First Division Museum at Cantigny

First Division Museum at Cantigny We are a military history museum located in dedicated to the history of the
(1001)

The content from third parties appearing on this site does not necessarily represent the views of the Foundation.

The Big Red One and KoreaWhen North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, the 1st Infantry Division remained deployed in We...
09/04/2026

The Big Red One and Korea

When North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, the 1st Infantry Division remained deployed in West Germany, helping deter possible Soviet aggression. But some Big Red One veterans answered the call in Korea while serving with other units. Two of those men were Combat Medic Charles Shay and Brigadier General John Corley.

Combat Medic Charles Shay, a Native American and D-Day veteran, had treated wounded soldiers under fire at Omaha Beach in 1944, actions that earned him the Silver Star. In Korea, serving with the 3rd Infantry Division, he again distinguished himself by treating and evacuating wounded soldiers under fire, earning multiple Bronze Stars for valor.

Brigadier General John Corley had already earned distinction in World War II, including eight Silver Stars. In Korea, he commanded the 24th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division. When his men were pushed back by superior enemy forces, Corley repeatedly went forward to reorganize them and stop the advance.

The Korean War armistice was signed on July 27, 1953. Meanwhile, the 1st Infantry Division continued its mission in West Germany until returning home in 1955.

Preserving Our Past: An Opportunity to Own a Piece of History! 🎖️ Museums are living institutions tasked with the vital ...
09/03/2026

Preserving Our Past: An Opportunity to Own a Piece of History! 🎖️

Museums are living institutions tasked with the vital duty of preserving our shared history. To ensure our collection remains focused, sustainable, and properly cared for, the First Division Museum is hosting a special Heritage Collection Sale.

As part of our ongoing collection management, select duplicates, non-core items, and historical artifacts are being carefully deaccessioned. Each piece available has served its role in telling the story of military service, sacrifice, and history—and now, we invite the public to become the next custodians of these unique items.

Why Participate?
- Direct Support: 100% of the proceeds directly fund the ongoing conservation, restoration, and display of our core historical collections.
- Tangible History: Acquire authentic military history, equipment, publications, and memorabilia with direct provenance to our institution.
- Stewardship: Help us keep history alive by giving these artifacts a meaningful home in private collections, educational displays, or personal archives.

Items include: uniforms, web gear, insignia, challenge coins, maps, non-1ID
prints. Prices are non-negotiable. Please note, Cantigny is cashless.

September 20, 2026
10 am - 3 pm
Find our tent at the Cantigny Car Show

George Patton and the First Division did not always see things the same way. In 1943, the division served under Patton i...
09/01/2026

George Patton and the First Division did not always see things the same way. In 1943, the division served under Patton in Tunisia and Sicily. Their experiences left a lasting impression.

Join us for Date with History as we take a closer look at one of the First Division’s more complicated wartime relationships.

Date with History | ‘He Brought It on Himself:’ The First Infantry Division and George Patton
Thursday, September 3 | 6 pm
Visitors Center Theater
Free with paid parking
Advance registration required.
https://bit.ly/3UWsb80

"The Division respected Patton for his unquestioned battle brilliance [...] But they did not like him personally." - Gen...
08/29/2026

"The Division respected Patton for his unquestioned battle brilliance [...] But they did not like him personally." - General Clift Andrus, 1ID Artillery

George S. Patton remains one of the more debated figures of the Second World War. His battlefield record earned the respect of many soldiers. His methods and leadership style earned considerably less affection from others.

The First Infantry Division had a particularly complicated relationship with Patton. The division served under his command in Tunisia and Sicily in 1943, where two strong and very different approaches to leadership came into conflict. Join us next Thursday, as we examine what the division’s own soldiers and leaders thought of Patton—and how that relationship shaped the division’s memory of him.

Date with History
Thursday, September 3 | 6 pm
Visitors Center Theater
Free with paid parking
Advance registration is required. https://bit.ly/3UWsb80

"He had an absolute genius for making vast numbers of people dislike or even hate him." - Colonel Stanhope Mason, 1ID Ch...
08/26/2026

"He had an absolute genius for making vast numbers of people dislike or even hate him." - Colonel Stanhope Mason, 1ID Chief of Staff

George S. Patton remains one of the more debated figures of the Second World War. His battlefield record earned the respect of many soldiers. His methods and leadership style earned considerably less affection from others.

The First Infantry Division had a particularly complicated relationship with Patton. The division served under his command in Tunisia and Sicily in 1943, where two strong and very different command styles repeatedly came into conflict.

Join the First Division Museum on Thursday, September 3, at 6 pm, as we examine what the division’s own soldiers and leaders thought of Patton—and how that relationship shaped the division’s memory of him.

Date with History
Thursday, September 3 | 6 pm
Visitors Center Theater
Free with paid parking
Space is limited; advance registration is required.
https://bit.ly/3UWsb80

Joseph Dawson: From Omaha Beach to AachenJoseph Dawson’s service with the 1st Infantry Division took him from North Afri...
08/26/2026

Joseph Dawson: From Omaha Beach to Aachen
Joseph Dawson’s service with the 1st Infantry Division took him from North Africa and Sicily to the beaches of Normandy.

On June 6, 1944, Captain Dawson led Company G, 16th Infantry Regiment, onto Omaha Beach. After his men were pinned down, he led them up a narrow ravine and was one of the first officers to reach the top of the bluff, where he helped clear a German machine-gun position with an accurate gr***de toss. Wounded later that day, Dawson eventually returned to command.

He went on to lead his company through France, Belgium, and the Battle of Aachen, where his unit held against German counterattacks for 39 days and received the Presidential Unit Citation for defending Aachen.

For his actions at Omaha Beach, Dawson received the Distinguished Service Cross from General Dwight D. Eisenhower. In 1994, Dawson returned to Omaha Beach for the 50th anniversary of D-Day, where he introduced President Bill Clinton.

Fresh Paint in the Tank ParkThe First Division Museum is giving the tanks and armored vehicles in the Tank Park a fresh ...
08/24/2026

Fresh Paint in the Tank Park
The First Division Museum is giving the tanks and armored vehicles in the Tank Park a fresh coat of paint and some well-earned maintenance.

The work will take place in phases, so some vehicles may be temporarily roped off while others remain open for visitors to explore. As you make your way through the Tank Park, please watch for museum staff and equipment.

We appreciate your patience as we care for these historic vehicles and help preserve them for future generations.

📌 Group A, Phase 1 | 03 Aug – 28 Aug
M47 Patton
M46 Patton
M48 Patton

📌 Group B, Phase 2 | 31 Aug – 25 Sep
M551A1 Sheridan
M60 Patton
M113A 2 APC
M1 Abrams

📌 Group C, Phase 3 | 28 Sep – 23 Oct
M41A3 Walker Bulldog
M24 Chaffee
M5 Stuart
M1917

The history of the 1st Infantry Division comes alive through items donated by veterans and their families. For America's...
08/24/2026

The history of the 1st Infantry Division comes alive through items donated by veterans and their families. For America's 250, the First Division Museum is collecting 250 artifacts from the late-Cold War, Gulf War, Balkans, and Global War on Terror. Keep the Big Red One’s story alive—donate today by visiting the link here: https://bit.ly/4ucNGPo

By January 1945, heavy American casualties in the HĂźrtgen Forest and Battle of the Bulge led General D. Eisenhower to re...
08/22/2026

By January 1945, heavy American casualties in the HĂźrtgen Forest and Battle of the Bulge led General D. Eisenhower to reconsider its policy of segregating African American troops. Black soldiers were permitted to volunteer for infantry service at the front.

By February, 4,562 African American soldiers had formed 37 rifle platoons and joined units in combat. Some were noncommissioned officers who accepted reductions in rank to serve. One of those platoons was the 4th Rifle Platoon, assigned to Company B, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division.

On March 18, 1945, the platoon joined an attack near Quirrenbach, Germany. The fighting was hard, but the German defenders withdrew that afternoon.

Regimental Officer Major Edward McGregor remembering the 4th rifle platoon’s action that day noted, “They simply helped Company G in its fight without orders from anyone and proved to be a very real help in disposing of at least 25 Germans. The battalion commander was much impressed with their initiative and fighting spirit.”

Captain of Company C, Richard Lindo, added, “What it proved to me is that color your skin didn’t mean a [darn] thing. Their actions were comparable to that of the other platoons in the Regiment and a source of deep pride to its members.”

The experience demonstrated what mattered in combat: training, discipline, and performance—not the color of a soldier’s skin. The service of these platoons was among the steps toward the full integration of the U.S. Armed Forces, which President Harry Truman ordered in 1948.

Veteran Internship OpportunityThe Cantigny Fall/Winter 2026 Veteran Internship Program offers honorably discharged veter...
08/21/2026

Veteran Internship Opportunity
The Cantigny Fall/Winter 2026 Veteran Internship Program offers honorably discharged veterans a paid, full-time opportunity to gain practical experience and prepare for the transition to civilian careers.

Program at a glance
• September 8–December 18, 2026
• $20 per hour
• 40 hours per week
• Cantigny, Wheaton

Interns will work on hands-on assignments, connect with mentors, strengthen job-readiness skills, and hear from professionals across a range of fields. There are also opportunities to meet fellow veterans and see some of the work happening behind the scenes at Cantigny.

Apply: https://bit.ly/410pHWS
Questions? [email protected]

Address

1S151 Winfield Road
Wheaton, IL
60189

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+16302608185

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when First Division Museum at Cantigny posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to First Division Museum at Cantigny:

Shortcuts

Share

Category