Service
Dublin Core
Title
Service
Subject
The citizens of Waukesha have served in military and civilian roles in each US military conflict of the last 125 years. Their collective service has created a strong legacy of remembrance through the Daniel J Martin American Legion Post, the Veterans of Forein Wars Post, annual Memorial Day Parade, and the 2021 Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall Event.
Non-governmental organizations including the Red Cross and Salvation Army provided opportunities for women to serve their country in a variety of ways. After the US Army purchased the Resthaven resort to use as a hospital after World War I their work was even closer to home. Women in the city also served overseas as nurses, often continuing their professional work after they returned home. Both organizations also sponsored community drives for bandages, care packages, news kits, and blood drives.
Thousands of men and women have enlisted across all branches of the US Military. This courthouse building hosted registration for many years. Many of them stood upstairs in this building as they registered or enlisted for service. Assembled here are some of the uniforms worn by the men and women who have served our country. Their service and stories stand for those who served in the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War. We also recognize those who served in Desert Storm, Iraq War, War in Afghanistan, and other US military conflicts in the 20th and 21st centuries.
In 1998 the City opened Veteran’s Park at the western end of Main Street. Designed as a sundial it is a fitting reminder that although time may pass, those who’ve served will not be forgotten.
Non-governmental organizations including the Red Cross and Salvation Army provided opportunities for women to serve their country in a variety of ways. After the US Army purchased the Resthaven resort to use as a hospital after World War I their work was even closer to home. Women in the city also served overseas as nurses, often continuing their professional work after they returned home. Both organizations also sponsored community drives for bandages, care packages, news kits, and blood drives.
Thousands of men and women have enlisted across all branches of the US Military. This courthouse building hosted registration for many years. Many of them stood upstairs in this building as they registered or enlisted for service. Assembled here are some of the uniforms worn by the men and women who have served our country. Their service and stories stand for those who served in the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War. We also recognize those who served in Desert Storm, Iraq War, War in Afghanistan, and other US military conflicts in the 20th and 21st centuries.
In 1998 the City opened Veteran’s Park at the western end of Main Street. Designed as a sundial it is a fitting reminder that although time may pass, those who’ve served will not be forgotten.
Collection Items
Nike Site Case and Tube
In October 1954, the U.S. Army sought farmland sites around Milwaukee to place the Army’s Nike Ajax Missile Battery. In March 1955, Waukesha became one of the eight communities in the area to receive one. Other nearby sites included Cudahy, Hales…
Women's Medical Corps Uniform
Of the estimated 120,000 women on active duty during the Korean War one third served as medical personnel. The Army Medical Corps, established in 1901, provided women the opportunity to serve their country and train for a professional civilian…
VFW Sign
Displayed is one of two magnetic car signs used in local parades, recognizing veterans of World War I (WWI). They belonged to WWI veteran Leo Herbst. Les was a founding member, former post commander and historian of Barracks 2425, Waukesha. WWI…
Vietnam Uniform
This combat fatigue or field uniform belonged to First Lieutenant Richard E. Grede who served in the U.S. army during the Vietnam Conflict. He attended reserve officer training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He deployed in 1969, serving in army…
Gray Lady Uniform
Margaret Luke worked as a “Grey Lady” Red Cross Volunteer at Resthaven Veterans Hospital from 1949 - 1957. Grey Ladies - so named for their uniforms - provided non-medical support and care: shopping, running errands, reading to patients, or writing…
Spanish American War Uniform
William C. Agnew answered the call for volunteers in July 1898 to defend American interests against Spain in the Caribbean and Pacific. He and other men from the city formed Company A of the 4th Wisconsin Volunteers, with Agnew chosen as a Captain of…
World War I Uniform
Second Lieutenant Austin J. Baird was one of more than 4,000 men from Waukesha County, with between 600-700 of those coming from the City of Waukesha. The U.S. maintained a policy of non-involvement for years after war began in Europe. Wisconsin’s…
World War II Uniform
Emmet McIlhone entered service on March 16, 1942 - just three months after the bombing at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. A refrigerator mechanic, he served in the Pacivic Theater in New Guinea as part of the Ordnance Corps, arriving in December of…
Bailout Oxygen Tanks, Type H-2
Issued to Army Air Force pilots, these “bailout” tanks provided an oxygen supply to airmen in an emergency ejection. After attaching the smaller tank via the hose to his mask, the airman pulled the “green apple” - a green wooden grip on a guide wire…
US Army Uniform, fatigue shirt
Sergeant James Moldenhauer served at Waukesha’s Nike Missile Site until it was decommissioned in 1971. During Moldenhauer’s tenure the site was equipped with the Hercules nuclear missiles, as part of the northern border defense.
The Cold War…
The Cold War…