ABMC

Today we remember WWII Medal of Honor recipient Pvt. William D. McGee, buried at Luxembourg American Cemetery. 🇺🇸🇱🇺 On a night crossing of the Moselle River during WWII, McGee, a medical aidman, faced the unimaginable. As his unit moved toward the town of Mulheim, the enemy had left behind a deadly field of antipersonnel mines. When two soldiers were critically wounded by explosions, McGee acted without hesitation. Alone and under intense danger, he entered the minefield, rescuing one soldier and attempting to save the second. Tragically, he stepped on a mine and was mortally wounded. Even then, he ordered his comrades not to risk their lives to save him. McGee’s selflessness and bravery are a powerful reminder of the courage and dedication of those who serve. He gave his life so others could live. He is buried at Luxembourg American Cemetery, plot C, row 7, grave 13. We remember his service and sacrifice. 🙏

We are honored to work hand in hand with @dodpaa on identifying American service members lost in war. ABMC has cared for these heroes for more than eight decades—and will continue to honor their service, whether they are returned home, reinterred at our sites, or marked with a bronze rosette on our Walls of the Missing.

⚠️ Cemetery Alert: Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery Renovations Renovations to the front entrance at Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery will be ongoing through November 2026. Please be aware there will be no bus parking during this time as well as limited parking for other vehicles. To access the cemetery and monument, visitors should use the entrance at the rear of the north parking lot. Entrance to the monument will only be available via the steps in the cemetery. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused as we update this area. 🌐 Learn more about Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery: abmc.gov/cemeteries-mem… ➡️ For updates on operating status, please visit our website: t.co/Y45lSx4sn4

𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲: 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗮𝘂-𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 Perched atop Hill 204 overlooking the Marne Valley, ABMC’s Chateau‑Thierry Monument is best known for its commanding architecture and its role in commemorating the joint efforts of American and French forces during World War I. But beyond its imposing silhouette, the monument carries layers of history that often go unnoticed. Three of the most compelling stories lie in the vision of its architect, Paul Philippe Cret, in the two statues representing Marianne and Columbia, and in the remarkable collection of historic plaster molds preserved beneath the monument itself. These elements reveal not just how the site was built, but how it continues to be cared for, interpreted, and preserved today. ➡️ Read our article to discover three things about this World War I monument: abmc.gov/news-events/ne…

Today we remember Maj. Damon J. Gause, buried at Cambridge American Cemetery. 🇺🇸🇬🇧 In April 1942, the Japanese captured Gause in the Philippines. In one of the greatest escape stories of the war, he overpowered a guard and swam, paddled, and sailed more than 3,000 miles to freedom in Australia. After returning to the United States, he volunteered to serve again and joined the 365th Fighter Group in England. Gause flew combat missions over Europe but died in March 1944 when his P-47 crashed outside London during a test flight. Gause was awarded the Air Medal and the Distinguished Service Cross. We remember his service and sacrifice. 🙏

ABMC’s new online catalog offers access to the rich and diverse collections preserved within our agency. Through wepreserve.abmc.gov, you can explore a wide array of historical objects, from pieces of furniture and plaster sculptures to military uniforms, art pieces, photographs, blueprints, and historic documents. Each object documents the unique story of ABMC and its role in the countries where cemeteries and memorials are hosted. This website aims to make our collections publicly accessible while supporting our mission to preserve, study and share these materials with future generations. We invite you to browse, discover and connect with the stories behind these objects and documents: wepreserve.abmc.gov/explore#/

🚧 ABMC would like to advise visitors who plan to visit the Pointe Du Hoc Ranger Monument that the site is going through a major restoration project that will last until mid-2027. 🔜 This project aims to modernize pathways to ensure visitor safety in the face of erosion and preserve Pointe du Hoc for future generations. It includes the renovation of the parking lot, the welcome plaza, the visitor center, and the Memorial plaza, which will become the heart of the site. 🏛️ Please know that welcoming visitors in the safest way possible and ensuring the preservation of this unique historic site are of utmost importance. While ABMC is committed to maintaining access during the work, visitors should note the following changes: ⤵️ ▪️ Parking: There will be disruptions to the visitor parking areas. Alternative parking areas will be available but will be limited. Please adhere to posted signage for vehicle traffic, and park only in designated areas. ▪️ Pedestrian paths: Pedestrian access will be routed around the construction area. Please adhere to posted signage for pedestrian traffic and remain clear of the marked construction site. ▪️ Visitor Center: The visitor center will be closed starting March 9, 2026. Staff will be available at a welcome point near the provisional parking lot to assist visitors and answer questions ▪️ Historic site: Parts of the historic site, including pathways and bunkers, will be closed starting in mid-May 2026. Historic site access will be along the west pathway only. Those pathways that remain open to the public will be clearly marked. ▪️ Hours of operations will remain unchanged: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., daily. ABMC guides will be roving around the site to help visitors and share information about the site. Seasonally, we will also offer interpretive talks and tours; these will be announced via ABMC’s social media and signage at Pointe du Hoc. 📲 If you have any questions, please contact our staff directly at +33 (0)2 31 51 62 00 or send an email to NormandyVisits@abmc.gov. 🌐 To learn about the operational status for all ABMC cemeteries, please visit: abmc.gov/cemeteries-mem…

ABMC is pleased to share a specially curated collection of items related to the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery, the flying corps, and the pilots buried and memorialized at the site. The items featured include those from the Dennis Gordon Lafayette Escadrille and Flying Corps Collection, courtesy of Sarah and Ross Perot Jr., as well as those from ABMC’s own collection, provided by the American Battle Monuments Foundation. Through this collaboration, ABMC’s collections have been enhanced by additional objects that bring complementary perspectives and deepen the story they tell. ABMC’s museum curator selected and arranged elements from both collections, to create this special exhibition emphasizing both institutions’ work in preserving and highlighting historical heritage. By creating connections between the pieces, this exhibition brings a more comprehensive and intimate look at the Lafayette Escadrille and its pilots. Discover the collection: abmc.gov/the-lafayette-…

On Feb. 23, 1945, U.S. forces launched Operation Grenade – the crossing of the Roer River. Their mission: clear the area west of the Rhine River. For weeks, they had been held back after German forces flooded the valley. But at first light, the Ninth Army – more than 300,000 strong – attacked. Infantry pushed across in assault boats. Engineers built treadway bridges under fire. Mud. Ice-cold water. And a determined enemy defending its own homeland. By nightfall, the Ninth Army held a bridgehead. They pushed rapidly east and north. Town after town fell in the drive toward the Rhine – the last great barrier to the German heartland. The 50-mile advance cost more than 7,000 casualties, but it moved the war one step closer to ending. Today, the ABMC ensures their story does not end where they fell – and that their sacrifice is never forgotten.

𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀: 𝗖𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗱𝗱 𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 ABMC placed three rosettes for service members whose identifications were announced by @dodpaa in February 2026. When a missing service member is recovered and identified, ABMC places a rosette beside their name on the Walls of the Missing at the cemetery where they are memorialized. This rosette, a symbol of eternity, is crafted as a bronze rosemary wreath—a timeless emblem of honor and victory. 🌐 Learn more: abmc.gov/news-events/ne…

𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀: 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 The American Battle Monuments Commission launched its Online Catalog providing virtual access to thousands of historic photos, blueprints, furniture, art, and architectural molds at abmc.gov. Each of the pieces in the ABMC Online Catalog tells a part of ABMC’s story, spanning more than 100 years. In addition to the virtual 360 tours of ABMC’s 26 cemeteries, the Online Catalog will allow those who cannot visit in person access to ABMC’s history. The first artifacts highlighted in the Curator's Collection include items related to the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery, the flying corps, and the pilots buried and memorialized at the site. The items featured include those from the Dennis Gordon Lafayette Escadrille and Flying Corps Collection, courtesy of Sarah and Ross Perot Jr., as well as those from ABMC’s own collection, provided by the American Battle Monuments Foundation. Discover the catalog: abmc.gov/abmc-collectio…

⚠️ Cemetery Alert: Netherlands American Cemetery Chapel Closure Please be advised that the Netherlands American Cemetery Chapel will be closed to the public until November 30, 2026, due to scheduled cleanup. During this time, visitors will not be able to enter or place wreaths inside the chapel. Wreath display will be possible by prior arrangement with the cemetery staff. We appreciate your understanding and patience while this work is being completed. 🌐 Learn more about Netherlands American Cemetery: abmc.gov/cemeteries-mem… ➡️ For updates on operating status, please visit our website: abmc.gov/cemeteries-mem…

On March 4, 1923, the American Battle Monuments Commission was established with a profound mission: to create serene, solemn places of remembrance for America’s fallen and to preserve their legacy for future generations. Former ABMC Secretary and retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William “Bill” Matz honored that mission with unwavering dedication. On June 6, 2019, during the commemorations marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day, he reflected on the sacrifice of those who fought and fell on that historic day, quoting a powerful passage from Archibald MacLeish’s poem “The Young Dead Soldiers Do Not Speak.” As we mark ABMC’s anniversary, we also honor Secretary Matz’s memory—his service, his leadership, and his commitment to those who gave their last full measure. May his example continue to guide us for the next 100 years. Join us as we honor the fallen and educate future generations. abmc.gov

📰 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀: 𝗔𝗕𝗠𝗖 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗸𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 The deployment of a new generation of Burial and Memorialization Electronic Directory kiosks is underway at several ABMC sites, marking a modernization effort aimed at improving how visitors access information. These kiosks integrate with ABMC's new Burial and Memorialization Electronic Directory which was launched last year and provides improved search capabilities to explore the servicemembers commemorated at ABMC sites. 🌐 Learn more: bit.ly/3Ngp6fE

Happy birthday @navy_reserve! We salute all the men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation today. Thank you for your dedication. #navyreserve

ABMC's WWI Battlefield Companion includes a tour that will plunge visitors into America’s first divisional attack of WWI. On May 28, 1918, the 1st Infantry Division captured the village of Cantigny, marking a turning point for U.S. forces on the Western Front. The division was a combined-arms force of almost 19,000 soldiers. There were nearly 11,000 infantry in two brigades, and over 4,500 artillerymen. Divisional staff and engineers, along with signal, transport, supply, and medical troops made up the rest of the division. By comparison German and Allied divisions had half the number of men, but a proportionally larger amount of artillery. 🌐 Read more on our website: abmc.gov/news-events/ne… 📒 Discover our WWI Battlefield Companion: abmc.gov/publication/wo…

𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗼-𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: 𝗪𝗪𝗜 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗮𝗳𝗮𝘆𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 “Lafayette, we are here.” These famous words were spoken by Lt. Col. Charles E. Stanton over the grave of the Marquis de Lafayette at Picpus Cemetery in Paris. Accompanied Gen. John J. Pershing and the first American Expeditionary Forces in France in 1917, the words marked a favor returned amongst allies. 🌐 Continue reading on our website: abmc.gov/news-events/ne…

Located in Panama, Corozal American Cemetery is the final resting place for approximately 5,600 American veterans and civilians. Here are three things you may not know about it. To learn more, visit our website: abmc.gov/news-events/ne…

Jacob T. Herman Jr. was born on Sept. 5, 1925, in Kyle, Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota. He was a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Herman volunteered to become a paratrooper and was assigned to the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He took part in Operation Market Garden and was killed in action on Sept. 22, 1944, while assaulting the railroad bridge across the Waal River at Nijmegen. He was 19 years old. After his death, his parents intended to have his remains repatriated to the U.S. In 1947 they reversed their decision. In a letter to the Quartermaster General Memorial Division, they wrote: “However, we have changed our mind, and want him left there with his buddies.” Herman's story is one of the new stories to be introduced at the Netherlands American Cemetery Visitor Center. The cemetery is the final resting place of more than 8,000 World War II service members and a memorial to nearly 2,000 Missing from the war. ➡️ Learn more on our website: bit.ly/4r2b4MU

27 Medals of Honor were awarded to U.S. Marines @USMC and Navy @USNavy sailors during the battle of Iwo Jima – a staggering measure of a fight where “uncommon valor was a common virtue.” We remember their service and sacrifice. 🙏 Cpl. Berry, Charles J., USMC — March 3, 1945 Pfc. Caddy, William R., USMCR — March 3, 1945 Lt. Col. Chambers, Justice M., USMCR — March 22, 1945 Sgt. Cole, Darrell S., USMCR — February 19, 1945 Cpt. Dunlap, Robert H., USMCR — February 20-21, 1945 Sgt. Gray, Ross F., USMCR — February 21, 1945 Sgt. Harrell, William G., USMC — March 3, 1945 Lt. j.g. Herring, Rufus G., USNR — February 17, 1945 Cpl. Jacobson, Douglas T., USMCR — February 26, 1945 Platoon Sgt. Julian, Joseph R., USMCR — March 9, 1945 Pfc. La Belle, James D., USMCR— March 8, 1945 2nd Lt. Leims, John H., USMCR — March 7, 1945 Pfc. Lucas, Jacklyn H., USMCR — February 20, 1945 1st Lt. Lummus, Jack, USMCR— March 8, 1945 1st Martin, Harry L., USMCR — March 26, 1945 Cpt. McCarthy, Joseph J., USMCR — February 21, 1945 Pharmacist's Mate First Class Pierce, Francis J., USN — March 15-16, 1945 Pvt. Phillips, George, USMCR — March 14, 1945 Pfc. Ruhl, Donald J., USMCR— February 19-21, 1945 Pvt. Sigler, Franklin E., private, USMCR — March 14, 1945 Cpl. Stein, Tony, USMCR — February 19, 1945 Pharmacist's Mate Second Class Wahlen, George E., USN — March 3, 1945 Gunnery Sgt. Walsh, William G., USMCR — February 27, 1945 Pvt. Watson, Wilson D., USMCR — February 26-27, 1945 Cpl. Williams, Hershel W., USMCR — February 23, 1945 Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Williams, Jack, USNR — March 3, 1945 Pharmacist's Mate First Class Willis, John H., USN — February 28, 1945 Information courtesy of Naval History & Heritage Command: history.navy.mil/browse-by-topi… Images courtesy of the @USNatArchives