Issue 12 Preview – National World War II Museum Peter Suciu Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More The Nawlins Connection The Big Easy Is Home to the National World War II Museum, Which Features an Array of Firearms, Vehicles, and State-of-the-Art Exhibits Dedicated to the Greatest Generation, the National World War II Museum in New Orleans chronicles the story of the American G.I. during the Second World War. It features galleries devoted to D-Day, the war at home, and the war in the Pacific through artifacts, personal tales, and even cutting-edge technology. When it first opened on June 6, 2000, on the 56th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the National D-Day Museum — as it was then known — initially focused on the amphibious invasion of Normandy. The choice of New Orleans as the site for the facility was seen as odd by some, considering it’s known more for its food, music, and nightlife than World War II. On the topic of war history, most would connect the Big Easy with the Battle of New Orleans at the end of the War of 1812 or as the first major occupied southern city during the American Civil War. However, the city does have a strong link to the Second World War, and most notably the Normandy invasion. The Higgins boats, which were vital to the D-Day operations, were designed, built, and tested in New Orleans by Higgins Industries — this was the crucial piece in determining a home for the project. Moreover, New Orleans was the home of noted historian Stephen Ambrose, who had spearheaded efforts to push for the construction of the museum. With such ties, and the fact that the United States had no official World War II Museum, New Orleans seemed an ideal spot. Like Time Travel Located in the Central Business District, the facility was designated by the U.S. Congress in 2003 as “America’s National World War II Museum.” Today it maintains a lasting affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution. It also endured tragedy, as it — like much of the region — was affected by Hurricane Katrina, which ravaged New Orleans in the fall of 2005. As a result, the museum was actually closed for more than two months. When the museum reopened, officials proclaimed, “We Have Returned,” evoking General Douglas MacArthur and his vow and eventual return to the Philippines. Visiting the attraction is akin to stepping back in time. The main hall’s current collection features World War II-era vehicles, such as a U.S. Army Jeep and Half-Track. From the ceiling hang several aircraft, including a Supermarine Spitfire, Messerschmitt Bf 109, and a Douglas C-47 Skytrain — the latter being the main transport aircraft that was used to deliver paratroopers to Normandy on D-Day. For the rest of this article, subscribe here: RECOIL Issue 12 Explore RECOILweb:RECOILtv SHOT Show 2020: Norma Ammunition Frangible AmmoC&H Precision V4 Defender Review: Plate Theory14 Days of Christmas 2023 Day 1 Aero Precision - EndedSMITH's New Ballistic Chromapop Elite Glasses NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.