NEWPORT, R.I. — U.S. Naval War College Museum is hosting a new exhibit, “This is No Drill: The United States Enters World War II,” that will be on display until June 1, 2017.
The exhibit is inspired by the “urgent” radiogram that went out to all U.S. Navy ships near Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941, stating “AIRRAID ON PEARL HARBOR X THIS IS NO DRILL.”
Rear Adm. Husband E. Kimmel, then-commander in chief of the Pacific Fleet, sent the message moments after Japanese aircraft began dropping bombs on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor.
Less than two hours later, more than 2,400 people had lost their lives and many more were wounded in the attack that pushed the United States into World War II.
The exhibit occupies the museum’s art gallery on the first floor and features artifacts related to the events at Pearl Harbor. Artifacts include a metal fragment of USS Arizona; a diorama by Robert D. Bracci entitled, “Last Liberty,” which depicts Arizona’s crew preparing to go ashore for what will turn out to be their final evening of rest and relaxation; a Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve uniform worn by American Alex Cherry; and models of Japanese naval aircraft used in World War II.
The museum is located in the historic Founders Hall and is open to the public, although advance reservations are required. For more information or to schedule a tour, contact 401-841-4052 or visit
http://www.usnwc.edu/museum.