Military museum to open new display honoring Illinois' POWS | Events

(KFVS) - The Illinois State Military Museum will unveil a new display of photos, diaries and personal items of the men from the Illinois National Guard's 33rd Tank Company who would be part of the infamous Bataan Death March, one of the most brutal episodes of World War II.

Jim Opolony, historian and Illinois Hig will tell the stories of courage, valor and humanity of the Soldiers of Company B at 2 p.m. on Jan. 19.

According to the museum, the company was federalized as Company B, 192nd Tank Battalion in December 1940. Ultimately, the men would be part of the infamous Bataan Death March, one of the most brutal episodes of World War II. Opolony spearheaded an oral history project to document the story of the Soldier from the Maywood unit. He will tell the stories of courage, valor and humanity of the Soldiers of Company B.

Military museum is located at 1301 North MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, Ill. 62702

Admission and parking are free.

For further information, please contact the Illinois State Military Museum at 217-761-3910.

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