The Soviets inflicted terrible brutality on their Japanese captives.

An overlooked story of World War II and its consequences, the Graves Registration Service (GRS) worked tirelessly during the war to collect and identify the dead, providing proper burial. After the war, the GRS conducted the world’s largest search and recovery effort, leading to the identification of 280,000 fallen Americans, who were provided with a final burial in the United States or abroad based upon the surviving family’s wishes.

The National WWII Museum is proud to bestow the 2021 American Spirit Award—its highest honor—along with the American Spirit Medallion, Silver Service Medallion and Billy Michal Student Leadership Award to individuals across the country who embody the American spirit through their extraordinary leadership and service.

To unify the campus and create a formal entry to Museum grounds, The National WWII Museum has completed a dramatic new Founders Plaza, which spans Andrew Higgins Drive between Camp and Magazine Streets. The Plaza creates an impressive entryway to the institution’s grounds, safe passage for guests, and a pleasant setting for rest and reflection as part of the visitor experience. On January 26, during a private ceremony, the Museum will dedicate the Plaza and unveil the Horatio Alger Association American Spirit Bridge.

On December 12, 2015, The National WWII Museum will open its newest permanent exhibit: Richard C. Adkerson & Freeport-McMoRan Foundation Road to Tokyo: Pacific Theater Galleries. Retracing the grueling trail that led from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay, Road to Tokyo explores the evolving strategy for fighting relentless Japanese forces in Asia and the Pacific, examining cultural differences, logistical challenges and the staggering range of extreme conditions that confronted American military forces in Asia and the Pacific.