ARLINGTON, Texas – Peter Kau, a retired Air Force chief master sergeant, placed his officer flight cap next to the exhibit of Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger. Then Kau reverently took a photo commemorating the man he served alongside in the Vietnam War.
Kau was among the many to pay their respects as the National Medal of Honor Museum opened its doors to the public on March 25. Located just across Johnson Creek from Choctaw Stadium, the newly opened museum highlights the history and importance of the highest military honor that can be awarded to military personnel. Stories of past recipients give museum visitors a look at the heroic acts taken by individuals in combat.
Before entering the exhibition deck, visitors watch “The Courage Within,” a panoramic video of stories from recipients, statements from former presidents and footage from various battles.
“It means so much to a lot of veterans,” E-4 Army veteran Ray Olivarez said. “I felt good for all the veterans who know what this means for us; it’s just something you just can’t put into words.”
With many exhibitions highlighting specific people whose stories are known by many, the museum made sure to collect plenty of memorabilia from each respective veteran to go along with their exhibits.
“I was really pleased that these more-than deserving individuals were going to be honored with something that would endure,” museum tour guide and retired sergeant Tom Starr said. “They’ve done a wonderful job getting the artifacts, pictures and memorabilia to go along with their stories.”
To hear an audio version of this story, including portions of interviews with veterans, please click here.
The museum highlights many different stories from various branches of the military, conflicts and geographic locations, as well as different ethnicities and races.
The museum does not shy away from details of their struggles, such as with the story of Army 2nd Lt. Daniel Inouye, who was not allowed to enlist right away during World War II because of his Japanese heritage. Another story is that of Sgt. William Carney, who was the first African American to receive the Medal of Honor in 1900. According to an article published by the U.S. Army, written by Katie Lange, who is with DoD News, Carney was born into slavery but eventually won his freedom along with his family. This later would lead led him to join the fight in the Civil War to help free the oppressed.
Visitors are given the history of the Medal of Honor from its inception in 1861 for the Navy and Marine Corps and for the Army in 1862 around the inner walls of the circular museum. The museum chronicles the stories of the first recipients in 1863, the youngest recipient at only 11 years old, the oldest at 61 years old and the only female recipient.
“I’ve been walking around and looking at a lot of the stories that have been displayed about these veterans that I didn’t even know off,” retired Staff Sgt. Michael Speede said. “It’s an important mark for all of us, civilians and service members alike, to have a chance to learn about them.”
The more than 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients are from near and far, small and large towns, and overall, from all over the country, Starr said. “They were called into action, did it without giving it a thought knowing it was their duty, and it’s really special with some of the local recipients.”
Several interactive screens allow visitors to experience “Moments of Action,” providing guests opportunities to get a glimpse of the acts of valor of several Medal of Honor recipients.
Another interactive screen shows four recipients who gave their lives for their country and comrades during battle. The screen shows the beautiful scenes of the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, along with three names of three of the soldiers buried and one grave known as “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.”
Veterans encourage local residents and anyone who wants to learn more about the history of the Medal of Honer to stop by and visit the museum.
“I would tell someone that this museum gives us a good historical idea of what these people did and the sacrifices they made for this country,” Speede said. “It shows a lot, and it sheds a lot of light on what these veterans have done since the beginning of the award. It tells the whole story.”
The National Medal of Honor Museum is scheduled to be open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with tickets starting at $30. Other available packages, which include additional access, are available at slightly higher prices. Veterans can receive discounted tickets, and Texas active-duty military members are able to get free admission. To redeem discounted or free admission, present a valid military ID at Guest Services once at the museum. The museum is planning special events for Memorial Day and Fourth of July. For more information, visit the National Medal of Honor Museum website and click on exhibits and events.
“I am honored that we have members who are willing to take the step to put their brothers ahead of themselves,” Kau said. “At the end of the day, we are family.”
