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Remembering Pearl Harbor Day is crucial as it marks a pivotal moment in history that shook the world and profoundly influenced global events. This day stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the lives lost during the surprise attack on December 7, 1941, a moment that thrust the United States into World War II. Reflecting on this solemn occasion honors the bravery of those who served, acknowledges the impact of war on nations and individuals, and reinforces the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and peacekeeping efforts to prevent such tragedies from occurring again. It serves as a testament to the resilience of a nation and underscores the significance of learning from the past to build a more peaceful future. ... See MoreSee Less
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Join us at the American Heritage Museum Friday, December 8th, for a compelling talk by Vernon Chandler on his epic journey through Europe as he traces the footsteps of his second cousin; Pvt. Kenneth Miller, who was killed in Germany on October 18, 1944.Starts at 2 PM. No reservations needed. ... See MoreSee Less
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How your support will help us in 2024 - We are embarking on one of the most ambitious warbird restoration projects ever with the Junkers Ju-87D-5 Stuka. This project, recovered from a freshwater lake, is under restoration to flying status with multiple workshops in Europe and will be brought to the American Heritage Museum once complete. This infamous dive bomber of WWII will become one of only three complete examples on display anywhere in the world - and is one of only two potential flying restoration projects. Learn more about the project at: ahmus.me/ju87-project and make an impact by making a gift to this project and many others in 2024 with a donation at: ahmus.me/GT2023..#ju87 #stuka #ju87stuka #wwiihistory #warbirds #avgeek #warplanes #worldoftanks #WorldWarII #luftwaffe #livinghistory #GivingTuesday #AmericanHeritageMuseum #aviationhistory ... See MoreSee Less
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How your support helped us in 2023 - Because of your donations on #GivingTuesday this past year, we were able to complete the incredible Hanoi Hilton Vietnam POW exhibit including the real, reconstructed cell from the prison... in time for opening on the 50th Anniversary of Operation Homecoming! Please give today to make an impact in 2024 - do so at: ahmus.me/GT2023..#livinghistory #vietnamwar #hanoihilton #powmia #historymuseum #militaryhistory #visitma #hudsonma #nonprofit ... See MoreSee Less
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Help the American Heritage Museum grow even more in 2024 with a donation for #GivingTuesday! Through the generosity of a group of donors, all donations made now through Midnight on Tuesday, November 28th will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. That means, by making your donation over the next two days, your impact on our mission WILL be doubled! Please make your year-end gift and donate online at: ahmus.me/GT2023 ... See MoreSee Less
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Crossing the Rhine


M22 Locust
– USA | AIRBORNE TANK

M18 Hellcat – USA | TANK DESTROYER

A34 Comet – UK | CRUISER TANK

Two invasions of France in mid-1944, Operation Overlord in Normandy and Operation Dragoon in southern France, succeeded in moving multiple American and Allied armies to the border of Germany. Attack momentum was delayed in late 1944 by serious logistical issues and by the setback in the Netherlands and fierce German resistance in the Huertgen and Ardennes Forests. But by January 1945, the Western Allies had overwhelmingly superior ground and air forces looming all along the western borders of Germany. The problem was, how to get them over the Rhine, so that they could crush the last German resistance in the ETO and end the war.

By late January 1945, U.S forces, with their British, Canadian, and French allies, had regained the territory lost in December’s Battle of the Bulge and resumed their drive eastward to defeat Hitler’s Third Reich. Only one major obstacle stood in the path of their advance: the Rhine River, whose many bridges had been blown apart by retreating German armies. That forced the Allies to make an amphibious assault into the teeth of German river defenses. This strategic crossing of the Rhine river – also known as Operation Plunder, started on March 23rd, 1945.

When Allied forces reached the Rhine in early March 1945 they found just about every span across the river already destroyed. The one exception of some very important bridges that survived demolition from the Germans such as was a only partly destroyed bridge at Remagen, which was captured in a rush assault. Eisenhower decided that several simultaneous crossings over the 20 mile long battle front would have the greatest chance of success. His plan was to cross the Rhine, then drive into the Ruhr Valley to encircle a large part of the German Army and effectively end German resistance in the west. So began the massive mobilization and movement of engineers, soldiers, equipment and supplies across one of the most important river crossings of WWII.

Four thousand Allied guns fired for four hours during the opening bombardment. British bombers contributed with attacks on Wesel during the day and night of 23 March 1945 – Preparing for this monumental crossing into the heart of Germany.

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Open Friday, November 24th!

The American Heritage Museum is open Friday, November 24th, the day after Thanksgiving, from 10am to 5pm and will also be open Saturday and Sunday. Bring your family and friends who are in town for the holiday weekend!