World War 2 Museum

Lee and Rosanne's Dad served in the 101st Airborne Division during the war. His division played a major role in the Battle of the Bulge...more specifically at the siege of Bastogne. Visiting this museum was an important destination for us.

The reason this museum is located in New Orleans is because Andrew Higgins, a native, designed the LCVP Landing Craft which could land men and equipment on a beach...Once there, the troops on board could leap over the side. Equipment and vehicles were unloaded using ramps. It was due to his efforts that this museum was built here. After getting our tickets designed as a plastic card with a dog tag number, we entered a train exhibit with computer screens. By placing our individual dog tag on the screen, we received information about the military person who had that number. Throughout the museum we were able to place our dog tags on a variety of screened exhibits to get further information. My dog tag belonged to a merchant marine from the Bronx (of all places!)

Regarding the Siege of Bastogne, we were able to visualize what this battle really meant and the incredible sacrifices made by our soldiers. Capturing Bastogne, a key crossroad, was vital to the German plans..Axis forces quickly surrounded the town, trapping the 101st and elements of the 10th Armored Division. Enduring bitter cold and snowy conditions, the vastly outnumbered American troops were short on winter clothing, medicine, ammunition, and supplies. When the Germans offered the Americans a chance to surrender, Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe of the 101st Airborne Division famously responded, "NUTS!!" The Americans held on, repelling repeated German attacks, until American reinforcements arrived six days later. Here is a good picture of the map showing Bastogne surrounded by the Germans

After touring various parts of the museum, We decided to grab some lunch before seeing the Tom Hanks documentary Beyond the Boundaries. When we got back home, we gathered at Rosanne and Jim's houseboat where we shared some celebratory champagne and listened to Lee read his thoughts and impressions of their parents' correspondence during the time they were apart. What a special time to share with the matriarch and patriarch of the Griswold Family.