Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation

Join us at the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum (ASOM) for a special event on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 6 PM, in honor of National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Hear the powerful story of Master Sergeant (MSGT) Lawrence "Bud" Wilson, a former Army medic and Korean War prisoner of war, who spent over two years in captivity under harrowing conditions. His resilience and courage will be shared in an unforgettable discussion about survival and sacrifice.

📅 Event Date: Thursday, September 19, 2024
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
📍Location: U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum

All active-duty service members receive free admission with registration.
For more info and to register, click here: https://bit.ly/powmiaevent

Don't miss this chance to honor our POW/MIA heroes.

Flat Stanley's ASOM Adventure!

These proud grandparents took their granddaughter’s Flat Stanley on an unforgettable trip to the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum! Stanley got to learn all about airborne and special operations soldiers and their important missions. What an incredible way to share history and culture through a fun Flat Stanley challenge! ✈️🇺🇸

For those who don’t know, the Flat Stanley project is a global initiative where children send their “Flat Stanley” paper cutouts on adventures with family and friends. Each Stanley travels to different locations, and the kids learn about new places and experiences from his journey. 📬🌍

“The Flying Fireman” Ronald Paul Bucca, was one the 343 New York City firefighters killed at the World Trade Center site on September 11, 2001. A paver at the entrance of the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum commemorates his service.

Bucca’s military career spanned 29 years in both the active Army and Army Reserve. Notable assignments include the 101st Airborne Division, 11th Special Forces Group, and the Defense Intelligence Agency. Bucca was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer in 2001.

Bucca began his career as a New York City firefighter in 1978. He earned the nickname “The Flying Fireman” in 1986, after enduring a five story fall while attempting to rescue a fellow firefighter. He was promoted to Fire Marshal in 1992 and assisted in the investigation of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. On the morning of September 11, 2001, Ron made it as high as the 97th floor of the South Tower, assisting civilians to evacuate the building before its collapse.

Ron Bucca’s heroism and legacy will never be forgotten. His son, Ron Bucca Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a Green Beret as well. His military career included service in the 5th and 20th Special Forces Groups as well as multiple deployments to the Middle East. During one of his deployments to Iraq, he was able to visit Camp Bucca, which was named in honor of his father.

Tomorrow marks 23 years since the tragic events of 9/11.

To honor the lives lost, the ASOM has special exhibits and displays in place. Visit the museum’s gallery to see a steel truss from the World Trade Center, donated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in 2016, and a limestone fragment from the Pentagon, collected by the MDW Engineer Company in response to the attack.

In the lobby, you can view the 9/11 Memorial Flag, on display until September 29th. This powerful tribute features nearly 3,000 small American flags, each representing a victim of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93, along with 86 national flags symbolizing the victims' countries of origin, and flags honoring the first responder organizations involved in rescue efforts.

The 2024 Field of Honor is also up on the Museum’s Parade Field, serving as a living tribute to heroism, symbolizing American strength and unity. These flags honor those currently serving, veterans, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The display will remain until November 11th, 2024.

As always, admission to the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum is free.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to setting up the 2024 Field of Honor today! Each flag carries its own unique story, marked with a tag identifying both the sponsor and the honoree.

This living tribute to heroism serves as a patriotic symbol of American strength and unity, honoring all who are currently serving, veterans, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation’s security and freedom.

The flags will be proudly displayed on the Parade Field at the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum through November 11th, 2024.

ASOM Hosts Special Event Commemorating National POW/MIA Day

The U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum (ASOM) is honored to announce a special event on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 6 PM, in observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day. This event will feature a discussion by Master Sergeant (MSGT) Lawrence “Bud” Wilson, a distinguished veteran and former prisoner of war who endured two years of captivity during the Korean War.

A Hero's Story: MSGT Lawrence “Bud” Wilson

MSGT Wilson served as an Army medic during the Korean War, where his courage and resilience were put to the ultimate test. On May 18, 1951, his team was encircled by enemy forces, leading to a day that forever changed his life.

“There was nowhere to run. I thought that was the end of me,” Wilson recalls.

Captured by Chinese forces, MSGT Wilson spent two years, four months, and 18 days as a prisoner of war. His captivity was marked by severe hardship, including illness and malnutrition. He and his fellow POWs faced relentless adversity, losing nearly a third of their body weight while enduring relentless physical and mental challenges.

“The first thing you came down with was diarrhea. The next thing was head lice and body lice,” Wilson described, highlighting the brutal conditions of his confinement.

Despite the harrowing circumstances, MSGT Wilson's unwavering spirit and determination saw him through to survival. His incredible story of resilience will be shared in detail during this poignant event, offering a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from a veteran who lived through one of the most challenging experiences of war.

Event Details and Registration
The event is open to the public, and all active-duty service members will receive complimentary admission upon registration.
For more information and to register, please visit: https://bit.ly/powmiaevent.

: Remembering the 82nd Airborne Division’s Critical Role in Hurricane Katrina Relief

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the 82nd Airborne Division answered the call to support relief efforts in New Orleans. Just seven hours after receiving their deployment orders, units from the division began arriving at the New Orleans Airport, ready to restore order and provide critical assistance.

With clear orders from LTG Honore, MG William Caldwell led the 82nd with one mission: "Fix the airport and fix New Orleans." The 319th Airborne Field Artillery played a crucial role in bringing order to the chaotic airport, coordinating evacuations and streamlining the departure process. In just 12 hours, 9,000 people were safely evacuated.

Amidst the devastation, 82nd Airborne soldiers evacuated thousands from the Superdome and the Convention Center, and joined the National Guard to patrol the streets, restoring safety and security to a city in crisis.

Their quick response and dedication were instrumental in New Orleans’ recovery, showcasing the 82nd’s unwavering commitment to serving the nation in times of need.

Wednesday Wisdom 🪂

"It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit."
— J.R.R. Tolkien

Our airborne and special operations soldiers exemplify this strength of spirit every day, pushing the limits of what is possible to protect and serve our nation.

Visit us at the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum to learn more about the incredible courage and dedication of these elite warriors. Admission is always free.

Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation Welcome to the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum!

To commemorate National POW MIA Recognition Day, join us at the ASOM on September 19 for a Lindsay Lecture Series event with MSGT Lawrence “Bud” Wilson, who was a prisoner of war during the Korean War for two years.

Click here to reserve your spot: https://www.asomf.org/event/lindsay-lecture-series-event-with-bud-wilson/

All active duty service members get in free upon registration.

MSGT Wilson’s Story

MSGT Lawrence “Bud” Wilson was an Army medic during the Korean War. On May 18, 1951, his team was surrounded, and life changed for him on that day.

“There was nowhere to run. I thought that was the end of me,” Wilson said.

He was taken as a prisoner of war by Chinese forces. For the next two years, four months and 18 days, he lost his freedom. And the captivity was hard.

“The first thing you came down with was diarrhea. The next thing was head lice and body lice,” Wilson described.

He and the other POWs lost almost a third of their weight while they were confined. They also came under fire.

But Wilson managed to survive the ordeal. Learn more about his time in captivity by joining us on the eve of National POW/MIA Day at the ASOM.

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Today, we look back at the storied history of the 82nd Airborne Division, the first U.S. Army division to be fully airborne. Nicknamed the "All American" because its original members hailed from every state, the 82nd played a pivotal role in World War II, from jumping into Normandy on D-Day to holding the line at the Battle of the Bulge.

Their courage and commitment continue to inspire, reminding us of the sacrifices made for our freedom. The legacy of the 82nd Airborne is a testament to the strength and resolve of our armed forces.

Mark your calendars for September 10th!

A handmade flag honoring the victims and families of 9/11 and the troops fighting in the Global War on Terrorism will be on temporary display in the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum’s lobby September 10th through 29th.

The 9/11 Memorial Flag is made up of close to 3,000 small American flags sewn together, representing each of the victims of the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93. There are also 86 national flags representing the countries the victims came from, and flags of each of the first responder organizations that participated in rescue and recovery efforts.

#911

✨ Women’s Equality Day ✨

Today, we honor the incredible achievements and sacrifices made by women throughout history.

These combat boots were worn by Major Marcia Tutt of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 507th Corps Support Group (CSG), XVIII Airborne Corps during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Uzbekistan.

Major Tutt's dedication and bravery remind us of the strength and resilience of women in the military, and their crucial role in shaping our world.

Rest in Peace, Lt. General Gregg.

RIP to Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg, he passed away yesterday at age 96.

He was the Army's highest ranking African American officer when he retired in 1981. He served in the Army for 35 years from Private to Lt. Gen.

Last year, Fort Lee, VA was named Fort Gregg-Adams, for him and WWII Veteran LTC Charity Adams.

Thank you sir, for making !

On this day, August 22, 1941, the 503d Parachute Battalion is activated at Fort Benning, Georgia. This Battalion would expand into the 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment consisting of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions on March 2, 1942, with the addition of a 4th Battalion in November 1942. Their impact in the Pacific Theater of World War II was significant.

This Prop Blast ceremonial cup (made from a 75mm shell) in the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations collection lists the early group of officers in the 503d Parachute Battalion. Many of these recognizable names would go on to become legendary figures in the airborne community, such as James M. Gavin, William P. Yarborough and Major Robert F. Sink.

Prop Blast ceremonies were a tradition of welcoming new officers into an airborne unit. This tradition was first started by a group of 13 paratroopers in December 1940 at Fort Benning, Georgia who attached rip cord handles from an s-4 reserve chute to each side of a 75mm artillery shell casing.

Wednesday Wisdom 🌟

"History isn't just about the past—it's about understanding the courage, dedication, and sacrifices that shape our future."
- Unknown

The U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum (ASOM) in Fayetteville, NC, stands as a tribute to the brave men and women who have served in airborne and special operations forces. From the daring paratroopers of WWII to the elite special forces of today, the museum captures their stories of valor, innovation, and resilience. Visiting ASOM is more than just a walk through history—it's a journey into the heart of what it means to serve with honor.

Visit us today- admission is always free!

The caption for this display at the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum reads as follows:

In the darkness of night, this paratrooper has “Just Landed”. It could be his first combat jump or maybe he is a well-seasoned veteran of the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion. You decide. His heart is racing and he is trying to listen and look for his fellow paratroopers. Can you hear them? Is that the enemy somewhere in the darkness? He hopes not. These feelings race through every paratrooper after he has just landed behind enemy lines.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our National Airborne Day event featuring Tom Ross and members of the 281st Assault Helicopter Company! We had a fantastic turnout, and it was an honor to pin several Vietnam War Veterans after the event.

If you couldn't make it, don't worry! You can find all our upcoming events here: https://asomf.org/events

Only ONE more day to purchase your Field of Honor flag! All flag sales will end tomorrow afternoon!

Purchase your flag today: https://shop.asomf.org/field-of-honor-2024/



Cool Spring Downtown District

The Niland brothers were four American brothers from New York. Before the U.S. entered World War II, brothers Preston and Robert Niland enlisted in the service. Edward and Frederick, nicknamed "Fritz," volunteered in November, 1942.

Because of the War Department’s sole-survivor policy prohibiting siblings from serving together, the four brothers served in separate units. Edward served as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Force in the Pacific; Robert landed in the 82nd Airborne Division: Preston served with the 4th Infantry Division; and Frederick was a member of the 101st Airborne Division, 501st Regiment. The three brothers were stationed in England awaiting the invasion of Europe.

Tragedy came in waves for the boys’ parents, Michael and Augusta Niland. In May 1944, they received the news that their son Edward had been shot down over Burma and was missing. On June 6, 1944, Robert died on D-Day, and Preston succumbed the next day near Omaha Beach. Frederick had parachuted into Normandy and was temporarily separated from his unit.

When the Army heard of the deaths of the three boys, it determined to spare the Niland family the loss of their last child. A chaplain on the 501st Regiment, Fr. Francis Sampson, found Fritz and put in the paperwork to send him home.

Fritz was shipped back to England and eventually the United States to serve as a MP for the rest of the war. Happily, the Niland family later learned that their son Edward had survived his capture in a Burmese POW camp and was sent home before the war ended.

Their story and Sole Survivor Policy inspired Steven Spielberg’s screenplay of Saving Private Ryan.

Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation Welcome to the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum!

Only THREE more days until our National Airborne Day Event!

Reserve your spot today: https://bit.ly/abndayevent

Remember, there will be a Vietnam War Veteran pinning ceremony, as well as a book signing after the event. And all Vietnam War Veterans and active-duty service members get in free upon registration.

Five more days until our National Airborne Day event with Thomas (Tom) Ross, author of “Rescue in the Valley of the Tigers.” Members of the 281st Assault Helicopter Company will also be attendance.

Following the event on August 15th, there will be a Vietnam War Veteran pinning ceremony, as well as a book signing. All Vietnam War Veterans and active-duty service members get in free upon registration.

For more information about this event, visit: https://bit.ly/abndayevent

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An 82nd Airborne Division Soldier photographed during the Vietnam War.

Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation Welcome to the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum!

Due to severe weather resulting from Tropical Storm Debby, the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum will be closing at noon today and will remain closed through tomorrow, August 8th.

We hope everyone stays safe!

On August 6th, 2023, one year ago today, the world lost a great American and Soldier, General (Ret) James J. Lindsay.

General Lindsay was an American Soldier and leader known by all to have extraordinary physical bravery and moral courage on the battlefield as well as uncompromising integrity throughout his service. Many don’t realize that he was also one of the driving forces behind the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum (ASOM).

While serving at Fort Liberty, then called Fort Bragg, General Lindsay had a vision of a facility to stand as a memorial to the character and values of the men and women of America’s airborne and special operations forces.

In an interview following General Lindsay’s acceptance of Fayetteville’s Hometown Hero Award in 2018, he stated the first meeting to talk about the possibility of a museum focusing on airborne and special operations troops was held during the first week of August 1990. The museum initially was going to be built on post and a groundbreaking event was held but funding unfortunately fell through. Despite this setback, Lindsay did not give up on this dream. With General Lindsay’s guidance, community leaders and the United States Army joined forces to bring his vision to fruition. On August 16, 2000 (National Airborne Day) the museum opened to the public to much fanfare. General Lindsay served as President Emeritus of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation until his passing.

In celebration of the life and leadership of General Lindsay, a Designated Endowment Fund was created through the Cumberland Community Foundation to support the mission and programs of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation.

To honor his memory and everlasting legacy, please consider an Endowment gift today: https://bit.ly/genlindsay

Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation Welcome to the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum!

A Soldier is evacuated from a remote Special Forces camp in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam.