Features

National Museum of the United States Air Force™

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Dec. 21, 2017
Bailout bottles

Plans call for this artifact to be displayed near the B-17F Memphis Belle™ as part of the new strategic bombardment exhibit in the WWII Gallery, which opens to the public on May 17, 2018. Bailout bottles, which were attached to the parachute harness or an Airman’s leg, provided enough oxygen to
Dec. 21, 2017
M8 flare gun

Plans call for this artifact to be displayed near the B-17F Memphis Belle™ as part of the new strategic bombardment exhibit in the WWII Gallery, which opens to the public on May 17, 2018. M8 flare gun used for signaling. For instance, bomber crewmen fired a red flare to indicate a wounded crewman
Dec. 21, 2017
J-37 telegraph key

Plans call for this artifact to be displayed near the B-17F Memphis Belle™ as part of the new strategic bombardment exhibit in the WWII Gallery, which opens to the public on May 17, 2018. J-37 telegraph key used by bomber radio operators to send Morse code messages over long distances. Click here
Dec. 21, 2017
Flying suit worn by Col Leon Johnson

Plans call for this artifact to be displayed near the B-17F Memphis Belle™ as part of the new strategic bombardment exhibit in the WWII Gallery, which opens to the public on May 17, 2018. Flying suit worn by Col Leon Johnson, 44th Bomb Group commander and Medal of Honor recipient, on the August 1,
Dec. 21, 2017
Handheld 16mm movie camera

Plans call for this artifact to be displayed near the B-17F Memphis Belle™ as part of the new strategic bombardment exhibit in the WWII Gallery, which opens to the public on May 17, 2018. Handheld 16mm movie camera used during the “shuttle bombing” raids, when USAAF heavy bombers flew from bases in
Dec. 21, 2017
Goggles, oxygen mask, and helmet worn by B-17 pilot Capt William Rector

Plans call for this artifact to be displayed near the B-17F Memphis Belle™ as part of the new strategic bombardment exhibit in the WWII Gallery, which opens to the public on May 17, 2018. Goggles, oxygen mask, and helmet worn by B-17 pilot Capt William Rector on the USAAF’s first major raid against
Dec. 21, 2017
Bomb casing

Plans call for this artifact to be displayed near the B-17F Memphis Belle™ as part of the new strategic bombardment exhibit in the WWII Gallery, which opens to the public on May 17, 2018. Bomb casing retrieved after 1,200 tons of bombs accidentally exploded at a dump—within it is the sole of a shoe
Dec. 21, 2017
Bullet tied to a handkerchief

Plans call for this artifact to be displayed near the B-17F Memphis Belle™ as part of the new strategic bombardment exhibit in the WWII Gallery, which opens to the public on May 17, 2018. B-17 pilot Lawrence Dwyer celebrated his last mission on May 14, 1943 by dropping this bullet tied to a
Dec. 18, 2017
Field jacket worn by Sgt Larry Gardner

Plans call for this artifact to be displayed near the B-17F Memphis Belle™ as part of the new strategic bombardment exhibit in the WWII Gallery, which opens to the public on May 17, 2018.Field jacket worn by B-24 tail gunner Sgt Larry Gardner. During his tour, he was shot down and rescued by
Dec. 11, 2017
Sgt Richard Benson's uniform trousers

Plans call for this artifact to be displayed near the B-17F Memphis Belle™ as part of the new strategic bombardment exhibit in the WWII Gallery, which opens to the public on May 17, 2018. Sgt Richard Benson, a ball turret gunner in the 34th Bomb Group, Eighth Air Force, painted his missions on these

Screening at Entrance
All visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. Weapons are not permitted including pocket knives and firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons.
Prohibited Items
Prohibited Items:
- Firearms*
- Knives
- Box cutters
- Food and Soda Drinks
- Alcohol
- Coolers

* Firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons, are specifically prohibited in Federal facilities in accordance with 18 USC §930 (c)

Permitted Items:
- Water bottles (clear, sealed bottle, up to 20 oz.)
- Purses
- Camera bags
- Diaper bags
- Strollers
- Service animals

Please note the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is not responsible for items left in vehicles.
Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum.
Visitor Photography Notice
Notice: Visitors may be filmed, photographed or recorded by the U.S. Air Force for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on public websites and social media.
Individuals are permitted to take their own photographs or videos while touring the museum.