Armed Forces History Museum
by Jean Martin
There is a hidden gem that most people haven’t found when they are visiting the Tampa, Florida area. This place is best discovered with the aid of GPS, but it’s well worth the search.
Salute to Service
As you first enter the Armed Forces History Museum, the first exhibit you view is the esteemed Salute to Service. The Salute to Service Exhibit has over two dozen dress uniforms representing all branches of the service.
World War I Trench Exhibit
The sights and sounds of the WWI Trench Exhibit immediately transports visitors back to 1917. The exhibit comes to life with the sound of gunfire as smoke seeps into the trench. The exhibit features an underground radio control bunker and visitors can listen as the radio operator transmits his messages. The area above the trench features posts taken directly from Flanders’ Field in France, and a large Fokker DR. 1 Red Baron triplane model flies overhead as well.
World War II Pearl Harbor to D-Day
The World War II D-Day Landing and French Village Exhibit at the Armed Forces History Museum allows you to view a full-sized diorama of soldiers on the beach.
Korea and Vietnam
The Korean War Exhibits at the Armed forces History Museum include a number of impressive dioramas. MASH fans will recognize the 8063 Evac and Rosie’s Bar.
Aside from the World War I trench, the Vietnam Exhibit is probably one of the most unique areas of the museum. A section of the museum is enclosed so visitors can actually walk through a replica of the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
A Desert Storm exhibit is coming soon.