Nazi Leader's Suicide Ampule
Catalog Number ETOMISC 0.001
This Nazi Leader's Cyanide Cartridge Capsule was found in Leipzig City Hall by Alexander Surch of the US Army when the town was liberated in April of 1945. The entire Nazi leadership in Leipzig, Germany committed suicide just prior to the Allied arrival into the town. This suicide capsule was concealed in a German caliber cartridge with a small lid so it could be placed in a pocket or small compartment
Pegasus Bridge Fragment
Catalog Number ETOMISC 0.002
This large metal fragment was salvaged from the removal of Pegasus Bridge in the 1990's as it was moved to the Museum adjacent to its former site. Pegasus Bridge was a key objective that had to be captured just after midnight by British Airborne Glider troops. It had to be preserved, so British armor divisions could successfully move inland off Sword Beach on D-Day morning. The British held the bridge through the night and armor columns were able to move across into Normandy.
Belgian Store Sign 1944
Catalog Number ETOMISC 0.003
This sign was found in a region of the Ardennes where the Battle of the Bulge took place in December of 1944. The reverse side has German lettering showing it was once for directions to an air raid shelter, but was converted to be a sign for First Aid.
Jewish Star of David
Catalog Number ETOMISC 0.004
This Jewish Star of David was found in a surplus in Germany after WWII. It was designed to be sewn to Jewish clothing in Germany which would identify Jews for the Nazis to humiliate and eventually take away to Concentration Camps.
German Dogtags from Carentan, Normandy
Catalog Number ETOMISC 0.005
These German dog tags were dug up by French farmers years after the War just east of Carentan, France. Elements of the 101st Airborne were given the task of capturing Carentan in the days following D-Day. Most of the Germans in the area were Luftwaffe Personnel, including the elite German Paratroopers, the Fallschirmjager.
Jump Map of Sicily
Catalog Number ETOMISC 0.006
This Jump Map was carried into the Invasion of Sicily by Frank H Bigelow of the 82nd Airborne on July 11th, 1943. He would carry this map on him during the battle and the rest of the war. Paratroopers were issued jump maps to help them orient themselves with their objectives and were given silk so they would not be ruined when exposed to water.
Free French Armband
Catalog Number ETOMISC 0.007
This Free French Forces Armband was given to a US Dentist attached to the 7th US Army shortly after Operation Dragoon. It is made out of pillow cases, bed sheets, and shoe laces.
Erasmus T Beall's Red Cross Bag
Catalog Number ETOMISC 0.007
This Red Cross Bag belonged to Erasmus T Beall of the Camouflage Corps during WWII. When he was wounded on March 23rd, 1945 by an artillery shell in Germany, a doctor removed it and put it in this bag for him. It still has Beall's blood on the bag.
Nazi Volksturm Armband
Catalog Number ETOMISC 0.009
This German Volksturm Armband was worn sometime in 1945 as belonged to what was recognized as the "People's Army." They were compiled of old men, children, and even sometimes women. They were armed with crude late war developed weapons and were given almost no training in a desperate attempt to defend Germany in the last months of the War.
First Aid Station Sign Ardennes, Belgium
Catalog Number ETOMISC 0.010
This sign was found in a region of the Ardennes where the Battle of the Bulge took place in December of 1944. The reverse side has German lettering showing it was once for directions to an air raid shelter, but was converted to be a sign for First Aid.
German Civil Service Armband
Catalog Number ETOMISC 0.011
These German Armbands were given to civilians working for the German Army in a number of capacities. Whether it was assisting in a factory, guarding a building, helping german officers through logistics, or any service done, a civilian would wear this.
German Grave Register's Banner
Catalog Number ETOMISC 0.012
This German Grave sash was put on a death commemorating the death of German soldier Willie Bauch who died on November 2nd, 1942. It is not known where he died, but likely in the line of duty. Every German funeral would have these accompanying sashes.