In part one of the National Museum of the Marine Corps we focused on the aircraft on display in the center of the building. In part two we will tour the exhibits within the building that show the history of the Marine Corps all the way back to the 1700’s.
The wall on the right has a full timeline of the history of the Marine Corps down the curved hallway.
National Museum of the Marine Corps 2 – Getting Fit Display
The first display focuses on how one becomes a Marine through the boot camp and training. I tested myself on the pull-up bar and discovered that I’m a long way off from being a Marine.
National Museum of the Marine Corps 2 – 1775-1865 Display
I was a little surprised to learn that the Marine Corps dates back to the early formation of our country. The early years played a big part in the development of our country.
National Museum of the Marine Corps 2 – Early Cannons 1
I personally loved the ancient armament on display.
National Museum of the Marine Corps 2 – 1866-1916 Display
Moving on in the years, this display covers the post Civil War through World War I years.
National Museum of the Marine Corps 2 – King Armored Car
This King Armored Car was one of the first armored vehicles used by the Marines after World War I.
National Museum of the Marine Corps 2 – World at War Display
The Marine Corps really made a name for themselves during World War II.
National Museum of the Marine Corps 2 – The Price of Iwo Jima
There is no more sobering display than the one above. Each small emblem on the wall represents a soldier that made the ultimate sacrifice of their life while fighting the battle of Iwo Jima.
National Museum of the Marine Corps 2 – WWII Weapons of War
The Weapons of War display is a familiar sight throughout the various exhibits. This one has a variety of small arms from WWII on display.
National Museum of the Marine Corps 2 – 1946-1953 Display
After World War II the Korean War was the next big theater for the Marines.
National Museum of the Marine Corps 2 – Korean War Display 2
There are several displays showing the Marines in action. This one represents the fighting during a winter in Korea.
National Museum of the Marine Corps 2 – Medal of Honor Wall
The Medal of Honor Wall is for those that have demonstrated extreme heroism while under pressure. They are in order of dates – earliest on the left to present day on the right.
National Museum of the Marine Corps 2 – Preview of Expansion
The last display that we saw was the one above that seems to be a temporary exhibit awaiting the new construction. In the foreground is a fragment from the Pentagon building after a plane hit it during the 9-11 attack. The larger piece in the middle is an I-beam that came from one of the Trade Center towers.
National Museum of the Marine Corps 2 – Expansion Model
The above model shows the expansion plans.
This is a wonderful place to see what the Marine Corps is all about. There is a great deal of history found here that dates back to the early days of our country until the near present. The expansion will bring it up to date with the most recent military conflicts.
For more information or even a virtual tour go to their website at:
http://www.usmcmuseum.com/index.html