Museum of the Soldier

Name: Museum of the Soldier
Address: 510 E Arch Street, Portland, IN, 47371, US
Telephone: +12607297017
Price range: Not applicable

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United States
Portland, IN
Museum of the Soldier

A museum dedicated to veterans from all eras. We are staffed solely by volunteers and have no paid employees.

We are located in Portland, Indiana, and are dedicated to preserving the stories and artifacts of those who have served this country in times of war and peace. Our museum also does traveling displays, parade participation, and providing information on local veterans and military history.

05/25/2026

Here’s a Memorial Day mystery.
Robert W. Swank was born in Jay County on August 11, 1925. He entered the Army on September 8, 1943 at Indianapolis. He shipped to England and was assigned to the Company A, 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division. The 358th hit Utah Beach on June 8th, 1944, two days into the D-Day landings. A hospital entry shows he di*d from artillery shrapnel, possibly near Chef Du Pont on the 10th of June when the 358th came under an extremely heavy artillery attack. He is buried at Gravel Hill Cemetery in Jay County, but the date on his headstone is June 10, 1945. We assume this is an error and he was actually a casualty in 1944. Does anyone have any further information?

05/24/2026

PFC Donald Smiley died one month after his 20th birthday on February 19, 1944 in Italy. He was assigned to the 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division. He is buried at Hillcrest Cemetery in Jay County.

05/23/2026

Take a moment this holiday weekend to remember why it’s called Memorial Day. Every cross is a Jay County son who made the ultimate sacrifice.

05/21/2026

The annual meeting is set for June 6th at 7pm. Mailings went out last week, reservations must be in by June 1st for an accurate meal count. The guest speaker will be former USAF pilot and Raven FAC (Forward Air Controller) Gene Hamner. He’ll be talking about his time flying in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.

05/17/2026

Joe Limbert served as an Air Policeman in the USAF in Vietnam.
Sheller Globe of Portland made steering wheels for military trucks during WW2.
See these displays and more at the museum!

05/16/2026

Today is Armed Forces Day when we honor the brave American men and women currently in uniform!

05/14/2026

Larry W. Barrett and Manuel S. Flores were 2 of the 14 Jay County sons killed in Vietnam.

LCDR John C. Thomas USN - Sep 8 1964
LCPL John A. Bryan USMC - Sep 18, 1966
CDR George K. Farris USN - Oct 26, 1966
SGT Rowland E. Gibson USA- Jan 22, 1967
MSGT Olen B. McLaughlin USAF - Jul 7, 1967
LCPL Larry L. Boice USMC - Dec 10, 1967
SP4 Manuel S. Flores USA - Jan 31, 1968
PFC Larry W. Barrett USA - Apr 3, 1968
CPL Alva D. Henthorne USA- Jun 6, 1968
CPL Dennis E. Morgan USMC - Aug 23, 1968
SP4 Jeff H. Upp USA - Jun 14, 1969
PFC Larry G. Burkholder USA - Oct 5, 1969
SGT Donald L. Valentine USA - Nov 13, 1970 - 101st Airborne
CPL Rick E. McFarland USA - Mar 20, 1971 - last serviceman killed in Vietnam from Jay County

05/08/2026

We are proud to have on display Captain Engle’s Air Force Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and other medals at Museum of the Soldier.

05/03/2026

Here are two Jay School Corporation veterans, Dan Orr who was a Marine in Vietnam, and Jeremy Gulley who was an officer in the Army National Guard.

05/02/2026

Come see our newest vehicle, a WW1 1917 horse drawn ambulance! Recently delivered from Nevada, we thank the anonymous donor who paid to purchase it and have it moved to Indiana! We believe there are only about 5 of these known to exist complete, and only 1 of 2 made by Trailmobile of Cincinnati. Bonus points if you can locate the data tag on the ambulance.

Address

510 E Arch Street
Portland, IN
47371

Telephone

+12607297017

Website

http://www.museumofthesoldier.info/

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