|
Return to News
The
National World War II Museum to present
Battle of Midway exhibition
Never-before-heard
oral histories highlight American sacrifices in War’s
turning point
NEW ORLEANS (June 1, 2007) – Opening June 2, 2007, The
National World War II Museum in New Orleans will present
a special exhibition on the Battle of Midway, one of the
most pivotal – and uncertain – military battles of World
War II. Incredible Victory: The Battle of Midway tells
the story of the dark days in 1942 after Japan’s attack
on Pearl Harbor, when the fate of the nation – and the
world – hung in the balance.
“The Battle of Midway was intended to be a decisive
victory for the Japanese, but because of the unbeatable
spirit and determination of the United States military
and citizens, it became an incredible victory for the
United States,” says Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller, Ph.D.,
Museum President and CEO. “This victory turned the tide
for the United States on the War’s Pacific front after
six months of defeats and displayed for the world the
American resolve that would eventually win World War
II.”
Photographs and artifacts, along with never-before-heard
oral histories, will honor the many heroes of Midway,
including the shipyard workers who insured that the USS
Yorktown – which was badly damaged in the Battle of
Coral Sea – was battle ready in only three days;
America’s code-breakers who enabled the country to turn
Japan’s surprise attack around; and the 307 Americans
who lost their lives fighting valiantly against a
seemingly invincible Japanese naval and airpower
contingent.
The Museum’s Research Department located and interviewed
surviving veterans of the battle, whose personal
accounts add a personal and emotional layer to an
already epic underdog story. Additionally, archival
footage from the battle will be juxtaposed against
footage of how the island looks today.
The opening of Incredible Victory will be celebrated by
a day-long Midway reunion including some of the veterans
interviewed for the exhibit. Dusty Kleiss, Harry
Ferrier, Lloyd Childers and several other heroes of
Midway will be on hand for panel discussions along with
prominent Midway historians. For more information on the
opening Midway weekend, visit www.nationalww2museum.org.
The exhibition will be on display in the Museum’s
Special Exhibits Gallery of the E.J. Ourso Discovery
Hall through October 28.
The National World War II Museum in New Orleans is
designated by Congress as “America’s National World War
II Museum.” It interprets the American Experience during
World War II years and celebrates the American Spirit,
the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men
and women who won World War II and promotes the
exploration and expression of these values by future
generations.
For more information on programs and exhibits at The
National World War II Museum, visit
www.nationalww2museum.org, or call 504-527-6012. To
arrange group visits for schools, churches and
synagogues, reunion groups, and other organizations,
please call 504.527.6012, ext. 222.
Return to News
|
