Pacific Combat Living History Program

The program features our volunteers who have spent many hours putting together the correct military impressions that the men and women wore during the second world war in the Pacific campaign. You will be able to see the small arms used by the American and Japanese forces in the bitter fighting that took place on the island in the Pacific theater of operations. Using movie technology we have been able to “blank adapt” all of our weapons used in the program, except one! The only weapon we demonstrate that is not blank adapted is the Mark two flame-thrower! It is the only operational weapon of its kind in this part of the country and one of the weapons that was very important to every American combat unit in the Pacific War. Along with the uniforms and weapons you will see a restored M3A1 “Stuart” light tank, and a U.S. halftrack that will assist in the final assault on a Japanese pillbox emplacement.

From learning about the uniforms, weapons, and vehicles used by the military forces of America and Japan to the tactics required to accomplish their missions you will have a better understanding of what total combat was in places like Guadalcanal, Tarawa, or Iwo Jima! Each program will last about and hour and half and ends with a “combined assault” on a Japanese bunker complex.

If you are also interested in being a volunteer with the detachment please contact Marvin F. Schroeder, at the National Museum of the Pacific War. His cell number is: 830-456-7226. We are always looking for a few good men!