Museum (2)

INSIDE (images courtesy of Dick O'Donnell and Irv Shanley)

BARRACKS
Housed in a classic barracks building found throughout the military, the museum immediately feels "at home" to any military man. The first floor is devoted to historic displays and a gift shop. Admission is free but donations are welcome.

BUNK BEDS
A familiar sight to any G.I., this set is displayed within a typical pyramids tent as was used during Blanding's training era.

"GI-SPEAK"
The word "Jeep" is a vocalization of "GP", an abbreviation of "General Purpose". Note the field pack radio and the "Walkie Talkie" (another G.I. idiom) in the Jeep.

Interrupted Card Game
sits atop the standard foot locker with period-correct items on display

Souvenir Pillows
while on display in this barracks setting were undoubtedly never seen on a G.I. bunk

Chow Time
K-Ration boxes, mess kit pieces and field heater hint that dinner time is near. Whether the presence of the gas mask testifies to the food quality is unknown.

V...- Mail - The Letter That Arrives First
(note dit-dit-dit-dah for the letter "V") in the headline. V-Mail copies were converted microfilm for a lighter load in transit and then printed as a paper image for final delivery.

ALL-AMERICAN DIVISION PARACHUTIST
Wearing the rank of Captain, this mannequin is clothed in full jump gear, including facial grease paint. He carries a map with the now famous, but then highly secret, "BIGOT" classification used for all Operation Overlord materials.

HOME FROM THE WAR
An enlisted man from the 82nd wears decorations common to airborne veterans including the Fourragere of the Belgian Croix de Guerre and the Orange Lanyard from the Netherlands Order of William (See "Unit Honors" for additional information on all awards, domestic and foreign.)

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