D-Day
July 18, 2025 - January 3, 2026
The D-Day exhibit features paintings from master of the historical narrative, Ketih Rocco. Four dioramas show with stunning detail the struggle and strife on the beaches of Normandy. Paired with stories and artifacts of Wisconsin men who survived the D-Day invasions, this exhibit poignantly presents the battles from the perspective of the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who were there.
Allied forces landed the morning of June 6, 1944 on the coast of Normandy, France. The invasion included air, land, and sea forces from 15 nations including the United States, Great Britain, and Canada. Forever known as D-Day, this pivotal battle turned the course of World War II in favor of the Allies. Wisconsin provided thousands of men and women to the European Theater. Forty-six Wisconsinites were killed in action on D-Day and many more served in the invasion and campaign.
D-Day exhibit vignette in the gallery.
Donald Fisher of Beloit served in the US Navy aboard Patrol Torpedo (PT) boat 503 during the D-Day invasion. Shown are his knife, patch and stencils.
Martin F. Gutekunst of Milwaukee wore these jump boots when he landed with the initial assault on Utah Beach in Normandy on D-Day. He served as a radioman for a demolition team with the U.S. Navy’s 2nd Beach Battalion
Contents of a medical kit belonging to Madison's Dr. John T. Mendenhall are on view. While serving in the 2nd Beach Battalion, Lieutenant Mendenhall participated in Operation Overlord and set up a hospital in a nearby French town.