 -1918!

Learn what the soldiers experienced as they fought not only the enemy but also the brutal elements during the Winters of the Great War. But the Winter of 1914 differed because the war paused for Christmas. You will watch enemies come together as friends during our Christmas Truce presentation in the morning, followed by the realities of a world at war in the afternoon.

December 9, 2023
Saturday 11 AM – 4 PM

For tickets and more information: https://americangimuseum.org/event/winter-on-the-front-1914-1918/

11/12/2023

Thank you to everyone who supported the museum by purchasing Santa's Wonderland- A Texas Christmas Experience world famous hot cocoa to tonight! Your support matters and helps us Preserve Honor Educate!

11/11/2023

Tonight is our Cocoa for a Cause for the Museum of The American G.I.!
🇺🇸100% of all Hot Cocoa sales will be donated to help in their mission to preserve the living history of the American Servicemen who proudly served our country and continue to do so today!
🎖They work tirelessly to deepen public appreciation through education programs, historical displays, and re-enactments!
✨Partnering with these incredible folks is a true honor for us each season. We’re incredibly appreciative of the work they do for our American Servicemen and women!
👉To learn more about their organization & to see how you can get involved, visit americangimuseum.org

11/11/2023

The rain stayed away and there is a nice nip in the air! It is a great night to come out toSanta's Wonderland- A Texas Christmas Experience!

In honor of Veterans Day, all veterans and active duty military get in free! Grab a cup of the world famous Cocoa and stop by to see us at the Trading post!

11/11/2023

Happy Veterans Day! In Honor of your service, veterans will have free admission to the museum on November 11.

Did you know that Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day?

Armistice Day marks the signing of the armistice between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiegne, France, for the cessation of the hostilities on the Western Front of the war. This armistice took effect at eleven o’clock in the morning – on the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” of 1918.

In the US, Armistice Day became a legal holiday and “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter known as Armistice Day.”

In 1945, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks from Birmingham, Alabama, had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who died in World War I.

Finally, in 1954, Armistice Day was renamed Veteran’s Day to honor and recognize all American veterans, no matter when they served.

11/10/2023

It is starting to feel like Christmas! There is a chill in the air - perfect for Santa's Wonderland- A Texas Christmas Experience World Famous Hot Cocoa!

So come on out and join us at Santa's Wonderland on Saturday for Veterans Day! Bring your family and stop by and see us at the Trading Post!

Opening weekend veterans and active duty military are FREE!🇺🇸🎖️ It's our way of saying thank you for your service!

11/10/2023

Happy 248th birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps! Thank you for your many years of
service defending our country!

In honor of this milestone, all Marine Corps Active Duty and Veterans will receive free admission on this day!

What is a birthday without cake? Stop in a grab a piece as we honor the men and women of the Marine Corps!

11/09/2023

Come see our new exhibit commemorating a pivotal time in military history: "They Came In Peace." This exhibition tells the story of the Marines joining a multinational force to keep peace in war-torn Lebanon. The Marines maintained a visible presence in Beirut to deter further bloodshed among warring factions. It is a moving exhibit that tells a harrowing story and pays tribute to our military's dedication and courage.

In 1983, the world bore witness to two unfathomable tragedies—the bombing of the US Embassy in Beirut and the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing that shook the city, the Marine Corps, the United States, and the entire world. It claimed the lives of 241 American service members, including 220 Marines, 18 Navy medical personnel, three soldiers, and 58 French Paratroopers.

For the Marines, October 23, 1983, was the highest loss of life in a single day since D-Day on Iwo Jima in 1945.

Discover photographs and personal accounts that bring this moment in history to life. Don't miss this incredible journey through a chapter that forever altered the course of history and international relations.

Let's honor and remember the brave men and women who have served our great nation.

11/08/2023

Christmas in November! We invite you to join us at Santa's Wonderland on November 11 for Military Appreciation Weekend*! So grab your family and friends and join us as we honor and salute the men and women who served!

Your Texas Christmas Experience will not be complete without a cup of World Famous Hot Cocoa!

On Veterans Day, 100% of all Hot Cocoa Sales will go directly to the Museum of the American G.I.! So why not treat yourself to a delicious cup of cocoa and help support a good cause all at once?!

Thank you, Santa's Wonderland, for helping us "Make the World a Better Place"!
We will have staff at the Trading Post to meet you and answer any questions you may have about our museum and our mission!

*Veterans and Active Duty Military are free This free offer does not include family members, but you can purchase tickets online for a savings on general admission tickets that family and friends may use during Military Appreciation Weekend.