In Harm's Way: The U.S. Navy and World War II: Atlantic
Bldg. 76
In Harm’s Way: The U.S. Navy in World War II
The Atlantic Theater
The Atlantic Theater is presented in the west (left) side of the museum and traces the technology and tactics employed fighting German and Italian forces. Just as in World War I, an important role of the U.S. Navy in the Atlantic was to ensure the safe transportation of American soldiers and equipment overseas. Told chronologically, starting with Atlantic Charter and the alliance with the British, and the beginnings of the engagments of U-Boats during the Battle of the Atlantic. This exhibit continues with Operation Torch and the Casablanca Conference, with the landings in Italy that followed. The chronological exhibit continues with the Normandy Invasion, decided by the "Big Three" Allied leaders at the Tehran Conference, and the subsequent Southern France Invasion. Video presentations from "Victory at Sea" augment the exhibit. Examples of ammunition and firearms used by both Allies and Germans are displayed for visitors to examine.
Interesting artifacts from the Atlantic Section of the World War II exhibit include:
- The first XAF Radar Receiver used onboard USS New York (BB 34), which was the first of its kind to detect enemy craft.
- Period military uniforms worn by naval officers between 1941-45.
- "Sinking of the Reuben James" artwork by Griffith Bailey Coale. To view the artwork, click here.
- Memorial Plaque from USS Salinas (AO-19)
- Valve Wheel from Soviet Minesweeper T-116, formerly USS Arcade (AM-143)
- Aircraft Range Finder.
- 3-inch, 23-caliber gun.
- Moustrap Anti-Submarine Rocket.
- K-Gun with Mark 6 Depth Charge.
- Diorama detailing the hazards of German U-boats.
- Mark 38 Depth Bomb.
- Mark 54 Aerial Depth Bomb.
- An "Enigma" cipher machine used by the Germans to decrypt coded allied communications transmissions.
- Type CFT 46243 Radio Receiver.
- Documentation of the capture of German submarine, U-505, by USS Guadalcanal (CVE-60), including the actual diving log from U-505.
- Chronometer from U-505.
- Wooden sign at the pier to Casablanca following Operation Torch.
- Shrapnel from El Hank Battery.
- Six-inch, 47-caliber shell and brass cartridges of the type used in Sicily between July-August 1943.
- Smoke Generator, used on board ships, for camouflage.
- Diver's Knife.
- Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Insignias for Squadrons 15, 22, and 29.
- German firearms of the type used by U.S. Navy Sailors during the invasion of Southern France, Operation Dragoon, in August 1944.
- Videotapes of "Convoy Battle" and "D-Day Invasion of Normandy.
