Museum Honors Sacrifice Service of WWII Pacific Vets

Interweaving the stories of America, Japan, China and other Asian countries, the chronicle of how World War II was won in the Pacific can be found in Fredericksburg at the National Museum of the Pacific War, a Smithsonian Affiliate.

This accredited and nationally recognized museum honors the more than 100,000 Americans who gave their lives in the war against Japan by “truthfully and respectfully telling the story of their struggles, their sacrifices and their triumphs.”

The museum also honors the over-16-million Americans who served in WWII across the globe. This is particularly relevant in 2021, which is the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor that prompted the U.S. to enter WWII.

Formerly known as the Nimitz Museum, in honor of Fredericksburg’s native son, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, it was renamed to respect the wishes of Nimitz who wanted to ensure that all of the men and women who served and supported the war effort were honored. Nimitz served as Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas and led the naval victory against Japan. Having achieved the rank of Fleet Admiral before his final victories, Nimitz signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on behalf of the United States in the historic ceremony aboard the USS Missouri. Nimitz is memorialized with an eight-foot bronze statue that stands on the museum grounds.

“The National Museum of the Pacific War connects people to the experiences and stories of those affected by World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater by interpreting its enduring, global relevance,” said a spokesperson for the museum.

This mission of the museum is brought to life in their endeavors to teach the history and lessons of the war in the Pacific and through educational platforms for their application to current and future national security issues.

The museum also strives to preserve the memories of those who served there and those who never returned home, as well as facilitate programs that honor and support all veterans, past and present.

Main Museum Campus

Encompassing six acres, museum visitors can explore 55,000 square feet of indoor exhibits featuring dozens of media presentations, almost 1,000 artifacts preserved in climate-controlled cases, 15 macroartifacts and hundreds of photographs.

One of the elite military museums in the nation, the main museum building at 311 E. Austin St. houses the George H.W. Bush Gallery with the adjacent Plaza of Presidents. Across the Memorial Courtyard, the Japanese Garden of Peace is a few steps away. The Admiral Nimitz Gallery is located inside the historic Nimitz Hotel building facing Main Street. Just two blocks away are the Oveta Culp Hobby Education Center and the Pacific Combat Zone.

Exhibits in the George H.W. Bush Gallery convey the shock and destruction of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, including one of the five Japanese, two-man subs that took part in the attack. In the same building, the museum archives hold thousands of manuscripts, official documents, photographs and oral histories of veterans. The archives are housed in the Center for Pacific War Studies which is open to the public by appointment.

In the Memorial Courtyard, the museum honors individuals, ships and units who fought in the Pacific Theater. The Japanese Garden of Peace was a gift to Americans from the people of Japan and pays tribute to Japanese Admiral Heihachiro Togo whom Nimitz admired. It includes a replica of Togo’s study in Japan.

The recently renovated Admiral Nimitz Gallery features exhibits of Nimitz’ strategy and tactics in his defeat of the Japanese, a wide array of Nimitz’ own artifacts and new digital interactives, including a chance for visitors to try their hands at refueling a battleship at sea, “island-hopping” toward Japan’s mainland, and even running the Nimitz Hotel in the 1800s.

Pacific Combat Zone

The Pacific Combat Zone is a unique two-acre indoor/outdoor exhibit and one of the museum’s most popular venues.

The PT (Patrol, Torpedo) boat exhibit allows guests to see how these small, fast and torpedo-

The National Museum of the Pacific War is one of Fredericksburg’s largest tourist attractions. It tells the story of World War II, from the war’s beginning to Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri.

armed vessels were equipped for missions. With videos, an oral history kiosk and the history of the PT boat displayed, visitors will get a glimpse of the lives of those who served on them.

The Carrier Aircraft exhibit takes museum-goers “below deck” of an aircraft carrier where they will get an up-close view of a TBM Avenger aircraft getting ready for a mission. This exhibit also includes videos, artifacts and information about flight missions.

Visitors can test their skills on table-top games stationed in front of the aircraft – launching torpedoes at enemy ships, defending a ship by manning an anti-aircraft gun, and waving a pilot in on approach and landing.

The museum stages living history reenactment programs in the amphitheater, putting the audience on the front lines at the Pacific Combat Zone. Typically, the living history programs are presented on scheduled weekends from March through November. These programs immerse visitors in battle, providing historical background on weapons used during the war and dramatically showcasing the equipment and tactics used by both U.S. forces and that of the Japanese.

The finale features a look into a war-like scenario with the weapons being fired. The museum is known for its skillful use of pyrotechnics in these reenactments.

In addition to the major reenactment programs, the Living History department presents shorter, less formal programs called Outposts on Saturdays as weather permits.

For program schedule and other details, visit the museum’s website for events listings.

General Information

The National Museum of the Pacific War is closed on Tuesdays and open the other six days weekly from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a timed admission basis. Online reservations are recommended for busy weekends. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Note: Days and hours may change; visitors should check the website for current information.

Admission is free for WWII veterans.

Senior citizens 65 and older are $14; adults are $18; military members (active or retired) with an I.D. are $12; children six and over and students who have ID, are $8; children five and under are free.

Admission for school groups is free and for tour groups of 20 or more, call for pricing. Advance reservations are recommended.

For more information about rates, along with questions about volunteering at the museum, call 997-8600 or visit the museum online at www.pacificwarmuseum. org.

The museum is located at 311 E. Austin St.