ernie pyle world war ii museum

If you are interested in World War II, you owe yourself a visit to the Ernie Pyle World War II Museum in Dana, Indiana. Pyle reported World War II from the battlefields of North Africa and Sicily, from the Italian Campaign, from France, and from the Pacific Theater, where he was killed by a sniper in April 1945. The best of Pyle's dispatches are as fine as any writing ever produced by an American and have added power because they tell the stories of ordinary young men - our grandfathers, fathers, and uncles - who performed extraordinary acts of bravery and humanity in the midst of a hellish experience. This site, just a stone's throw from Terre Haute via a good road, preserves Pyle's birthplace and is also the home of a splendid, small museum housed in two period Quonset huts. The museum, though little, contains a wealth of exhibits expertly presented, as well as two films, life-sized dioramas, and audio recordings of the actor William Windom reading excerpts from Pyle's newspaper columns. The staff is both knowledgeable and friendly, parking is convenient, and the admission is reasonable. Check the hours of operation before you go - but GO! You'll be glad you did.

Dana, Indiana is a tiny speck of a town in West Central Indiana. Local boy Ernie Pyle became one of the most revered war correspondents in history right up until he was killed by Japanese fire on Ie Shima near Okinawa in 1945. Museum is two vintage Quonset huts next to Pyle's boyhood home. It is manned by local volunteers after the State removed both it's funding and many of it's artifacts. They do a great job in telling his story and the importance of his 'regular GI' reporting to the homefront during WW II. Many original artifacts remain, as well as a film and samples of some of his beautifully- written columns. The volunteer will then let you into the home, which is stocked with period furnishings. Dana doesn't have much else; and it is a hard place toget to. But you will not be disappointed. Support these volunteers and help keep the museum alive!