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In the Highest Tradition--WWII Medal of Honor Art: Paintings by Col Charles H. Waterhouse, USMCR (Ret)
In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII, our new Combat Art Gallery exhibition features the artwork of U.S. Marine artist, Col Charles H. Waterhouse.   Included in the exhibition are the paintings and portraits of 39 WWII Medal of Honor recipients. 

A Tribute in Silver 

Silver objects have long been representative of respect, commemoration, and triumph. Within the Marine Corps, the tradition of giving commemorative silver objects as tributes of admiration and achievement has a long history and was particularly popular during the early 20th century. It is from this era, spanning roughly 1900 to 1960, that the National Museum of the Marine Corps amassed a large portion of its collection of silver tribute pieces, many of which are shared here. These silver objects represent various forms of tribute, including those that commemorate personal and professional achievement, as well as sporting victories. Many familiar names appear on these objects, such as Archibald Henderson, Lewis “Chesty” Puller, Smedley Butler, John Philip Sousa, Charles Heywood, and Prince Edward, HRH the Prince of Wales. This collection of silver objects displays a strong tradition of achievement and excellence in the Marine Corps that continues today. When possible, we paired photographs of the silver pieces with interesting or significant objects that relate to them. There are approximately 900 silver objects in the Museum’s Cultural and Material History collection.

Eight Marine Brothers

Esprit de corps is a phrase used by Marines to describe their common bond and devotion to a cause. It is an intangible force that motivates people to put service and sacrifice ahead of self. The Fuentes family felt this force and served their country. Over a span of 17 years, at least one of eight brothers in this large family claimed the title of “United States Marine.”

Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless

On 1 April 2016, the National Museum of the Marine Corps reopened its doors to the public for the first time since the New Year. During this three-month closing, a number of major activities related to the Final Phase galleries and enhancements were undertaken, including the addition of a World War II Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless dive bomber. This article explores the history of SBD in Marine Corps service and the unique history of the Museum’s newest addition!

From Devil Dogs to Pluto the Pup: World War II Marine Corps Aviation Insignia

Nearly 150 pieces of original World War II-era artwork depicting Marine Corps aviation squadrons had been discovered by an intern in while working in the collections storage area. This discovery of military aviation includes works from Walt Disney Productions and Milton Caniff, a prolific and popular cartoonist.

Sikorsky UH-34D

National Museum of the Marine Corps visitors will notice that a new helicopter display has been installed in Leatherneck Gallery. Replacing the Korean War era Sikorsky HRS-1, which had to be removed from display due to its deteriorating condition, the new Sikorsky UH-34D display depicts the opening morning of Operation Starlite in Vietnam in August 1965.

The Story of a WWII Identification Bracelet: Major L.D. Everton

In Annandale, Virginia, during the early 1990s, Mrs. Ellen Littlefield was working in the rose garden of her home.  Something unusual caught her eye while she was sifting through the soft soil.  She was surprised to discover a slightly worn bracelet buried in the ground. Upon closer inspection, she noticed the front of the band had a small U.S. Marine Corps “Eagle, Globe, and Anchor” emblem.  It was also engraved:

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