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Three New Military Museum Exhibits Showcase History of National Guard in Pennsylvania

Posted on: Wednesday, 18 March 2009, 14:05 CDT

Admission is Free at Fort Indiantown Gap Museum

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The state's National Guard Military Museum at Fort Indiantown Gap is offering three new exhibits that will provide military enthusiasts and students of history with a rare and expanded glimpse into the stories of Pennsylvania's guard troops.

According to retired Maj. Gen. Frank H. Smoker, president of the museum's board of directors, the new exhibits bolster an ever-expanding inventory of historical artifacts on display free of charge at the museum.

"The artifacts and displays we have on hand at the Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum showcase items and weapons used in the Civil War and, more recently, the Global War on Terror," said Gen. Smoker. "A number of items also depict the history of the Pennsylvania National Guard and Fort Indiantown Gap. These three new exhibits are a welcome addition to our collection and provide a more detailed glimpse into the lives of our troops during the past 150 years.

"I encourage everyone, from military enthusiasts to those who simply want to know more about the history of our state and the Pennsylvania National Guard, to stop in and see what we have to offer."

Smoker noted that two of the new exhibits showcase military equipment from the late 19th century and pre-World War I insignia. The third honors members of one of the state's most heralded Guard divisions.

Specifically, the new exhibits include:

• Equipment from the late 1800s and early 1900s, as well as a replica of a cavalry trooper's horse. The Pennsylvania National Guard utilized horses until 1941.
• Extremely rare pre-World War I insignia comprised mostly of hat badges and collar insignia.
• An actual Medal of Honor and a tribute to three Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers who were part of the Guard's storied 28th Infantry Division, which is the oldest Army division in the United States military. Its members have participated in every major American conflict since the division was formed in 1879. The display features photographs and write-ups of the three recipients: Lt. Col. Joseph H. Thompson; Sgt. James I. Mestrovich; and Tech. Sgt. Francis J. Clark. Mestrovich and Thompson served in World War I; Clark served in WWII.

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the U.S. government and is bestowed upon military members who go above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in combat with the enemy. It is often awarded posthumously.

The Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum is located at the corner of Service Road and Wiley Road in building number T-8-57 at Fort Indiantown Gap.

It is open Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is also open by appointment on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Persons wishing to schedule a tour on those days may do so by calling 717-861-2402.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Source: PR Newswire

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