DD214 Collection
From Uniforms and Weaponry to Medals and Personal Items
Discover the museum’s ‘DD 214 Artifact Collection,’ a carefully curated exhibition featuring a diverse array of military artifacts. From uniforms and weaponry to medals and personal keepsakes, these items encapsulate the rich history of military service. Once actively used in service, these artifacts now serve as invaluable educational resources for future generations.
Each artifact within the collection carries its own unique story, reflecting themes of courage, sacrifice, training and the advancements in military technology over time. The DD 214 form, which documents a service member’s separation from active duty, serves as a similar record of these military artifacts.
By exploring these tangible objects, visitors gain insight into the experiences of American soldiers, commonly referred to as ‘G.I.s’. These artifacts not only connect us to the past but also provide a deeper understanding of American military history.
What is a DD 214?
A DD Form 214, commonly referred to as a “DD 214,” is a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty issued by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to military service members upon their separation, discharge, or retirement from active duty in the Armed Forces. The DD 214 provides a summary of the individual’s military service, including details such as dates and character of service, awards and decorations received, education and training completed, and other pertinent information.
Items Currently on Display
Gold Star Mothers and Widows Pilgrimages
The Gold Star Mothers and Widows Pilgrimages, 1931 Medal, and Official Certificate of ID.
WWII USMC Parachutist Knife
WWII USMC Western Parachutist Knife W31 PARAMARINE, US Marine. The knife manufacturer is Western Cutlery Company of Boulder, Colorado.
USS IWO Jima Door
Medical Bay Door from the USS IWO JIMA (LPH-2) painted with a mural in remembrance of the bombing of the Marine Corps Barracks.
USS New Mexico
Queen of the Fleet: She steamed past Fujiyama to drop anchor in Tokyo’s outer harbor at 3 p.m. on August 27, 1945.
~ Admiral George Lester Weyler
WWI Toothbrush
WW I Toothbrush belongs to Lt. Walter S. Fant
USS IWO Jima Door
Medical Bay Door from the USS IWO JIMA (LPH-2) painted with a mural in remembrance of the bombing of the Marine Corps Barracks.
Items NOT on Display
Women's Army Corps
The United States Army presents the Women’s Army Corps Service Medal to the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, which served between July 10, 1942, and August 31, 1943. The medal features the head of Pallas Athene in profile facing right, wearing a helmet superimposed on a sheathed sword cross with oak leaves and a palm branch. The medal was established by Executive Order 9365 and promulgated in War Department Bulletin 17, 1943.
Medical Box
Medical Box unknown date.
Korium Claw Pommel Dagger
Claw pommel dagger manufactured by Korium in Germany. “Korium Forged Solingen Steel Made in Germany) is inscribed on the blade. The dagger is kept in a leather sheathe with a metal tip and metal button clasp. The knife has a curved cross-guard with a twisted handle and a claw grabbing a ball on the hilt.
Keystone View Co Stereographic Library and Stereoscope
Keystone View Co Stereographic Library TOUR OF THE WORLD VOL 1. & II with a hand-held stereoscope.
Illustrated German Sling
White cotton German medic sling with illustrations of various uses on it.”Der erlte verband nack prfelsor Osmarch Jetziger alleinge hersteller gabriel herose A.G. Konstanz” is written on the top. “Druck der gellenschaft fur baumroll industrie vorm. Ludwig & Gustar cramer hilden alle rechte verbenhallen” is written on the side.
War Ration Book
War Ration book No. 3, with stamps inside.