National Museum of the United States Army

08/13/2024

Happy left-handers day! Did you know several prominent leaders were southpaws?

Generals George S. Patton, Colin A. Powell and H. Norman Schwarzkopf were all left-handed. Ronald Reagan, a captain in the U.S. Army Air Forces and future President of the United States, was also a sinistral servicemember.

To quote our friends at : "It's often claimed that left-handed individuals make superior military leaders." There may be something to that!

Whichever hand you use, the "write" thing to is to visit America's Army Museum and explore more Army history through : www.thenmusa.org/visit

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08/13/2024

It's Battle Brief time!

In June 1781, British forces in central Virginia launched a daring strike to destroy Patriot supplies, disrupt the meeting of Virginia’s legislature and capture Governor Thomas Jefferson.

Join us at 12 p.m. today, as educator John Maass tells the story of Tarleton’s Charlottesville Raid during the .

Virtual and in-person options available with free registration here:
https://www.thenmusa.org/public-programs/battle-briefs/

08/12/2024

Don't miss out on this month's virtual Book Talk - "Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II."

Author and historian Lena Andrews, offers a definitive account of the incredible American women who served in every service branch, in every combat theater and in nearly two-thirds of the available military occupations during .

Thursday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. ET. Learn more and begin your free registration here: https://www.thenmusa.org/public-programs/book-talks/

08/12/2024

As students around the nation pack their backpacks and start a new school year, let’s take a look at what have carried over the years.

From haversacks and cartridge boxes to combat packs and protective masks, carry the essentials they need to fulfill their mission, from the to present day.

Could you handle a full pack on your "ruck march" to class?

Explore the evolution of the Soldier's load throughout U.S. Army history during your next visit: www.thenmusa.org/visit

08/11/2024

Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry, also known as "Task Force Gimlet," transferred control of Hill 260 outside Da Nang to the South Vietnamese Army, leaving the country 1972. Task Force Gimlet was the last ground combat unit to leave Vietnam while approximately 39,000 American advisors and support personnel remaining in country.

Explore the full timeline of the U.S. Army's involvement in Vietnam, from the first ground combat engagement at Ia Drang Valley in 1965 to the establishment of the All-Volunteer Army in 1973.



https://www.thenmusa.org/exhibit/cold-war/

08/11/2024

Enjoy this view from the Café Terrace. Whether you indulge in delicious food or relax under an umbrella with a cold drink, the Museum's Cafe is an excellent place to recharge and refuel.

Grab a bite and take a load off during your next visit!

www.thenmusa.org/visit

| Army Historical Foundation

08/10/2024

"ESSAYONS!"

the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters built the Pentagon in just 16 months when experts estimated such a massive project would take four years or longer to construct?

Spanning a staggering 6.5 million square feet, including 17.5 miles of corridors, then Col. Leslie Groves led U.S. Army engineers to build the world’s second-largest office building in 1943 amidst . The ambitious project addressed the need for office space for countless War Department employees while also showcasing the Army’s engineering prowess and dedication to national defense.

The United States established the Department of Defense 1949 and the Pentagon continues to be its headquarters to this day.

Explore more of extraordinary U.S. Army accomplishments in the Army and Society Gallery https://www.thenmusa.org/exhibit/army-society/

Happy anniversary, U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)!

08/08/2024

Author and historian Lena Andrews, offers a definitive account of the incredible American women who served in every service branch, in every combat theater and in nearly two-thirds of the available military occupations during World War II.

350,000 of these valiant women served as pilots, code-breakers, ordnance experts, gunnery instructors, chemists, translators, parachute riggers, truck drivers, pigeon trainers and more.

On Aug. 15, explore their in this free virtual Book Talk -
"Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II" by Lena Andrews.

Learn more and begin your free registration here: https://www.thenmusa.org/public-programs/book-talks/

08/07/2024

From Infantryman to Author.

Tim O'Brien was drafted soon after graduating with honors from Macalester College in 1968 and found himself in Vietnam as a infantry Soldier. Despite his opposition to the , O’Brien’s experiences were pivotal in shaping his future as a writer and author.

Sgt. O’Brien served in Vietnam in the 3rd Platoon, 5th Battalion, 46th Infantry Regiment, 23rd Infantry Division from 1969 to 1970. Early in his tour, his unit came under an enemy ambush. A gr***de exploded near him, with a fellow Soldier taking the brunt of the blast while also wounding O'Brien. He recovered from his wounds and completed his tour of duty.

After the , O’Brien attended graduate school at Harvard University and became an award-winning writer and author. He drew from his experiences in Vietnam for several works including, "The Things They Carried," the semi-autobiographical story of a U.S. Army infantry platoon fighting in the Vietnam War. The book received numerous awards and was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 1991.

O’Brien’s is featured in the Vietnam War exhibit in the Cold War Gallery: https://www.thenmusa.org/exhibit/cold-war/

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08/07/2024

Today, we honor the bravery, service and sacrifice of Purple Heart recipients. The Purple Heart medal is awarded to those who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the U.S. military. Visitors to the Museum can learn more through a special guide sharing Purple Heart and history about the medal.

Begin your free ticket journey today: www.thenmusa.org/visit or search "Purple Heart" on the Museum's website at https://www.thenmusa.org/



U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command | Fort Belvoir

08/06/2024

The Aisne-Marne Offensive, which began on July 18, officially ended 1918. By the end of the campaign, two American corps held their ground across the entire French Sixth Army front, with French forces advancing well into German lines at the Marne salient.

American involvement helped eliminate the German salient and officially ended Germany's last threat to Paris. American forces from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 26th, 28th, 32nd and 42nd divisions served in the Allied campaign and provided an excellent example of the fighting abilities in the relatively new American Expeditionary Forces (AEF). Their performance also justified the creation of an independent American , which became the First Army, with Gen. John J. Pershing in command.

The First Army went on to fight in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive which involved more than 1.2 million Americans over 47 days.

Learn more about the Soldier experience in France during the final days of World War I in the Nation Overseas Gallery: https://www.thenmusa.org/exhibit/nation-overseas/

08/05/2024

Military working dogs are often unsung heroes 🐾. These loyal companions exemplify dedication and bravery, serving alongside Soldiers with unwavering loyalty and unmatched skills. Dogs have a vibrant place in history, from detecting gas attacks during to protecting Soldiers from explosives in more recent conflicts.

On , enjoy this brief clip from the series highlighting several military working dog artifacts currently on display in the Changing World Gallery.

Watch the full video on the 's You Tube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LyV4p_t-8k&t=45s

08/04/2024

"My eyes were glued to the boat coming in next to ours, and on the water in between, boiling with bullets from hidden shore emplacements, like a mud puddle in a hailstorm. It seemed impossible that we could make it in without being riddled." - Coast Guard coxswain describes the waters off Omaha Beach, June 6, 1944

Here's an angle you don't usually see of the scene with Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division boarding an LCVP from USS Joseph T. Dickman during the invasion.

The -manned assault transport and seaborne landings were vital to the success of the largest amphibious invasion in military history. Coast Guard coxswains navigated their way through the "jaws of death" throughout the day, with several receiving the Silver Star for meritorious service.

to the U.S. Coast Guard!

See the D-Day invasion come to life in the Global War Gallery: https://www.thenmusa.org/exhibit/global-war/

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National Coast Guard Museum

08/03/2024

Brig. Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs: An extraordinary life of one man from the Peach State for

Born in Augusta in 1816, Meigs is best known as a career . He served in the as Quartermaster General of the Union Army, where he excelled in managing logistics and supply chains for the war effort.

During his illustrious career, Meigs also supervised the extension of the building, the construction of the Washington Aqueduct, and the establishment of Arlington National Cemetery in 1864.

A lifetime characterized by engineering prowess and organization, many ideas pioneered by Meigs have a lasting influence on the U.S. Army and American life.

Discover more in the Museum today: https://www.thenmusa.org/timed-entry-ticketing/

Arlington National Cemetery

08/01/2024

Here’s a prescription to treat summer brain drain - on , pencil in some free virtual and in-person Museum public programs as you prepare for .

🗣️ History Talk: Women's Army Corps: Marching Into History | August 7 at 12 p.m. | Virtual and in-person

🗣️ History Talk: The Accomplishment of the ENIAC and the Women Computing Pioneers | August 14 at 12 p.m. | Virtual and in-person

📖 Book Talk: "Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II,” by Lena Andrews | August 15 at 7 p.m. | Virtual

🗣️ History Talk: "Can't Anything Stop These Men?": U.S. Army Paratroopers Creating Turning Points in World War II | August 21 at 12 p.m. | Virtual and in-person

Plus Tiny Troops story time, daily discovery carts, craft activities and so much more!

For a full list of free Museum activities, visit the Museum events calendar: https://www.thenmusa.org/events/

07/31/2024

A heroic of a member of the Transportation Corps which was established 1942.

During a resupply mission carrying critically needed ammunition and supplies from Long Binh to Tay Ninh, Sgt. William Seay and the 62nd Transportation Company (Medium Truck), 7th Transportation Battalion, 48th Transportation Group came under heavy fire from North Vietnamese Army soldiers. Seay left protective cover, single-handedly thwarting the enemy advance by throwing back gr***des and returning fire. Seay eliminated several foes and save the lives of several men around him before finally succumbing to a mortal wound from a sniper's bullet.

Visitors to the Museum will see Seay's name engraved in the Wall along with all U.S. Army Medal of Honor recipients. Learn more about the medal and their Soldier Stories through the Medal of Honor Experience: theNMUSA.org/exhibit/medal-of-honor-experience/



U.S. Army Transportation Corps

07/30/2024

Born in rural Tennessee in 1887, Alvin York embraced pacifism and reconciled his beliefs with military service when he was drafted in 1917 during . Arriving in France in June 1918, then-Cpl. York led a daring attack against a German machine gun nest, capturing 132 prisoners and later praying for the fallen on both sides of the battle. York was promoted to sergeant and awarded the for his courageous actions.

In this episode of Curator's Corner, see York's olive-drab Model 1917 trench helmet that he wore during his Medal of Honor actions in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and is on display in the Nation Overseas Gallery.

👇 Link to the Curator's Corner video in the comment section. 👇

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command | U.S. Army Center of Military History | US Army Military District of Washington | Army Historical Foundation | U.S. Army

07/30/2024

Born into a prominent White Mountain Apache family in 1853, Sgt. William Alchesay's journey from Apache Scout to recipient is one of courage and friendship. Alchesay was serving under Lt. Charles Gatewood in the U.S. Army 6th Cavalry Regiment during the Tonto Basin Campaign when he earned the nation’s highest honor. The bond between the two men grew from comrades in arms to lifelong friends.

Alchesay's influence extended beyond military service; he became a trusted mediator and peacemaker within his community. His friendship with Gatewood also played a pivotal role in resolving disputes peacefully, including the 1884 conflict involving a local merchant and the White Mountain Apaches.

Alchesay's diplomatic skills were further demonstrated during negotiations with Geronimo in 1886, where he served as a translator, fostering understanding between cultures. Recognized for his bravery and leadership, Alchesay became tribal chief after retiring from the Army, advocating for education and unity among his people.

Learn more about Alchesay's in the Soldiers Stories Gallery: https://www.thenmusa.org/exhibit/soldiers-stories/

| U.S. Army

07/29/2024

07/29/2024

First in Bastogne and A First Visit

Staff and volunteers captured this special reunion at one of the Museum's most popular artifacts.

Chap. (Col.) Keith Goode became interested in the Sherman tank on display near the back gate of Rose Barracks at Vilseck, Germany, when he was assigned there in the early 2000s. Through dedicated research with armor experts, they discovered it was the famous “Cobra King” that was "first in Bastogne" during the decisive World War II Battle of the Bulge.

Atop Cobra King, the commanding officer of Company C, 37th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division, Third Army led the attack against the German encirclement. The breakthrough opened the way for Allied forces to begin the counteroffensive that ended what was arguably the greatest battle in American military history.

After recognizing its significance, the U.S. Army shipped the M4A3E2 Sherman "Jumbo" Tank stateside in 2009 for restoration. In August 2017, the tank was one of the first macro artifacts to be installed in the early days of Museum construction.

Goode recently relocated to this area and brought his family to the Museum to see this “old friend” that is now prominently displayed in the Global War Gallery - sharing this important chapter of U.S. Army history with thousands of visitors from around the world.

Plan your visit to find a story that connects with you! www.theNMUSA.org/visit/

| U.S. Army Chaplain Corps

07/28/2024

Team Bravo vs. Team Alpha - Who won?

A few visitors with the Rockville Maryland Recruiting Center took on the "Growing Up Army" game - a military family version similar to Family Feud. This area of the Experiential Learning Center (ELC) has interactive activities and stories from Army kids of what it’s like to be part of an Army family.

Test your knowledge and learn more about “Growing Up Army” in the ELC: https://www.thenmusa.org/education/elc/

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command

07/27/2024

On National Korean War Armistice Day, the Museum recognizes the end of the war and remembers the selfless service and personal courage of Korean War veterans.

Plan your visit to learn more about what has been referred to as the "forgotten war" and see the 's role in the first hot conflict of the : https://www.thenmusa.org/exhibit/cold-war/

| U.S. Army

07/25/2024

This Congressional Gold Medal, awarded to then-Brig. Gen. Winfield Scott and on display in the Founding the Nation Gallery, shares the story of two battles that proved American forces could stand and fight against battle-hardened British regulars.

The engagement between American and British regulars at the Battle of Chippewa on July 5, 1814, though not a strategic victory, gave Scott and his U.S. Army forces a significant morale boost, underscoring the resilience and determination of the American troops to continue their fight into Canada.

British and American forces met again along a spur in the road along the Niagara River called Lundy’s Lane 1814. This engagement, better known as the Battle of Niagara, saw Scott’s forces fight numerically superior British troops to an inconclusive stalemate amidst close-range musket fire in one of the bloodiest battles of the .

Both sides suffered heavy casualties, including Scott, who received severe wounds during the battle and forced a retreat to Fort Erie. For his heroism, Scott was promoted to brevet major general and Congress awarded him his first Congressional Gold Medal on November 3, 1814.

See this symbolic piece of U.S. Army history and learn more in the Founding the Nation Gallery: https://www.thenmusa.org/exhibit/founding-the-nation/

07/24/2024

1918, American Expeditionary Force (AEF) headquarters issued General Order No. 12 effective Aug. 10, establishing the American First Army and fulfilling President Woodrow Wilson's directive for U.S. troops in Europe to maintain independent command.

The letter "A" on the unit's shoulder sleeve insignia represents "Army" and is also the first letter of the alphabet suggesting "First Army."

Learn more about the Soldier experience in France during the final days of in the Nation Overseas Gallery: https://www.thenmusa.org/exhibit/nation-overseas/

07/23/2024

Just days after completing his official memoir, Ulysses S. Grant—U.S. Army Soldier and U.S. President—died 1885 at Mount McGregor cottage in New York. The 18th U.S. president was 63 years old.

A career punctuated by loss and setbacks, Grant hit his stride during the , succeeding first in the West before bringing the Union Army to victory as the General-in-Chief of the Armies of the United States in March 1864.

Then-Lt. Gen. Grant purchased this “kepi-style” forage cap after President Abraham Lincoln appointed him General-in-Chief. Grant’s cap is notable because the quatrefoil has six lines of braid on top, a unique distinction to his status because all other general officers wore only five lines of braid on the sides and quatrefoil.

See Grant’s one-of-a-kind kepi on display in the Preserving the Nation Gallery and learn more about Grant’s strategy to bring the Union Army to victory: https://www.thenmusa.org/exhibit/preserving-the-nation/

07/22/2024

It's hot outside! Need somewhere fun to go to beat the heat?
We got you!

Enjoy a relaxing day at the :

✔️ Join a docent-led tour of the Museum galleries
✔️ See history-defining artifacts up close
✔️ Have fun exploring Fort Discover and make a craft in the Experiential Learning Center
✔️ Cool off and watch the film "Of Noble Deeds" in a 300-degree theater experience
✔️ Explore the special D-Day 80th Anniversary exhibit through augmented reality

The "cool" possibilities are endless at America's Museum, open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with FREE admission: https://www.thenmusa.org/visit/

07/21/2024

It's always nice to see a familiar face at the Museum, especially if that face is part of the Museum galleries!

Former U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer Swartz recently stopped by the Museum to see the cast figure of a Women's Army Corps Soldier in her likeness.

when the Soldier figures throughout the Museum were created, they were sculpted using currently serving Soldiers as the models?

Make a visit to the Museum and take a selfie in your favorite spot: https://www.thenmusa.org/visit/

07/20/2024

On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong made history as the first man to walk on the moon. Although National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) earned much acclaim for sending humans to the moon, the U.S. Army developed most of the assets, technology and research used to build the Saturn V rocket.

The U.S. Army space program was indispensable to NASA’s early successes. The agency assimilated the Army’s space resources when President Dwight D. Eisenhower established NASA in 1958 to emphasize scientific, rather than military, interests in space flight.

See a 1960s model of the Saturn V rocket in the Museum’s Army and Society Gallery and explore the Army’s innovative role in space travel: https://www.thenmusa.org/exhibit/army-society/

| NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

12/07/2023

Today, we remember the 2,403 service members and civilians killed during the Japanese attack on on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941. Hundreds of Japanese planes released bombs and torpedoes onto the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy facilities with Japanese dive bombers and fighters reaching Hickam Field, the principal U.S. Army airfield and bomber base in Hawaii. The American flag that flew over Hickam Field suffered considerable damage during the attack. See a small piece of that flag on display in the Global War Gallery and learn more about that devastating day.

https://www.thenmusa.org/exhibit/global-war/