Day Twenty-Eight – The World War II American Experience
Just a few
miles away from Gettysburg is a rather new museum called, World War II – The
American Experience. Established in 2022, the museum came about as the result
of Frank Buck and his family’s desire to share his collection of WWII vehicles
and equipment with other people.
Frank had
been collecting various WWII vehicles and keeping them at his home near
Gettysburg. People would often just stop by to chat with him about his
collection. Frank and his family decided to create the museum as a way to preserve
his collection as well as educate people of all ages about the history of WWII
and the sacrifices made by veterans.
Although fairly small, this was one of the most interesting WWII museums that we have been to. Mainly this was due to the unique types of equipment and paraphernalia that were used during the war, but which you don’t typically see. For example, this truck is called “The Dragon”. It is a tow truck for tanks! This vehicle also salvaged parts from damaged tanks. Who would have thought there would be a vehicle large enough to go out and drag a tank that broke down back to a location where it could be repaired.
Another unique vehicle was the “Mobile Machine Shop”. That truck was outfitted with a metal lathe, welding apparatus, drill press, grinders, and all the tools needed in order to repair equipment out in the field.
One of the
most interesting vehicles for Pat was the “Mobile Kitchen”. This was the early
version of modern food trucks. The reason that this struck a chord with Pat is
that his dad told him a story about one of these trucks.
The story
was:
The Army replaced Pat’s dad’s (Howard)
Marine division on one of the islands in the Pacific (probably Okinawa). His
group was sent to the rear for some R&R because they had been on the front
line since landing on the island (likely about a month).
After only a day or so, they were called
back up to the front to reinforce the Army who were being overrun by the enemy.
On the way, Howard’s group came upon this mobile kitchen that actually had hot
food. His group never had hot food while in the field; they had only been given
C-rations. So, Howard’s group got in line to dish up because all the other
troops had already been called to the front.
While in line, a Lieutenant came up and wanted
to know why they had stopped marching. When Howard’s group explained that there
was hot food in this mobile kitchen and no other troops left to eat it, the Lieutenant
got in line with them and said, “Okay, but let’s hurry up”.
They were all thankful for a hot meal because they had not had one since they got off the ship and landed on the beach.
Although Pat
had heard this story from his dad after seeing an actual vehicle, he could
better visualize the experience his father had told him about. It brought the
experience to life. Having this museum subtitled, “The American Experience” was
very apt.
If you are
ever in the Gettysburg area, we would highly recommend stopping in to visit The
World War II American Experience. Also, each year they have a “Military Weekend”.
Next year it will take place on the weekend of July 24 – 26, 2026. You can take
a ride in their vehicles, all of which are fully functional.
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