The Gen. Raymond E. Mason Jr. Distinguished Lecture Series on World War II: “Dauntless: Paul Hilliard in WWII and a Transformed America” featuring WWII Veteran Paul Hilliard in conversation with author Rob Citino

Reception: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. CT | Event: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. CT

Join us for a special opportunity to hear from WWII veteran and Museum Trustee Paul Hilliard as he discusses his life story documented in the new biography, Dauntless. Hilliard will be joined in conversation with author Robert Citino, PhD, Distinguished Fellow of the Museum's Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy.

Hilliard, along with his wife, Madlyn, have been true champions of the Museum for the past two decades, stemming from his life experiences through the Great Depression, World War II, and the postwar period, as well as his desire to educate and inspire.

Dauntless is the story of Hilliard's life; a poor farm boy from Wisconsin, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps as a teenager, served in the Pacific theater as an aviator, and returned to attend university on the GI Bill. His education was a springboard into a very successful career as an entrepreneur, independent oil man, and industry leader. Always looking for ways to give back, he also became a philanthropist and generous donor to educational and cultural institutions in the city of Lafayette and throughout southern Louisiana. Order your copy of Dauntless from the Museum Store here.

This event is free and open to the public, and registration is encouraged. If you're unable to make it to the Museum for this event, watch it live on Vimeo.

The Malcolm S. Forbes Rare and Iconic Artifact Gallery will be open during the reception. At the heart of the Forbes Gallery, the new Voices from the Front interactive experience allows guests to hold conversations with more than a dozen members of the WWII generation, including Hilliard.

The General Raymond E. Mason Jr. Distinguished Lecture Series on World War II is devoted to the legacy of America’s largest war. Speakers include writers, scholars, distinguished members of the Armed Forces, and journalists. The lecture series is open to the public through the generosity of the late Major General and Mrs. Raymond E. Mason Jr. and the Raymond E. Mason Foundation.

For additional information, please email Connie Gentry, Conference and Programs Specialist at connie.gentry@nationalww2museum.org.