Exhibits

The Oklahoma National Guard Museum is proud to have in its collection more than 200 of Bill Mauldin’s original World War II cartoons. These significant drawings primarily date from 1944 and 1945 when Mauldin had reached the pinnacle of his wartime work.

Bill Mauldin joined the 45th Infantry Division in September of 1940 and became the cartoonist for the 45th Division News in October of the same year. Early cartoons featured an Indian named Joe, with drawings which recorded the division’s stateside training. Mauldin’s style progressed and matured during this period and he soon became recognized for his talents as a military cartoonist.

Step into the extraordinary exhibit that pays homage to the 12 exceptional Oklahoma National Guard and 45th Infantry Division members who received our nation's highest honor, the Medal of Honor.

Discover the acts of courage, selflessness, and valor that earned these distinguished individuals their revered place in history. Be inspired by their unwavering commitment to duty and witness firsthand how their heroic actions continue to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on our nation's legacy.

Join in a solemn journey of remembrance at our powerful Dachau exhibit, where you'll uncover the history of the 45th Infantry Division and the Oklahoma National Guard's pivotal role in liberating the Dachau concentration camp. The war's end was mere days away when the 45th Infantry Division reached the haunting confines of Dachau, a site where parts of the Holocaust's horrors unfolded.