SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH 2016
The Museum of Aviation hosted the 101st Airborne Reenactment Group to share the story of troops who fought during Operation Market Garden in 1944 during World War II.
The 73-day battle was perhaps the most savagely fought single action in the history of the United States Army’s 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions and the least publicized.
Three members of the reenactment group visited the Scott Exhibit World War II Hangar on Saturday to showcase rare artifacts, paratrooper supplies, K rations, and other items used by troops during this time.
Mark Yurgil, a member of the group, said it’s important for the public to understand what troops experienced during the war.
“World War Two veterans are dying at a record pace right now so it’s important to learn this history and share these stories especially while some of them are still around. It’s not going to be too much longer before all we know about the war is from second-hand sources so while they’re still around, it’s great to be able to talk with them and find out exactly what this experience was like.”, said Yurgil.
The displays showed what paratroopers ate while in combat, the uniforms they wore and the personal items they typically carried with them.