3 things to see at the Miami Valley Military History Museum

Miami Valley Military History Museum

Where: Building 120, 120 Ohio Avenue, Dayton

Hours: M-F 9AM to 3PM / 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month / all patriotic holidays / by appointment

Contact: 937-267-7628 | Facebook | Website

The Miami Valley Military History Museum is somewhat hidden on the campus of the Dayton VA Medical Center. But its collections of artifacts and stories, most of them donated, range from the Revolutionary War to the present.

Here's a sampling of what the museum has to offer.

WWI artifacts

World War I uniforms are on display. The uniform at right was worn by Corporal Harold C. Smith from Clifton, Ill. Smith ran away from home at age 14, changed his name and enlisted in the Army. He was served in France and was discharged in 1919 at age 16.

Range of uniforms

A large selection uniforms is on display.

Thinking of escape

American Richard Albricht was shot down while flying for the British Royal Air Force before the United States joined World War II. Albricht was taken prisoner and carved this replica of a Model 1911 pistol for use in a possible escape attempt. He kept the replica after his liberation. The replica is part of the WWII display.