The US Navy’s primary dive-bomber at the war’s start, the Douglas SBD Dauntless earned its reputation—and helped earn victory—at the 1942 Battle of Midway, sinking four Japanese carriers. 

The B-25 bomber soldiered in every theater of war, excelling in multiple roles, chiefly as a ground-attack aircraft later in the war. They gained fame in April 1942 in the daring Doolittle Raid on Tokyo.

Developed as a strategic bomber in the 1930s, the rugged B-17 was used in every theater in World War II, and became legendary for its ability to sustain heavy damage in battle while maintaining self-sufficient firepower.

From his tours of duty as a US Navy lieutenant during World War II to his term as President of the United States, George Herbert Walker Bush inspired generations of Americans through his lifetime of service. As a prominent and lasting tribute in his honor, the George H.W. Bush Aviation Gallery—located in the airspace of our US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center—features six fully restored iconic WWII warbirds, including a General Motors TBM Avenger like Bush flew as the youngest pilot in the Navy at that time.

The National WWII Museum’s internship or work-study program is designed to give college students an opportunity to complement their forma...