WWI and WWII Artifacts on Display - June 1, 2017 - Zeeland Historical Society

WWI and WWII Artifacts on Display - June 1, 2017

The Zeeland Historical Society is proud to present . . .

This temporary display is located in the gallery on the main floor of the museum.

The 48 stars on the United States Flag were arranged in six rows of eight stars each. American men fighting during World War I and World War II served under this flag.

Simon Elhart

The “Spirit of the American Doughboy” statue of a WWI Army soldier is carrying a rifle, throwing a grenade and walking through barbwire.

U.S. Army gas mask and tank with “WAG. SIMON ELHART” handwritten on the front of the bag. c. 1917

U.S. Army Canteen c. 1917

Metal mess kit contains a spoon, knife and fork. All stamped with U.S. on one side and 338 S 40 on the other. c. 1917

Simon Elhart :: Wagoner, Co. C, 315 Engineer :: World War One

U.S.A. Navy Dress Blues worn by Dennis Wyngarden who was a Ship’s Cook (C) Third Class in WWII. c. 1944

The patch with the red background, gold eagle and gun represents the special Amphibious Engineer Unit from D-Day. The patch with the black background indicates that Dennis Wyngarden was a Ship's Cook (C) Third Class.

Wyngarden's canvas Sailors hat (Dixie Cup cap)

Model of a Navy LCT (Landing Craft Tank) used in the invasion of Normandy by the U.S.A. on D-Day.

“Dennis Wyngarden LCT-570 Omaha Beach, Normandy H+180 / June 6, 1944”

Dennis Wyngarden stands in the second row, as indicated by an arrow.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wyngarden were notified that their son, Pvt. Clifford Wyngarden, had been killed in action on August 29, 1944. Clifford was the younger brother of Dennis Wyngarden.

Dennis Wyngarden :: SC3 US Navy :: World War Two

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External Links

The Zeeland Record (1893-2006) - requires a Howard Miller library card

Family histories at Calvin College

Zeeland Cemetery - findagrave