Many West Creek students have a connection to the 101st Airborne Division stationed at Fort Campbell. What students may not know is the history of the division, which goes back to World War II. To learn about the division, the Don F. Pratt Museum was established as the official museum of the 101st Airborne. Admission is free, but visitors do have to obtain a visitor’s pass at Gate 4.
The museum was established in 1956. It has both indoor and outdoor exhibits. The indoor exhibits contain personal memorabilia of the following military leaders:
- Brigadier General Don F. Pratt
- General William C. Lee
- General Maxwell D. Taylor
- General Anthony C. McAuliffe
- General William C. Westmoreland
The museum’s exhibits also include historical items from the division’s history from World War II through Operation Iraqi Freedom, including the division’s role in the Vietnam War.
On the museum’s grounds, visitors can see the “Brass Hat,” a fully restored C-47 aircraft resembling the plane used to carry the division commander, Major General Maxwell D. Taylor, into Normandy during World War II. Other military aircraft and equipment can be seen as well.
The Don F. Pratt Museum is open for visitors Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
