May 1, 2023 | Artifact - WW I
The use of two imprinted metal identification discs was first introduced in large quantities during World War I as a means to identify dead and incapacitated soldiers on the battlefield. Prior to the use of metal tags, soldiers wrote their names and hometowns on...
Apr 28, 2023 | Artifact - Vietnam War
This flight helmet belonged to Lieutenant Joseph B. “Joe” Gatewood (1939-2016) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and is typical of those worn by naval aviators during the Vietnam War. Each flight helmet was painted with the squadron’s unique design and the...
Apr 28, 2023 | Artifact - WW I
Henry Jetton Tudury (1885-1952), of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, enlisted in the United States Army on April 24, 1917, just 18 days after the American declaration of war against Imperial Germany. After training, Private Tudury sailed to Europe on May 7, 1918, for...
Jan 19, 2023 | Artifact - WW II
The US Navy first enlisted the help of women for support duties in the World War I. With the World War II, women were once again recruited, this time with the establishment of the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) in 1942. The new female recruits...
Jan 17, 2023 | Artifact - WW II
A native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Jesse “Jess” R. Foley, Jr. (1916-1998) enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in July 1941. During the Second World War, Foley served in the 405th Bombardment Squadron, 38th Bombardment Group, Fifth Air Force....
