Blog

The Old 8^th Illinois was an African American militia regiment and was activated as part of the 370^th Infantry Regiment during World War I. This National Guard unit served alongside the French and the Harlem Hellfighters, an African American National Guard unit from New York. Read more about their story. 

Although the Battle of New Orleans took place 2 weeks after the War of 1812 officially ended, it was still a significant victory for the United States with long lasting implications. 

The winter of 1777-1778 was dreadfully cold and the soldiers lacked uniforms, equipment, and other necessary supplies. Read about their struggle and the contributions of the women who were stationed alongside them. 

During the Revolutionary War, Margaret Corbin disguised herself as a man and joined her husband in the defense of Manhattan Island. Read more about her heroic story. 

During the Korean War (1950-1953), United Nation forces blockaded the North Korean city of Wonsan, which was seen as a strategic port of the North Korean Navy. Read more about the longest naval blockade in modern history. 

The Burke-Wadsworth Act was passed on September 16,1940. Also known as the Selective Service Act of 1940, this legislation required men who had reached their 18^th birthday to register for the draft with local draft boards. Read more about its history. 

In 1964, the USS Maddox was participating in a patrol when it was approached by three North Vietnamese torpedo boats. Read more about this incident and the actions taken by the United States at the start of the Vietnam War.

The Navy Nurse Corps was officially established in 1908, but women had been working aboard Navy ships and navy hospitals for nearly 100 years. Read more about the history of the Navy Nurse Corps and its origins. 

Did you know that the Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American pilots in the United States Military? Read more about their story. 

Did you know that prior to the Spanish American War, medial services in the United States Military was mostly provided by volunteer services? Read more about the establishment of the Army Nurse Corps and the history of their origin. 

Did you know that the song White Christmas was used as code to signify to Americans to evacuate Saigon? Read more about the evacuation efforts in South Vietnam in April 1975.

Did you know that Native Americans used their native languages during World War I and World War II to help keep American troop movements secret? Read more about the Native American Code Talkers and their contribution to the war effort. 

As we welcome Black History Month, it’s important to note that the American military was one of the first places in which civil rights reforms occurred in the United States in the 20^th century. Read more about Executive Order 9981 and how it abolished discrimination “on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin” in the United States Armed Forces.

On June 12, 1948, President Harry Truman signed into law the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act. The law enabled women to serve as permanent, regular members of the armed forces in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and the-then recently formed Air Force. This year, we mark the 75^th anniversary of this legislation. Read more for a preliminary introduction to the history of women in the United States military.

The Battle of Chosin Reservoir was an early campaign in the Korean War (1950-1953) fought between two opponents - North Korea and the People’s Republic of China; and South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other participating United Nations countries.

Meet the PMML Staff! Brandon Driver is part of our Library team and helps members and patrons from all around get hard to find resources through Inter Library Loans. 

The Museum & Library wishes a very special happy birthday to all current and retired members of the United States Marine Corps!

Meet the PMML Staff! John LaPine is our skilled conservator who brings a variety of historic works on paper back to life to be enjoyed and learned from by all. 

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting some of the Hispanic Medal of Honor recipients from past conflicts.

One of the amazing achievements of the Cold War was to accelerate space exploration. In our most recent post, take a look at the history of the Space Race and learn how we are continuing that legacy today.