World War II
The Ghost Army Awarded Congressional Gold Medal
Activated on January 20, 1944, the unique and top-secret “Ghost Army” unit was comprised of 82 officers and 1,023 men. Under the command of Army veteran Colonel Harry L. Reeder, …
The ASOM Displays Major General James Gavin’s Rifle in D-Day Exhibit
Like many of the artifacts on display at the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum (ASOM), this M1 carbine rifle has seen its fair share of history. Affectionately known …
The ASOM Showcases Local WWII Veteran in New D-Day Exhibit
Recently, the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum opened its new temporary exhibit titled “D-Day: Freedom from Above.” This exhibit allows visitors to experience the Normandy Invasion through the …
The Day Japan Surrendered
On June 22, 1945, Okinawa fell to U.S. forces. Following this, an invasion of the Japanese home islands was in the works; however, before the invasion could take place, the …
Airborne Operations in Sicily: Operation Husky
With the Germans defeated in Africa, Allied leaders decided to invade Sicily to gain more complete control of the Mediterranean Sea and knock Italy out of the war. Airborne assaults …
Timeline of D-Day and the Roles Airborne and Special Operations Soldiers Played
In 1943 the Allies decided upon an invasion of Northwest Europe in May 1944. Landing in Normandy, they would capture the channel ports and secure an area for further ground …
The U.S. Army’s First Parachute Combat Assault
The first Allied Airborne assault of World War II was planned as a part of Operation TORCH, the invasion of North Africa on November 8, 1942. The invasion force- 107,000 …
Interesting Facts About Victory In Europe Day (VE DAY)
“The western world has been freed of the evil forces which for five years and longer have imprisoned the bodies and broken the lives of millions upon millions of freeborn …
A Virtual Book Discussion with LTC Jos Groen
About the Author LTC Colonel Jos Groen MSc, author of the book “Three of the Last WWII Screaming Eagles”, began his military career in March 1985 as a conscript in …
Pathfinders: First on French Soil
Shortly after midnight on 6 June 1944, a group of low-flying C-47 aircraft crossed over the French coast. Eight minutes later, Captain Frank L. Lillyman, leader of the 101st Airborne …
