Mighty Eighth Air Force Heritage Museum

Air Force Museum

Description

This modern, interactive museum is several hangars large, and an absolute must for anyone who wants to pay homage to, and get a deeper understanding of, the men who saved England from Nazism in 1942-1944. The museum opened in 1996 to showcase the personal memoirs and artifacts of war heroes who valiantly fought for the freedom and protection of citizens in the United States and foreign countries. The 8th AF, as the unit was commonly called, was first created to fight against the Nazis in 1942 and continued to serve as needed until the Gulf War in 1991. Members of The Mighty Eighth Air Force have earned over 7,000 Purple Hearts, 46,000 Air Medals, 220 Distinguished Service Crosses, and several other awards. During WWII alone, 350,000 men served in the Mighty Eighth, and some 20,000 of them died in this service. On your tour through the museum you can tour planes, view authentic bomber jackets and prisoner of war artifacts, and experience what it was like to fly in a WWII bomber. Once your tour is complete, stop by the Museum pub to relax and discuss what was learned.