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News from The NaTioNal wwii museum

A partially restored B-24D forward fuselage arrived at the Museum in February. Over the next few months, this piece of American aviation history will be fully restored so that it can be displayed in the Boeing Center in the U.S. Freedom Pavilion. Visitors will be able to get up close to the main crew compartment of this plane in order to better understand what it was like to fly a mission during World War II. Interactive displays and exhibits will feature interviews with air crewmembers, show how the equipment was used and explain the technology and tactics of the B-24. The nose art from the plane Over Exposed will decorate the exterior as a tribute to the crew of that plane, which flew photo reconnaissance missions overseas. The acquisition and restoration of the plane was funded through a generous gift to the Museum by Jim Sowell of Dallas, Texas. Through Jims own research for this project, much has been learned about his father, Billy Z. Sowell, a B-24 pilot. He and his crew flew in Over Exposed. Jim recently received a letter written by a crewmember who praised Billy Sowells skill and bravery during a particularly harrowing flight. The entire crew signed a note recommending Billy for a promotion.
The National WWII Museum is grateful to Jim Sowell and proud to preserve this important plane as we tell the stories of the brave men who flew in B-24s all over the world during the war. Billy Z. Sowell, back row third from left, and the Over Exposed crew.

Museum Launches Classroom Victory Gardens Project Page 8

Volume 12, Number 2: Summer 2011

The INTerNATIoNAL CoNfereNCe oN WWII

December 7-9, 2011
In 2006, The National WWII Museum hosted its first ever International Conference on World War II, bringing together scholars and veterans alike to speak on a broad range of subjects pertaining to the war. The presentations were eagerly attended by an audience that came to New Orleans from around the country to learn more about the war that changed the world. The Museum followed the success in 2008 with Real to Reel: World War II in Film, Documentaries & Newsreels and then returned to a broader scope in 2010 with another International Conference on World War II. The National WWII Museum is proud to announce that, with the support of AT&T, The Brown Foundation of Houston and the Weider History Group, the next International Conference on World War II will be held December 7-9, 2011 in New Orleans. This years conference, From Pearl Harbor to Guadalcanal, will cover the first tenuous months of the Pacific war, from the December 7th attack to the American victory on Guadalcanal, a time when the outcome was anything but certain. Topics include The Road to War: 19311941, Pearl Harbor, The Rising Suns Conquests, Defending America Abroad,
CoNfereNCe continued on page 12
www.NationalWW2Museum.org

Your Letters
As a World War II vet and Museum charter member, one of my late life goals was to visit the Museum. This was realized during 2010s final week when my daughter made all the arrangements for her family, my wife, June, and me.
The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn.

It took us two days to see most of the exhibits and movies. We were treated royally and I was provided with a wheelchair the entire time along with articles that identified me as a genuine World War II vet. Besides the Museum itself, what impressed me most was that visitors of the younger generations (all generations are younger than mine) would make a special effort to shake my hand, pat me on the shoulder and thank me for being a genuine vet. Those with very young children would even introduce them to me and have them shake my hand. The experience was extremely emotional and as I sit here typing this letter, tears still come to my eyes. Your paid and volunteer staff can be very proud of what the Museum is accomplishing teaching the younger generations what the Greatest Generation went through during the great depression and World War II. Keep up your excellent work. Richard Young Alameda, California Many World War II veterans, like myself, are so appreciative of serving during the war years of 1942 to 1945. We gained by becoming adults, attending college on the G.I. Bill and earning a good living the rest of our lives. Our parents and older relatives did not have this advantage and remained poor during their lives. Before World War II, the country was isolationist. Not only did the U.S. become a prominent member of the United Nations, but we developed a worldwide economic structure. The country changed more during this five-year period than at any other time in our history. Enclosed is a small contribution. I am hopeful you can get enough money to build the Museum during the next few years. Most of us who served will be gone by 2012. Let me know if I can help in any way. Harry Biser Clemmons, North Carolina

The NATIoNAL WWII MuSeuM, Inc.

Stephen E. Ambrose, Ph.D. (1936-2002) Founder
Philip G. Satre, Chairman Herschel L. Abbott, Jr., Vice Chairman Governor Pete Wilson, Past Chairman James A. Courter, Secretary Harold J. Bouillion, Treasurer Gordon H. Nick Mueller, Ph.D., President & CEO

Board of Trustees 2010-2011 officers

Board of Trustees 2010-2011 Members

Senator Diana E. Bajoie David Barksdale Brandon B. Berger W.A. Cappy Bisso Thomas L. Blair Donald T. Boysie Bollinger Drew Brees Philip J. Burguieres Raymond C. Burton, Jr. Michael S. Bylen Jeffrey R. Carter Elaine Chao Thomas B. Coleman Jed V. Davis Robert M. Edsel H. M. Tim Favrot, Jr. James R. Fisher, Sr. Louis Freeman John D. Georges Terence E. Hall Robert Tucker Hayes C. Paul Hilliard William H. Hines Col. Jack H. Jacobs, USA (Ret.) James W. Jacobs John E. Koerner III Mark R. Konjevod Kevin J. Lilly E. Ralph Lupin, M.D. Robert H. Malott Dennis A. Muilenburg Richard A. Pattarozzi M. Cleland Powell III Kevin P. Reilly, Jr. William P. Rutledge Robert Bobby Savoie Curt Schilling Frank B. Stewart, Jr. Carroll W. Suggs Paul Tagliabue John M. Turner, Jr. David R. Voelker Ted M. Weggeland Bruce N. Whitman Fred S. Zeidman

Contact Us
Send us your comments and suggestions at: The National WWII Museum, Attn: V-Mail, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 or info@nationalww2museum, subject line V-Mail. World War II veterans send us your story! Send your memoirs or other accounts of service to: The National WWII Museum, Archivist, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 or lindsey.barnes@nationalww2museum.org. Hand-written accounts are accepted but typed accounts are preferred, with a high quality World War II era photo if possible.

V-MAIL News from The NaTioNal wwii museum

The NATIoNAL WWII MuSeuM

The NaTioNal WWii MuseuM

Continues to Expand

945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 www.nationalww2museum.org 504-528-1944 or 877-813-3329 hourS of oPerATIoN Museum exhibits and Museum Store Open seven days a week, 9:00 am 5:00 pm Find out more about the Museum Store at store.nationalww2museum.org or call 877-813-3329 x 244. Solomon Victory Theater www.victorytheater.org | 504-528-1942 Showing Beyond All Boundaries Seven days a week, hourly, Sunday-Thursday from 10:00 am 4:00 pm Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am 5:00 pm Stage Door Canteen www.stagedoorcanteen.org | 504-528-1943 Featuring live entertainment with all the sass and swing of the 1940s. View the schedule of shows online. Dinner and brunch packages available. Reservations are strongly recommended. The Museum, Solomon Victory Theater, Stage Door Canteen, American Sector Restaurant and Museum Store are closed Mardi Gras Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. American Sector restaurant www.american-sector.com | 504-528-1940 A Chef John Besh restaurant Open seven days a week, Sunday Thursday, 11:00 am 9:00 pm Friday Saturday, 11:00 am 11:00 pm Call or go online for reservations. GrouP VISITS To schedule your reunion, church, school or tour group, call 504-528-1944 x 222 or go to www.nationalww2museum.org/plan-a-visit. Ask about our Call of Duty and Behind the Lines VIP tour options! e-MAIL uPDATeS Sign up for free e-mails about Museum events and exhibits and special discount offers at www.nationalww2museum.org/bulletin ACCeSSIBILITY All areas of the Museum are wheelchair accessible. A limited number of wheelchairs are available for use on site at no charge. Service animals are welcome.

The National WWII Museum is in the midst of tremendous growth. In the wake of its tenth anniversary on June 6, 2010, the Museum has made significant headway toward completing its vision to tell the entire story of the American Experience in World War II. In June 2011, the Museum will celebrate the opening of the John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion, which will offer the public a permanent, behind-the-scenes view of the restoration and preservation of priceless artifacts from the war years. Construction is underway on the U.S. Freedom Pavilion, featuring the expansive Boeing Center, and is slated for completion in 2012. It will showcase the macro artifacts of the war, representing Americas legendary production of airplanes, artillery, tanks, and other equipment that helped to fuel victory in World War II. While there is plenty to celebrate now, there is also much to anticipate in the coming years. The Museum looks forward to beginning construction on the Campaigns Pavilion, the Liberation Pavilion, the Barksdale Parade Ground and other exciting venues. Together, these additions will ensure that this Museum excels in being a local fixture, regional resource and national destination. At times when progress requires genuine persistence, the Museum looks to the example set by the heroes of World War II, those extraordinary men and women whose drive, determination, and courage succeeded in preserving freedom and democracy. This year in particular, we remember the words of one of World War IIs most heroic soldiers, the late Vernon Baker, an African American Medal of Honor recipient. Mr. Baker was a man who faced multiple obstacles during his service to our country. His leadership of a critical attack against a German position in Italy exemplified the way he led his life: Remember the mission. Set the example. Keep going. The National WWII Museum remembers Vernon Baker and all of our veterans as we move ever forward with our mission.
Vernon Baker

V-MAIL is published quarterly by The National WWII Museum, Inc. as a benefit to Museum members. Contact us at The National WWII Museum, Attn: V-MAIL, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 or 504-528-1944 x 357 or e-mail info@nationalww2museum.org.

www.NationalWW2Museum.org

Daughter Creates a L asting tribute to Fathers serviCe

In 1942, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Tom Wilson, his younger brother and their good friend enlisted together in the U.S. Navy. Tom soon volunteered for flight school and trained as a Naval Air Cadet, serving for the duration of the war. His service in World War II is something Toms daughter, Jean Beckman, wanted to preserve and share with his descendants. I am so proud of my dads service to our nation during World War II, and preserving his story and sharing it with our family was important to me, said Beckman.

As a Patriots Circle member, Beckman knew to look to The National WWII Museum for help. When she learned about the WWII Museum Press, Beckman knew she had found the perfect solution. Through the WWII Museum Press, Beckman was able to chronicle her dads service during the war by adding both personal photos of her dad and stories to a commemorative book. This elegant hardcover book tells the story of the American Experience during the war years through powerful and emotional images from the Museums collection, and allows customers to add their own photos and stories to create a personalized keepsake. His service is one of his proudest achievements, and I thought this was a great way to preserve his memories, honor his service and document his history for our family and future generations, said Beckman. The end result was a handsome tribute to her father that immortalizes both his personal story and the story of Americas role in World War II. Jean chose to give her father a copy of his commemorative book for his 90th birthday. But the bigger gift was sharing his story with the rest of the Beckman family. She purchased copies for her brother, sister and their children.

For my brother and sister, [the commemorative book] is a precious memory, beautifully created, of our father. For our children, it is not only a great summary of the war from which they can learn, but an opportunity for them to share our pride in their grandfather and his service to our country, said Beckman. As our World War II veterans reach considerable ages, its even more imperative that we continue to honor them and make their sacrifice known, and to share it with future generations.

Top: Tom Wilson celebrates his 90th birthday surrounded by Jean (left), family and friends. Bottom: A page from the commemorative book Jean created for her family showing her fathers service during WWII.

To learn more about the WWII Museum Press and how you can preserve the story of your personal connection to World War II, visit WW2MuseumPress.org. 4
V-MAIL News from The NaTioNal wwii museum

ArTIfACT SPoTLIGhT

Chance Donation Leads to a Connection to Nazi Ace

The National WWII Museum receives many artifact donation offers every day, but a recent acquisition from a small museum in central Illinois described simply as A Nazi Officers Jacket turned out to be a diamond in the rough. All museums typically review their collections periodically and often pass unneeded items on to other museums where they can be used more appropriately. The McLean County Museum of History contacted Museum staff recently with a list of World War II artifacts that no longer served the needs of their collection. One of the items was a German

Luftwaffe officers jacket which was originally donated by McLean County native, Roy Nickrent. Nickrent jumped into Normandy on D-Day with the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division and, coincidentally, was interviewed by The National WWII Museum founder, Dr. Stephen Ambrose, in the 1980s. When the jacket arrived, closer inspection revealed a laundry tag sewn into one of the pockets. The tag was dated August 26, 1939, and named to an Herr Huppertz. Research confirmed that this artifact once belonged to German Luftwaffe 78-victory ace and Knights Cross with Oak Leaves recipient, Maj. Herbert Huppertz. Major Huppertzs career is very well-documented. He joined the Luftwaffe in 1937 at the age of 18. He first saw action in 1940 during the Battles of France and Britain, where he scored six victories against Royal Air Force fighters. Huppertz was then posted to the Eastern front, where he was credited with / ArTIfACT continued on page 15

Read Ardell Bollingers story of how he survived his encounter with the decorated Nazi ace over Germany on page 6.

www.NationalWW2Museum.org

rdell Bollinger had always wanted to fly. No matter what it took, the Pennsylvania bred boy wanted to be in the air when it came time for him to serve his country. Bollinger joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 with the sole intention of joining the ranks of men flying above the earth and attacking Americas enemies through the air. I knew that I wanted to fly, there was never any doubt as to where I wanted to go and fight, recalled Bollinger. After taking his initial Air Corps training as a radioman, Bollinger was assigned to the fledgling 384th Bomb Group and learned his trade in the venerable Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. The 384th began its training in Gowen Field, Idaho in December 1942 upon their activation as a combat unit. The 384th was then shipped all across the country to locations such as Wendover Field, Utah and Sioux City, South Dakota. It was from there that the 384th received its orders for combat. Rumors ran wild among the men as to where they were to fight. Many men wanted to see action in the Pacific in order to carry the war to Japan, but others, such as Bollinger, just wanted to get the job done and werent concerned with where they were being sent to fight. On May 3, 1943, the 384th Bomb Group and Ardell Bollinger left the United States bound for England and the Eighth Air Force in order to conduct heavy bombing missions on Hitlers Germany. The trip across

the Atlantic took many days as the first of the bomb groups forts arrived at their home field of Grafton Underwood on May 25, 1943. Bollinger and the 384th flew their first combat mission against the enemy on June 22, 1943, with a mission to Antwerp, Belgium. Ardell followed his baptism by fire with seven more missions to targets such as Hamburg, Germany; Paris, France; Le Mans, France; and Abbeville, France. By September of 1943, Bollinger had completed eight missions as a radio operator in several different B-17s. Late 1942 through mid-1943 were hard times for the men of the Eighth Air Force. The Eighth was losing men and aircraft at a staggering rate, mostly to German fighter aircraft. Veterans from other bomb groups told grim tales of survival to the men of the 384th in the pubs all over East Anglia that summer and fall of 43. Bollinger recalls his first few missions, I remember when we got there, and they told us that the life expectancy of a B-17 crewman was five missions. After my fifth mission, I figured, hell, Ive already beaten the odds, Im good to go, and only twenty more and I can go home. At this point in the European air war, the single deadliest enemy that Eighth Air Force crewmen faced was the German daytime interceptor. After the early daylight raids into Hitlers Germany, it was seen that the American B-17 and B-24 raids were no mere diversion or joke. These daylight raids were something that the Third Reich had to pay close

V-MAIL News from The NaTioNal wwii museum

A B-17 is attacked by a Me-110.

attention to or their war material production could be ground to a halt by these American daylight raiders. As a result of the increased attacks, Germany moved some of her best fighter pilots from the eastern front to the western front in order to defend against and shoot down the ever-increasing numbers of American heavy bombers continuously pounding German industry almost daily. The previous summer a young German fighter pilot named Herbert Huppertz was transferred from the eastern front to the western front to aid in the defense of the fatherland. By September 1943, Huppertz had already achieved the lofty status of ace by destroying over 50 Allied aircraft. On September 23, 1943, this talented young pilot would have a fateful encounter with Ardell Bollinger and his fellow crewmen high above German occupied France. The September 23rd mission started off like any other mission. Wake up at 0230, breakfast at 0330, briefing at 0445 and sit and wait until we took off a while later. The damn waiting to go was the toughest part, thats when you started thinking about things. You started thinking about what might happen to you. Thats when you got scared. The target was a submarine repair ship that was tied up in Nantes, France harbor. Ordinarily this would have been considered a milk run, an easy target, but today would not be a milk run, at least not for Ardell Bollinger and the crew of his unnamed B-17 serial number 42-3459.

Bollinger states, I was flying with a different crew that day and knew just a few of the 10 men in the plane. Of the 10 guys in the crew, I was the one with the most combat experience. As the B-17s approached the French coast, the German fighters received their alarm notices and took to the air to defend their territory. Hauptmann Herbert Huppertz and his squadron mates in Jagdgeschwader 2 Richtofen took off in their Focke Wulf 190 A-6s to meet the aerial invaders. As Huppertz and his mates approached the large bomber formation, they broke up into attack groups and came at the Flying Fortresses head on. Everything was fine until we got over the enemy coast. Then it really started to hit the fan. The fighters started attacking us very heavily but our crew managed to avoid most of the attacks and got through the initial onslaught relatively unscathed, Bollinger recalls. During the bomb run over the target, German anti-aircraft artillery, known as flak, began to pepper the B-17s heavily throughout the formation. Bollingers B-17 took several hits and began to lose power and drop out of formation. I just recall us getting hit in an engine and the pilot, (Philip) Higdon, telling us that we were losing power and dropping behind the rest of the group. I knew that was bad news because the German fighters liked to prey on the wounded bombers. They were easier targets. As Bollingers aircraft dropped out of
BoLLINGer continued on page 15
www.NationalWW2Museum.org

Department Education

eWS from your N

Dont fo rget! 877-813 Call -33 to book y our scho 29 x 222 ol group
today!

Growing Garde ns, Growing Ci Elementary St tizens udents Encour

This spring, the M useum launched an exciting elementa Gardens as its focu ry school curricul s. The Classroom um using World W Victory Garden Pr community in Wor ar II Victory oject teaches elem ld War II through entary students ab interdisciplinary cu Millions of Americ out the role of rriculum designed ans to co rations and help sp grew Victory Gardens in their back yards during the w nnect the past and the present. ur victory. That ca ar to supplement n-do spirit offers yo history and lesson their wartime ung students an ag s of World War II. e-appropriate entr e into the The heart of the pr oject is a multi-face ted includes an interd isciplinary curricul website that um taught throug gardening, includ h ing social studies, literacy, math, scie and art modules. nce It includes printabl e classroom activiti es, interactive gam and a free classroo es m poster. The Museum has also created an in teractive videocon exploring the hist ference ory of the Home Fr ont during World for these younger War II students. The Classroom Vic tory Garden Projec t website can help present a child-fri yo endly introductio n to the World War u or you can use the II era content to create a school garden, all learning about team while work. Classes wor k together to subm shows of their gard it slide ens, can make reci pes using what th grown and share ey their garden expe riences online. Gar ve resurging in intere dening is st throughout the country and the C Victory Garden Pr lassroom oject throws some relevant lessons fr countrys past into om our a reemerging past ime. You can explore th e Classroom Victo ry Gar website at www.vic torygardenproject.o den Project rg.

aged to Plant Victory Garde ns

V-mailNews from The NaTioNal wwii museum V-MAIL News from The NaTioNal wwii museum

ry 19 nowle This spring th th the Februa orld War II k n peting for W to televise bo com School in Bato nications high schools Central High Cox Commu h een partnered wit Contest betw the Museum hampionship er a live C ville, LA. Aft vent and the ool in Mande reliminary e p Sch ir here with the ndeville High e, LA and Ma iled. Pictured va Roug andeville pre yle Anderson ompetition, M rah Malik, K ush spirited c teammates N ip trophy are championsh Louisiana History Day Winners demair. and Ryan Nie The Museum serves as Louisianas official state sponsor Nushrah Malik, Kyle Anderson
deville High School students Teacher Elena Marina with Man and Ryan Niedemair.

x 1 1 Coowl 20 B ams from 28 Bowl, with te iz Quize Museum hosted its biggest ever WdWeIIsuQpuremacy. As in the past threethyears, g

for National History Day. The following projects won first place at the State contest in April and will represent Louisiana at the National History Day Contest in June:

Outstanding Overall Project Senior Moss Robeson and Zoe Zimmells, Jazz Diplomacy Lusher Charter High School, New Orleans, LA Outstanding Overall Project Junior Logan Hampton and Carter Saterfiel, The Bombing of Pearl Harbor Claiborne Christian School, West Monroe, LA A full list of Louisianas national contest qualifiers can be found at louisianahistoryday.org.

Winne rs For its 2011 Essay Contest, the Mus eum focused on th anniversary of th e upcoming 70th e Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Why should we re asking students, member Pearl Har bor? The Museum 500 entries from hi received more than gh school students across the country. Here are this years winners: High School Essay Contest Winners 1st: Rachel Dailey, Oak Harbor, WA 2nd: Grace Liu, Hig h Technology HS, Lincroft, NJ 3rd: Patrick Gurnow , Schroeder HS, W ebster, NY This year, fulfilling the requests of num erous middle scho Museum added a M ol teachers, the iddle School Essay Contest. These youn the same question ger students tackle about Pearl Harbo d r and its place in ou The Museum rece r national memory. ived 715 thoughtfu l essays from studen one from Guam!). ts in 30 states (and Here are this years winners: Middle School Essa y Contest Winners 5th Grade: Alijah Va nterpool, Samuel E. Shull School, Perth 6th Grade: Woohe Amboy, NJ e Han, Millburn M iddle School, Millbu 7th Grade: Genny rn, NJ Anderson, Caman o Island, WA 8th Grade: Dahna Lee, Venado Middl e School, Irvine, CA
www.NationalWW2Museum.org www.Nationalww2museum.org

Es s ay C on te s t

The NATIoNAL WWII MuSeuM - 2011 SuMMer CALeNDAr

Every Wednesday Victory Belles Wednesday Matinees Advance ticket purchase or reservations are recommended. Purchase tickets at www.stagedoorcanteen.org or call 504-528-1943. Sunday, July 3, 2011 Free dance lessons, 1:00 pm 2:00 pm Live music, 2:00 pm 4:00 pm Sunday Swing featuring The Pfister Sisters For more information, call 504-528-1944 x 359. Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 12:00 pm 1:00 pm Lunchbox Lecture - Kevin fontenot presents We Also Danced To... The other Popular Music of Wartime For more information call 504-528-1944 x 229. Friday, July 8 and Saturday, July 9, 2011 6:00 pm dinner seating, 8:00 pm show Sunday, July 10, 2011, 11:00 am brunch seating The rat Pack Now Tribute Show Advance ticket purchase or reservations are recommended. Purchase tickets at www.stagedoorcanteen.org or call 504-528-1943. Saturday, July 9, 2011, 3:00 pm 4:00 pm Music at the Museum - Bayou Community Band For more information on this free event, call 504-528-1944 x 229. Saturday, July 9, 2011 Sunday, July 10, 2011 Night at The Museum family overnight Space is limited, so register today at www.nationalww2museum.org/education, or call 504-528-1944 x 229. Sunday, July 10, 2011 Free dance lessons, 1:00 pm 2:00 pm Live music, 2:00 pm 4:00 pm Sunday Swing featuring Swingaroux For more information, call 504-528-1944 x 359. Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16, 2011 6:00 pm dinner seating, 8:00 pm show Sunday, July 17, 2011, 11:00 am brunch seating The Victory Big Band presents Glenn Miller: In the Mood Advance ticket purchase or reservations are recommended. Purchase tickets at www.stagedoorcanteen.org or call 504-528-1943. Sunday, July 17, 2011 Free dance lessons, 1:00 pm 2:00 pm Live music, 2:00 pm 4:00 pm Sunday Swing featuring The Settle Down with Thais Clark For more information, call 504-528-1944 x 359. Tuesday, July 19, 2011, 5:30 pm 7:30 pm Stage Door Idol at The Stage Door Canteen For more information, call 504-528-1944 x 267. Wednesday, July 20, 2011, 12:00 pm 1:00 pm Lunchbox Lecture john McGuckin presents The M1 Garand For more information call 504-528-1944 x 229. Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23, 2011 6:00 pm dinner seating, 8:00 pm show Sunday, July 24, 2011, 11:00 am brunch seating Make em Laugh! Lynn Win roberts Tribute to the Great Comedians Advance ticket purchase or reservations are recommended. Purchase tickets at www.stagedoorcanteen.org or call 504-528-1943. Sunday, July 24, 2011 Free dance lessons, 1:00 pm 2:00 pm Live music, 2:00 pm 4:00 pm Sunday Swing featuring jayna Morgan and the Sazerac Sunrise jazz Band For more information, call 504-528-1944 x 359. Tuesday, July 26, 2011, 5:30 pm 7:30 pm Stage Door Idol at The Stage Door Canteen For more information, call 504-528-1944 x 267. Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30, 2011 6:00 pm dinner seating, 8:00 pm show Sunday, July 31, 2011, 11:00 am brunch seating Sentimental journey A Big Band Salute! Advance ticket purchase or reservations are recommended. Purchase tickets at www.stagedoorcanteen.org or call 504-528-1943. Sunday, July 31, 2011 Free dance lessons, 1:00 pm 2:00 pm Live music, 2:00 pm 4:00 pm Sunday Swing featuring Lionel ferbos For more information, call 504-528-1944 x 359.

June 1, 2011 September 7, 2011 Special exhibit - joe Beyrle: A hero for Two Nations For more information, visit www.nationalww2museum.org or call 504-528-1944 x 237. Wednesday, June 1, 2011, 12:00 pm 1:00 pm Lunchbox Lecture ross Gamble presents The Corsair For more information call 504-528-1944 x 229. Thursday, June 2, 2011, 5:30 pm 8:30 pm first Thursdays Wargames For more information call 504-528-1944 x 333. June 3, 2011 - June 26, 2011 On the Air! Friday & Saturday Evenings 6:00 pm dinner seating, 8:00 pm show Sunday Matinees, 11:00 am brunch seating Advance ticket purchase or reservations are recommended. Purchase tickets at www.stagedoorcanteen.org or call 504-528-1943. Saturday, June 11, 2011, 2:00 pm 4:00 pm Monday, June 13, 2011, 6:30 pm 8:30 pm Stage Door Idol Preliminary auditions For more information, contact Victoria Reed at 504-528-1944 x 267. Wednesday, June 15, 2011, 12:00 pm 1:00 pm Lunchbox Lecture Seth Paridon presents The Marianas Campaign For more information call 504-528-1944 x 229. Saturday, June 18, 2011, 11:00 am 3:00 pm Living history Corps For more information, call 504-528-1944 x 243.

juNe 2011

AuGuST 2011

Tuesday, August 2, 2011, 5:30 pm 7:30 pm Stage Door Idol at The Stage Door Canteen For more information, call 504-528-1944 x 267. Wednesday, August 3, 2011, 12:00 pm 1:00 pm Lunchbox Lecture - Stephen Tucker presents Audie Murphy For more information call 504-528-1944 x 229. Sunday, August 7, 2011, 11:00 am brunch seating Victory Belles Lullaby of Broadway Matinee Advance ticket purchase or reservations are recommended. Purchase tickets at www.stagedoorcanteen.org or call 504-528-1943.

juLY 2011

Friday, July 1 and Saturday, July 2, 2011 6:00 pm dinner seating, 8:00 pm show Sunday, July 3, 2011, 11:00 am brunch seating The Victory Belles Advance ticket purchase or reservations are recommended. Purchase tickets at www.stagedoorcanteen.org or call 504-528-1943.

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V-MAIL News from The NaTioNal wwii museum

Sunday, August 7, 2011 Free dance lessons, 1:00 pm 2:00 pm Live music, 2:00 pm 4:00 pm Sunday Swing featuring New orleans Moonshiners For more information, call 504-528-1944 x 359. Friday, August 12 and Saturday, August 13, 2011 6:00 pm dinner seating, 8:00 pm show Sunday, August 14, 2011, 11:00 am brunch seating The rat Pack Now Tribute Show Advance ticket purchase or reservations are recommended. Purchase tickets at www.stagedoorcanteen.org or call 504-528-1943. Tuesday, August 16, 2011, 5:30 pm 8:00 pm Stage Door Idol - fINALS For more information, call 504-528-1944 x 267.

Wednesday, August 7, 2011 12:00 pm 1:00 pm Lunchbox Lecture Andrew Goss presents The Netherlands east Indies/Indonesia during World War II For more information call 504-528-1944 x 229. Friday, August 19 and Saturday, August 20, 2011 6:00 pm dinner seating, 8:00 pm show Sunday, August 21, 2011, 11:00 am brunch seating Make em Laugh! Lynn Win roberts Tribute to the Great Comedians Advance ticket purchase or reservations are recommended. Purchase tickets at www.stagedoorcanteen.org or call 504-528-1943. Sunday, August 21, 2011 Free dance lessons, 1:00 pm 2:00 pm Live music, 2:00 pm 4:00 pm Sunday Swing featuring Swingaroux For more information, call 504-528-1944 x 359.

Friday, August 26 and Saturday, August 27, 2011 6:00 pm dinner seating, 8:00 pm show Sunday, August 28, 2011, 11:00 am brunch seating The Victory Big Band presents Glenn Miller: In the Mood Advance ticket purchase or reservations are recommended. Purchase tickets at www.stagedoorcanteen.org or call 504-528-1943. Sunday, August 28, 2011 Free dance lessons, 1:00 pm 2:30 pm Live music, 2:30 pm 4:30 pm Sunday Swing featuring the Victory Six with the winner of Stage Door Idol For more information, call 504-528-1944 x 359.

All events are subject to change. Visit nationalww2museum.org/calendar or call 504-528-1944 for updates.

Victory Ball 201 1

June 3, 2011: Preserving the American Spirit
Thank you to IBERIABANK whose continued support will ensure a memorable 2011 IBERIABANK Victory Ball on June 3, 2011. The 2011 IBERIABANK Victory Ball theme, Preserving the American Spirit, will recall the strength of those who served on the battlefront and the resilience and ingenuity of those who supported the war effort at home. Headlining the evening will be World War II Veteran Harry Connick Sr., whose personal and civic contributions reflect the values of our democracy and the vitality of the American Spirit so evident in World War II. This annual fundraising event, which supports local and national educational outreach initiatives, will also celebrate the Grand Opening of the John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion. The Restoration Pavilion offers visitors a behind-the-scenes view of the restoration and preservation techniques applied to priceless relics from World War II, like our very own PT-305 boat. The evening will continue with a seated dinner and program in the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion provided by acclaimed restaurateur, John Besh. Capping off the night will be the Otto Candies How Sweet It Is!, our second annual Dessert & Dancing Soiree featuring the Bucktown All-Stars in the Stage Door Canteen.
For more information, call 504-528-1944 x 334 or e-mail jessica.skelly@nationalww2museum.org.

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Speakers scheduled to appear at the conference include: hugh Ambrose, author of The Pacific, the companion book to the HBO miniseries of the same name Steven Bullard, Senior research officer at the Australian War Memorial and editor of From a Hostile Shore: Australia and Japan at War in New Guinea with Keiko Tamura edward j. Drea, author of Japans Imperial Army: Its Rise and Fall, 1853-1945 and MacArthurs Ultra: Codebreaking and the War Against Japan, 1942-1945 richard B. frank, author of Guadalcanal: The Definitive Account of the Landmark Battle and Downfall: The End of the Imperial Japanese Empire richard Greer, veteran of the 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division who served alongside Medal of Honor recipient John Basilone at Guadalcanal, consultant on the HBO miniseries, The Pacific james hornfischer, author of Ship of Ghosts: The Story of the USS Houston, FDRs Legendary Lost Cruiser, and the Epic Saga of her Survivors and Neptunes Inferno: The U.S. Navy at Guadalcanal Karl james, historian and curator at the Australian War Memorial john Lundstrom, author of First Team: Pacific Naval Air Combat from Pearl Harbor to Midway and First Team and the Guadalcanal Campaign: Naval Fighter Combat from August to November 1942 Donald L. Miller, author of The Story of World War II and D-Days in the Pacific Allan r. Millett, author of For the Common Defense: A Military History of the United States of America with Peter Maslowski and A War to be Won: Fighting the Second World War with Williamson Murray eric Muller, author of American Inquisition: The Hunt for Japanese American Disloyalty in World War II and Free to Die for Their Country: The Story of the Japanese American Draft Resisters in World War II Gregory urwin, author of Facing Fearful Odds: The Siege of Wake Island and Victory in Defeat: The Wake Island Defenders in Captivity, 1941-1945

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The Battle For New Guinea, Striking Back at the Rising Sun, The South Pacific and Guadalcanal: Land, Sea and Air. This years conference will see the return of the popular Meet The Speakers reception, presented by The Times-Picayune of New Orleans, where attendees and speakers will have the opportunity to mingle with each other and have books signed. In addition to the programming and festivities that attendees have grown accustomed to at the International Conference on World War II, we are unveiling some unique offerings at this years gathering. The conference will kick off with the New Discoveries lecture, presented by Richard Frank on The Road to War: 1931-1941 where he will bring to light the latest research and interpretations based on the research for his upcoming book, the first of a trilogy on the war in the Pacific. To ensure the perpetual participation of veterans at future conferences, we will present Oral History Showcases from the Museums collection before individual sessions. The unique insight and perspectives that are provided in the brief videos will lay solid foundations for the sessions that follow. This year the Museum is also making available an extended package for those conference attendees that wish to stay on Saturday in New Orleans after the conference. The package includes an additional nights stay at the Astor Crowne Plaza, a Behind the Lines tour of the Museums collections and much more. From Pearl Harbor to Guadalcanal will be the first of a five-year 70th Anniversary of WWII conference series that will take our guests through the war year-by-year, bringing in some of the best-known, brightest and most respected authors, historians, commentators and veterans. These presenters will discuss the various phases and stages of the war, in both the Pacific and European theaters of operations and all of the other locations in between. The conference headquarters hotel will be the Astor Crowne Plaza, which is located at the Gateway to the French Quarter where Canal Street meets Bourbon Street. The opening reception and presentation, as well as the closing banquet, will be held in the Museums Louisiana Memorial Pavilion. Visit ww2conference.com to register or learn more about the conference, view a schedule of events, take advantage of our member and early-bird specials, secure a discounted hotel rate at the Astor Crowne Plaza and learn more about the extended stay package. Also, find information on how you can watch the conference via live web stream! See page 13 for pricing and a registration form.

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PaCK Your BaGs for aN hisToriC aDVeNTure wiTh fiVe sTar Tours

In the Footsteps of the Monuments Men

September 16 25, 2011
As devastation was visited on Europe during World War II, some 345 men and women from 13 nations museum directors, curators, art historians, artists, architects and educators followed the combat to rescue, preserve and protect Europes artwork. The Monuments Men recovered more than five million artistic and cultural treasures. The Museums Five Star Tours is offering the opportunity to retrace the footsteps of these unlikely heroes. In September, Robert Edsel, author of The Monuments Men (Center Street), will lead a limited number of guests on an exclusive 10-day adventure through Austria, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Included in the $14,995-a-person price are luxury accommodations and meals, from Paris to Munich. Other stops include Maastricht, Salzburg and Wrzburg. Highlights include visiting the Louvre, a stop at the salt mines of Altaussee in Austria where the Nazis hid stolen treasures and a stop at Hitlers Eagles Nest. We travel the world admiring its beauty and artwork but take for granted how these treasures survived the greatest war and greatest theft in history, says Edsel. Anyone who loves a heroic story, one thats not very well-known, says Edsel, will value this trip.

Ber G! NuM ININ TeD eMA IMI S r A L eAT fS o

Visit www.nationalww2museum.org/travel for more information or to download tour brochures, or e-mail travel@nationalww2museum.org. The Museums travel hotline is 1-877-813-3329, ext 257.

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BoLLINGer continued from page 7

ArTIfACT continued from page 5

an additional thirty-three victories. The German ace returned to France in November 1942 to take command of the 3rd Squadron of JG 2, Jagdgeschwader Richthofen, and opposed the Allied bombing campaign of German-occupied Europe. Forty additional Allied aircraft fell to Huppertz before he was shot down and killed on June 8, 1944, over Caen, France, five days after his 25th birthday. He was posthumously awarded Oak Leaves to his Knights Cross and promoted to the rank of Major. Among Huppertzs kills were seventeen fourengine bombers, several of which are identified by serial numbers in U.S. Army Air Forces missing aircraft reports. The Museums Research Department has since located six survivors from aircraft that fell victim to Huppertz in the hopes of recording their oral histories and further interpreting this exciting new artifact.

A smoking B-17 goes down as Me-109s attack.

protective formation they came under almost instantaneous attack from German fighter aircraft. Herbert Huppertz and his FW-190 bore in on Bollingers stricken B-17 from behind and sent shell after armor-piercing shell of 20mm cannon fire into the already wounded bomber. We dropped out of formation and all of a sudden we started getting hammered by German fighters. I mean the attack was relentless, they knew they had us and they werent letting go. Bollinger continues, We got the word from the pilot to bail out and I left my radio compartment and got the ball turret gunner, Kalas, out of his turret so he could bail out. There was no doubt we were going down. I looked out of one of the waist windows and saw this FW-190 blow by us with cannons firing and made this beautiful roll out below us and disappear into the clouds. I remember thinking, this is odd, damn, that guy is really good, that was beautiful. As the FW-190 disappeared into the clouds below, Bollingers B-17 continued its death dive. After snapping out of my momentary lapse of consciousness I said to myself, get the hell out of this death trap, and I jumped clear. Bollinger descended towards the ground, unaware of the fate of the rest of his crewmen. As he hit the ground, he saw Joseph Kalas, the ball turret gunner whom he had helped out of his turret, standing nearby. Together, he and Kalas decided to head west and hoped to meet friendly resistance workers and return to England. He soon met up with Leonard Kelly, his waist gunner, and together all three men successfully evaded capture and returned to England. The other seven members of his crew, Philip Higdon, Louis Ritt, Meyer Hegab, Lawrence Johnston, James Jett, Willard Cronin and Edward Humphrey, languished through the rest of the war as prisoners of the Third Reich until liberation by Allied Forces in April of 1945. The German Ace Herbert Huppertz was credited with his 54th kill of the war in shooting down Bollinger and his crew on September 23, 1943, and went on to score 78 aerial victories before the 25-year-old ace was killed in a dogfight over Caen by American P-47 Thunderbolts on June 8, 1944.

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Ardell Bollinger was interviewed by the Museums Research Department at his home in Westchester, Pennsylvania on February 13, 2011.
Maj. Herbert Huppertz

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C
B C

S T O R E
B Mens WWII Logo Laser Etched Polo D E

$45.00 Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL; Red or Blue

C WWII Logo Necktie, Cufflinks, and Tiebar F

A - $50.00 B - $15.00 C - $15.00 $9.00

D WWII Logo Diner Mug E Rosie We Can Do It Apron

$25.00

F D-Day LCM3
$30.00

G The National WWII Museum Guide

Paperback, $14.95 Hardback, $28.95

H Brothers, Rivals, Victors I Mignon Faget 4-piece Freedom Star Glasses

$40.00

Visit our online store at store.nationalww2museum.org, call 877-813-3329 x 244 or e-mail store@nationalww2museum.org to order these and other great items.

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