Zephyrhills Museum of Military History

Zephyrhills Museum of Military History is a history museum located in Zephyrhills, Florida. The museum is located at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, and is a renovated infirmary from World War II.^[1]

The Museum is operated by the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History, Inc. which is a non-profit organization, and all workers at the museum are volunteers.^[2][3]

The museum has several items and exhibits from the American Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the September 11 attacks.^[4] Some items from the museum are several aircraft, uniforms, weapons, and wartime supplies.^[5]

The museums building was used as an infantry barracks in World War II.^[6] The museum is located in the former airfield of the Zephyrhills Army Airfield, which was used for pilots in the 10th Fighter Squadron.^[7] The airfield was in use until 1944, when it was decommissioned and given to the city of Zephyrhills, when it was turned into a public airport. All of the barracks for the airfield were demolished, with the only surviving building being the infirmary.

It stayed abandoned until 1997–2001, where state and city grants were given to restore the infirmary. in 2001, the museum opened to the public.^[1][4]

There are several exhibits in the museum dedicated to different groups and wars the United States fought or had. Their exhibits include:^[2][8]

The 10th Fighter Squadron served as a test unit with around 500 men. The squadron was schooled at the airport in 1943 and 1944. The unit was active until Victory in Europe Day, when afterwards in 1950 it was activated in the reserves. The unit was called again during the Korean War, but was immediately inactivated and the men were split to other units. The exhibit has many kinds of artifacts, such as an original outfit, and many bags and other items used by the squadron.^[9]

The World War I exhibit has many artifacts, including a full Doughboy uniform, a Bayonet, Periscope Rifle, Draft Registration Card from 1917-1918, Wood Ammo Box of 30 Cal Small bullets, and many more.^[10]

The World War II exhibits have items from the 10th Mountain Division, which fought in the Italian part of the Alps. The exhibit has artifacts such as a sled, winter snow skis, and snowshoes, original uniforms, and other special equipment. They artifacts they have displayed were used by both the Allies and the Axis.^[11]

The Korean War exhibit at the museum has many artifacts, including a piece of the Korean DMZ, 50 caliber bullets, an Army TI 95-GRC19 radio, and more.^[12]

The Vietnam War exhibit shows the death and destruction caused by the Vietnam War. Artifacts in the exhibit include a PRC backpack radio, a 155MM Howitzer round, a North Vietnamese flag, and a fallen comrade table.^[13]

The Women in the Military exhibit includes artifacts such as several authentic uniforms from many eras and branches of the military and posters recruiting women into the military.^[14]

The US Navy exhibit includes pictures, artifacts, and models, all donated by families who had family in the military. Currently on display is a model of the USS Phoenix, as well as an actual relic from the USS Arizona, which honors the 1,102 men killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor.^[15]

The American Civil War Exhibit has items used by Union and Confederate soldiers. Items include playing cards, weapons and uniform equipment, and pictures. The exhibit also has replica weapons which help finish the display.^[16]

The 9/11 exhibit has includes a moving display which includes a uniform that was worn by a Lieutenant who entered the burning towers, thank you notes from children to the first responders who helped during the 9/11 attacks. Additionally, the wall has a picture of all of the first responders who lost their lives to save people. The items are loaned from a firefighter who lives in Wesley Chapel, who participated in the rescuing of civilians.^[17]

The museum has many different items from the several wars. Many of the items came from veterans in the city who donated them, and aircraft that were loaned to the museum. Some notable items from the museum include:^[8][18]

The Grumman OV-1B Mohawk (Serial No. 59-2631) was developed by the United States Army to carry eighteen-foot Side Looking Airborne Radar, while also having photographic surveillance capabilities.^[19] The aircraft was loaned to the museum on May 17, 2022, though the aircraft is not airworthiness.^[20]

The 26-Foot Motor Whaleboat MK 10 was a boat used by the United States Navy. The boat was used as a lifeboat and an officer's boat. It could hold up to 20 people and was designed for the worst of weather conditions. ^[21]

The Bell OH-58A Kiowa (Serial No. 70-15423) was a helicopter developed for the United States Army. Its operations are not documented, but the helicopter was used for light observation and reconnaissance missions.^[22]'

The Douglas C-53D Skytrooper was an aircraft used by the former United States Army Air Forces. The aircraft was stationed at Sedalia Army Airfield and was used by the 84th Troop Carrier Squadron. The aircraft was never used in combat, but was used for training pilots and paratroopers.^[23]

The Rohrzielapparat 5 (RZA 5) was a binocular that was used as a torpedo fire control system on a Schnellboote. It was mounted on a targeting column on the forward end of the bridge. A mechanical targeting computer with three arms was used for the torpedo-aiming point, necessary to the situation angle and target speed to hit.^[24]

• List of museums in Florida
• Zephyrhills Municipal Airport
• Zephyrhills, Florida