Museum of The American GI

Museum of The American GI The Museum of the American G.I is a living history museum dedicated to preserving the equipment, uniforms and memories of all American Servicemen and women.
(259)

The Museum of the American G.I. is home to one of the finest collections in the US of restored, running WWI, WWII and later era military vehicles including a WWI FT-17 tank, WWII Sherman tanks, M18 Hellcats and various other tanks as well as historic uniforms and equipment used by the American Serviceman and women. What really makes this museum unique is its ability to exhibit the vehicles and wea

pons in action. We restore and maintain the equipment so the public can hear and see the equipment move under its own power. All of the vehicles and equipment on display are fully restored and functional.

On September 2, 1945, Japan formally surrendered aboard the USS Missouri, bringing World War II to an end.Among those pr...
09/02/2026

On September 2, 1945, Japan formally surrendered aboard the USS Missouri, bringing World War II to an end.

Among those present for this historic moment was A.E. W. Kelly, whose uniform is proudly preserved and displayed at the Museum of the American G.I. His uniform reminds us that history is made not only through major events, but through the experiences of the individuals who witnessed them.

As we remember V-J Day, we honor the service, sacrifice, and perseverance of the millions who helped bring World War II to its conclusion.

— September 1, 1939: World War II Begins in EuropeAt 4:45 a.m. on September 1, 1939, the German battleship Schleswig-H...
09/01/2026

— September 1, 1939: World War II Begins in Europe

At 4:45 a.m. on September 1, 1939, the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein opened fire on the Polish garrison at Westerplatte. At nearly the same time, German forces attacked Poland from multiple directions by land and air. Without a formal declaration of war, N**i Germany had invaded Poland.

The invasion followed months of German expansion across Europe. Just days earlier, on August 23, Germany and the Soviet Union had signed a nonaggression pact that included a secret agreement dividing Poland and other parts of Eastern Europe into German and Soviet spheres of influence.

German forces employed fast-moving, coordinated attacks using aircraft, armor, and ground troops—methods that would become associated with Blitzkrieg, or “lightning war.” Polish forces resisted, but Germany quickly pushed deep into the country.

Britain and France had pledged to support Poland. After Germany ignored demands to withdraw its forces, Great Britain and France declared war on Germany on September 3.

The conflict that began in Poland would spread across Europe and eventually much of the world. September 1, 1939, is generally recognized as the beginning of World War II in Europe, a war that would continue for nearly six years and transform the world.

PC: German troops parade through Warsaw, Poland, September 1939. National Archives and Records Administration NAID 559369

CIVIL WAR: SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIEROnly a small fraction of a Civil War soldier’s time was spent in combat. Most of his lif...
08/31/2026

CIVIL WAR: SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER

Only a small fraction of a Civil War soldier’s time was spent in combat. Most of his life revolved around camp routines.

From tent layout to daily activities, military life was highly regulated. Soldiers spent hours drilling—learning to follow commands, move in formation, handle their rifles, and load and fire through constant repetition. These skills could mean the difference between life and death on the battlefield.

When they weren’t drilling, soldiers tended to camp chores. In their limited free time, they played games, sang songs, and wrote letters home.

Step into the camp and experience the everyday life of a Civil War soldier. Interact with living historians as they drill, work, and go about the routines of military life.

Camps will be open:
10 AM - 4 PM Saturday, Sept 12
10 AM - 3 PM Sunday, Sept 13

Come experience the Civil War beyond the battlefield.

This is an outdoor event. Free with admission to the museum.

From Corregidor to FreedomIn this remarkable photograph, recently liberated U.S. Army prisoner of war Alfred Sorenson pa...
08/31/2026

From Corregidor to Freedom

In this remarkable photograph, recently liberated U.S. Army prisoner of war Alfred Sorenson pauses before a full meal aboard the hospital ship USS Benevolence (AH-13) in Tokyo Bay. A Navy nurse assists him as he begins his recovery after more than three years in Japanese captivity.

Sorenson had been captured on May 6, 1942, during the fall of Corregidor in the Philippines. After the surrender of Bataan on April 9, Corregidor—the fortified island guarding the entrance to Manila Bay—became the last major American stronghold in the Philippines. Following weeks of intense Japanese bombardment and an amphibious assault, Lt. Gen. Jonathan Wainwright surrendered Corregidor and the remaining American forces in the Philippines on May 6. Thousands of American and Filipino servicemen entered captivity.

More than three years later, following Japan's surrender, USS Benevolence entered Tokyo Bay on August 29, 1945. The Navy hospital ship became part of the urgent effort to locate, evacuate, and care for Allied prisoners held in camps throughout the Tokyo area. Many arrived severely malnourished and ill after years of captivity. Aboard Benevolence, they received medical treatment, food, clothing, and care as the long recovery process began.

For Alfred Sorenson, the war that had taken away his freedom at Corregidor in May 1942 had finally come to an end.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, National Archives. 80-G-490452

Learn More:
U.S. Army Center of Military History — The Fall of the Philippines
https://history.army.mil/portals/143/Images/Publications/catalog/5-2.pdf
Naval History and Heritage Command — USS Benevolence (AH-13)
https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/b/benevolence-i.html

Twenty Years of War: 2001–2021On August 30, 2021, the last U.S. military forces departed Afghanistan, bringing America’s...
08/30/2026

Twenty Years of War: 2001–2021

On August 30, 2021, the last U.S. military forces departed Afghanistan, bringing America’s longest war to an end and closing a major chapter in two decades of warfare that followed the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

The Global War on Terror began in the aftermath of 9/11. On October 7, 2001, the United States launched Operation Enduring Freedom, beginning military operations in Afghanistan against al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

Over the next two decades, the conflict reached far beyond Afghanistan. American forces served in Iraq, Syria, the Philippines, the Horn of Africa, and throughout the Middle East, Africa, and Central and South Asia. Their missions ranged from large-scale ground combat to air and naval operations, counterterrorism, intelligence gathering, training, and support for allied forces.

The scale of American military service during the post-9/11 wars was immense:

• Millions of American service members deployed in support of post-9/11 military operations, with many serving multiple deployments.
• More than 7,000 U.S. service members died during the major post-9/11 war operations.
• More than 50,000 were wounded in action.

In Afghanistan alone, 2,461 American service members lost their lives, while more than 20,000 were wounded.

For twenty years, these conflicts shaped the lives of an entire generation of American service members and their families.

On this anniversary of the end of the war in Afghanistan, we remember those who served across the globe, those who returned home carrying the wounds of war, and those who never came home.

Preserve • Honor • Educate

Political comments will be deleted

Learn More:

https://dcas.dmdc.osd.mil/dcas/conflictCasualties/oco

https://history.army.mil/Publications/Publications-Catalog/Operation-Enduring-Freedom-Collection/

https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/wars-conflicts-and-operations/middle-east/operation-enduring-freedom.html

https://www.afhistory.af.mil/FAQs/Fact-Sheets/Article/458975/2001-operation-enduring-freedom/

Happy Birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve!On August 29, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Naval Appropriat...
08/29/2026

Happy Birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve!

On August 29, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Naval Appropriations Act of 1916, formally establishing the Marine Corps Reserve. For 110 years, Reserve Marines have stood ready to answer the call and serve alongside their active-duty counterparts.

From the battlefields of two World Wars to Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan, and missions around the world, Marine reservists have carried forward the traditions and fighting spirit of the Corps while balancing military service with civilian life.

Today, we honor the generations of Reserve Marines who have answered when called—serving their communities and their country with dedication, sacrifice, and distinction.

Happy 110th Birthday, Marine Corps Reserve! Semper Fidelis.

🐾 Happy International Dog Day! 🐾From all of us at the Museum of the American G.I., Tour Guide Annie hopes you and your p...
08/26/2026

🐾 Happy International Dog Day! 🐾

From all of us at the Museum of the American G.I., Tour Guide Annie hopes you and your pups have a tail-wagging day filled with adventures, treats, and plenty of belly rubs!

After all, every good adventure is better with a four-legged friend by your side.

The end of summer doesn't mean the end of fun! Whether you're looking to spark a love of history, find a fun educational...
08/18/2026

The end of summer doesn't mean the end of fun! Whether you're looking to spark a love of history, find a fun educational activity, or pick up school-themed goodies, our Gift Shop has something for every young learner.

On this day in 1940, 48 members of the U.S. Army Parachute Test Platoon made the first official military parachute jump ...
08/16/2026

On this day in 1940, 48 members of the U.S. Army Parachute Test Platoon made the first official military parachute jump at Fort Benning, Georgia, beginning the legacy of the American paratrooper. During World War II, more than 100,000 paratroopers served in Airborne Divisions, taking on some of the most daring missions of the war.

Today, we honor the courage and sacrifice of America’s airborne Soldiers and celebrate the legacy that continues to inspire new generations—including young history enthusiasts who can take home their own paratrooper toy from our gift shop!

On June 20, 1967, U.S. Navy pilot John M. McGrath was shot down by anti-aircraft fire over North Vietnam. Captured and h...
08/15/2026

On June 20, 1967, U.S. Navy pilot John M. McGrath was shot down by anti-aircraft fire over North Vietnam. Captured and held as a prisoner of war for 2,075 days, McGrath endured years of brutal captivity before finally returning home in 1973.

Upon his return, McGrath, a self-taught artist, drew images depicting everyday life as a prisoner at the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.” The stark drawings offer a powerful glimpse into the conditions, hardships, and experiences of American POWs during the Vietnam War.

His book, Prisoner of War: Six Years in Hanoi, preserves these images and McGrath’s firsthand perspective on nearly six years in captivity.

Autographed copies of Prisoner of War: Six Years in Hanoi are available in the Museum of the American G.I. gift shop.

Address

19124 6
College Station, TX
77845

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Telephone

+19796900501

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Museum of The American GI posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to Museum of The American GI:

Shortcuts

Share

Category