Iowa Gold Star Military Museum

06/06/2026

Did you know that on June 6, 1944, over 160,000 troops, 25,000 paratroops, conveyed on 5000 naval craft and 12,000 aircraft landed on the beaches of Normandy? Operation Overlord was the largest amphibious landing in history. Requiring two years of planning including many forms of deception mislead the Germans toward Calais and away from Normandy. US troops landed on Omaha and Utah beaches, United Kingdom landed on Sword and Gold beaches, Canadians landed on Juno Beach. Some 4000 allied troops lost their lives. On May 8, 1945 the Germans surrendered ending the war in Europe. Visit the Gold Star to see our expanded Cold War exhibit and progress on a military nurse exhibit.

06/05/2026

The Battle of Midway, fought June 4–7, 1942, was a decisive turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II. While Iowa did not have military units that fought as a state organization, many Iowans served in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Army during the battle. These servicemen played important roles aboard aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and aircraft that helped defeat the Japanese fleet.

The American victory at Midway resulted in the sinking of four Japanese aircraft carriers and the loss of many experienced pilots. This success halted Japan's expansion across the Pacific and shifted the momentum of the war to the United States and its allies.

Iowans serving at Midway shared in this historic achievement through their courage, skill, and sacrifice. Their contributions reflected Iowa's strong tradition of military service and helped secure one of the most important victories of World War II, ultimately contributing to Allied success in the Pacific.
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06/04/2026

Today in History- June 4, 1944 one of Hitler's submarines, a U-505, was captured. This allowed the US access to invaluable N**i code books. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/june-4/u-505-submarine-captured

06/03/2026

Did you know that the greatest maritime tragedy in history in terms of lives lost was neither the Titanic nor Lusitania or the combined deaths of both? End of 1945, Hitler’s N**i regime was in its death throes. Millions of Germans were desperate to avoid falling into the hands of the advancing Red Army. The Wilhelm Gustloff, a former passenger liner, was embarking civilians, wounded soldiers and escaping N**is when she was struck by three Soviet torpedoes sending her to the bottom in minutes. The Gustloff, built to carry 1,900 passengers, sailed with an estimated 9,000 to 10,000 passengers, including many children. When she sank, only about 1000 passengers were rescued from the frigid Baltic Sea waters. Come to the Gold Star to see our newly completed Cold War exhibit and progress on a new military nurse exhibit.

06/02/2026

We would like to take this moment and thank all our wonderful volunteers for their efforts on Memorial Day and last weekend's Vietnam Living History Event. Every day we count on them but these last two weekends they have gone above and beyond! Please know how much we appreciate it!

05/30/2026

IT'S HERE!! Helecopter is available for viewing until 5.

05/30/2026

The helicopter should leave State Center at 10:00. Touch down at Camp Dodge approximately 10:20!

05/30/2026

Due to the rain and limited visibility, the helicopter will be arriving late morning. Keep checking back for updates.

05/29/2026

Thank you all for making our Memorial Day even more meaningful!

05/27/2026