Spring 2026
Vietnam evacuation stories, battlefield ingenuity, and a remarkable World War I aviation uniform.
Download this issue as a PDFStories in this issue
10 stories
A Word from the Founder
Help Us Honor Vietnam Veterans, March 28 The Vietnam Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 made March 29th of each year National Vietnam Veterans Day. Wyoming designates March 30 of each year Wyoming Veterans Welcome Home Day. The National Museum of Military Vehicles is celebrating both of these events at the museum with a full day…
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Curatorial Department
Spring is a very busy season for our Curatorial Department, as we gear up for new exhibits and prepare for the 2026 summer season. The Curatorial Department’s biggest project this Spring will be the installation of multiple new exhibits in the Museum’s General Lewis Puller Gallery and General George Patton Gallery. This refresh…
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Education Department
A new year always brings renewed energy to our educational mission at the National Museum of Military Vehicles, and this quarter has been no exception. We’ve welcomed new schools, new students, and returning partners from across Wyoming, each eager to dive into hands-on learning that connects our nation’s military history to…
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Tank Restoration Facility
The Tank Restoration Facility has been busy this winter with many projects. Our maintenance and winter upkeep for our fleet of vehicles used for parades and events are always underway and looking pretty good for the spring activities. Besides that, we have our ongoing full restoration projects like the M36 Tank Destroyer and…
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The Last Flights Out: Evacuation Operations of April 1975
In spring 1975, a series of operations were executed to remove U.S. personnel and South Vietnamese civilians whose lives were at risk due to their association with the United States. The Vietnamese refugee airlift was among the largest aerial evacuations in history. The U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and private…
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The 81mm Mortar .50 Caliber M-2 Heavy Barrel Machine Gun Piggyback
Including Including never before published photos of Vietnam War Coast Guard Combat Veteran Tom Davis!On display in the Patton Gallery of NMMV is an 81mm Mortar Mk 2 Mod 1, Serial Number 1005.In 1947, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) started deploying cutters known as “weather ships” in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.…
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Artifact Highlight: 91st Aero Squadron Tunic and Jerkin
This World War I Jerkin, identified to 91st Aero Squadron Veteran Fred C. Boyd, was made with a cowhide leather shell and wool blanket lining. U.S. Wool M1917 Service Coat was worn by Fred Boyd during his World War I U.S. Army service. The right shoulder sleeve of the wool tunic has the patches for the 91st Aero Squadron: “91”…
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To Hell and Back by Audie Murphy
Despite being rejected by the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps for being underweight and underage, Audie Murphy was determined to serve his country in World War II. After his sister provided an affidavit that falsified his date of birth, he was accepted by the Army on June 30, 1942.He primarily fought with the 15th Infantry…
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Join the Conversation
In the Museum’s Patton Gallery, you have the opportunity to “Share Your Thoughts.” With prompt cards, guests often reflect on their visit to the Museum, Veterans’ service and sacrifice, and the price of American freedom. Here’s what guests are saying... Reflection What thoughts or feelings did your visit today inspire? “Loving…
Read full storyUpcoming Events
National Museum of Military Vehicles 2026 upcoming-events schedule graphic. MARCH 19, 20, 21 — HANDS-ON HISTORY: SPECIAL FORCES AND TRIBAL ALLIES IN THE VIETNAM WAR — Handle rare artifacts and learn their historical significance! MARCH 28 — VIETNAM VETERANS DAY — Commemorate National Vietnam Veterans Day and Wyoming’s “Veterans…
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