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.

In addition to a wide variety of vehicles, there was also a great deal of other military items. This “gunner’s chair”, to me looked like an early version of the Star Wars gunner seats that Luke Skywalker and Hans Solo used. The gunner would slide down into the center, grasp handles that would swing up and down to aim and fire the four guns.

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.