SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS

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February 1 through April 30, 2021
The Medal of Honor - Exploring AG Corps Soldiers

This exhibit features Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War to present including biographies and photos with three stories highlighted of 18 adjunct generals and 40 musicians. The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest award for military valor in action. This special exhibition offers a fresh experience with the unique stories of adjunct generals, the equivalent of a military chief administration officer, and military musicians who have received the prestigious award.

The first Medal of Honor was awarded to AG Corps member George H. Palmer on Sept. 20, 1861. He volunteered to fight in the trenches in Lexington, Missouri, during the Civil War and led a charge that resulted in the capture of a Union hospital. The youngest AG Corps recipient was Willie Johnston, a 12-year-old drummer, who served during the Union’s Seven Days Retreat in the Peninsula Campaign. Johnston was the only drummer in his division to come away with his instrument during a general rout. His superiors considered this a meritorious feat as soldiers had discarded their guns and other musicians had abandoned their instruments. These stories and others are told as part of the exhibition which includes a Civil War flag, sword, pistol, uniforms and hats and more.

Pictured is part of the exhibit honoring  Rev. Emil Joseph Kapaun of Pilsen, Kansas, an Army chaplain in the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division during the Korean War.  He served during both World War II and the Korean conflict and was captured on Nov. 2, 1950 near Unsan, North Korea, as he helped wounded troops surround by Chinese forces. After capture, he tended to the sick and wounded among the POWs, even carrying men who faltered on a forced march, according to his fellow soldiers. He died of pneumonia on May 23, 1951 as a POW. In 1993, Pope John Paul II declared Kapaun a Servant of God, the first step toward sainthood. He received the Medal of Honor posthumously in 2013. The Pentagon's Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced in early March 2021 that Kapaun's remains had been identified.

Visitors can also view the Museum’s permanent Medal of Honor display showcasing a U.S. Army Medal of Honor and General Franks’ Patriot Award from the Medal of Honor Society.
May 1 through July 30, 2021
Movies Go To War