National Military History Center National Military History Center

Being from a military family (Air Force) and having written a book called World War II Legacies: Stories of Northeast Indiana Veterans, I am interested, along with my husband, in learning about all matters military, especially World War II.

 

Naval ship model displayed at National Military History Center. Naval ship model displayed at National Military History Center.

The National Military History Center in Auburn did not disappoint us. They featured dozens of pieces of machinery, vehicles, uniforms, weapons used in World War II. The pieces were purchased from a European collector and transported to the museum for American visitors.

 

88's were fierce German anti-aircraft guns during WWII. 88's were fierce German anti-aircraft guns during WWII.

I had heard many vets refer during their interviews with me about the revered ‘88’s. This 88-mm gun was used by the Germans as an anti-tank, anti-aircraft, and artillery gun during World War II. This was a formidable weapon and it helped to see it first-hand to appreciate the damage it inflicted.

 

 

The landing craft's back end flipped down at the beach, enabling soldiers inside to disembark. The landing craft's back end flipped down at the beach, enabling soldiers inside to disembark.

Another item I had wanted to see was the landing craft. Soldiers used to ride in these boats to a beach. The back end flipped down and the soldiers disembarked in water. Equipment was also carried on landing crafts. I believe they were fired on extensively during D-Day and I wonder that any soldier made it to shore without being injured.

 

German half-track traversed many terrains. German half-track traversed many terrains.

This German half-track is also cool. Half-track means it has a track instead of a back wheel on both sides. This helped with traversing various types of terrain.

 

People make up the war and the museum explains the roles of famous figures like General Dwight D. Eisenhower standing here beside his car.

 

Rosie the Riveter introduces the section of museum dedicated to women who served at home and abroad. Rosie the Riveter introduces the section of museum dedicated to women who served at home and abroad.

A poster of Rosie the Riveter represents women who helped the war effort by working in factories. She is positioned near a display that explains the tasks of women who enlisted in the branches of the war.

 

Model of USS Indianapolis is mobile for use in parades. Model of USS Indianapolis is mobile for use in parades.

By its nature the museum is sobering. This was dramatically revealed to me upon viewing this mobile structure of the USS Indianapolis, an American ship which tragically sunk after being hit by a Japanese sub in July 1945. Of the 1,196 crewmen aboard, approximately 300 went down with the ship, making it the single greatest loss of life at sea in the history of the U.S. Navy.

 

Copies of books written by Ernie Pyle, killed at Battle of Okinawa, make a poignant display. Copies of books written by Ernie Pyle, killed at Battle of Okinawa, make a poignant display.

The small display devoted to beloved Hoosier newspaper reporter Ernie Pyle is another reminder of war’s travesty. On April 18, 1945, the Pulitzer Prize–winning American journalist who believed in standing beside the soldiers in battle for his reporting was killed by an enemy sniper during the Battle of Okinawa. His death is not any worse than another but as a writer, I am saddened to think of the stories he never wrote.

 

Sweet end-of-war photo. Sweet end-of-war photo.

There’s a sweet ‘end-of-war’ photo that brings a light touch to the subject.

 

Vietnam truck is on display at the museum in Vietnam era exhibit. Vietnam truck is on display at the museum in Vietnam era exhibit.

After two hours, we had finished the World War II exhibits and were approaching the Vietnam era section, but decided to take a break. So much information, so little time/energy!

 

The museum will hopefully still be there in a few months when we return to finish the tour. The museum can be rented for large gatherings, such as receptions or parties.

 

National Military History Center encourages veterans to tell their stories to volunteers who will record them. Contact the museum for more information.

This museum is easily located off of I-69 in northern IN. It's low cost is affordable to scout groups, clubs, civic groups.

Hours of Operation

Mon.-Fri: 9 am - 5 pm

Sat. & Sun: 9 am - 5 pm

 

Adults: $10

Seniors: $8

Children 6-12: $6

Children under 6: Free

WWII Veteran: Free

Veterans: $4

Family (2 Adults + Dependent Children): $25

5634 CR 11A Auburn IN  46706

260.927.9144

Info@dvkfoundation.org

http://www.nationalmilitaryhistorycenter.org/