Soldiers Memorial Military Museum - From World War I to Desert Storm

Comic superheroes go to war at the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum in St. Louis, Missouri. The exhibit American Superheroes: Popular Culture and the St. Louis War Experience showcases the important propaganda role that comics played during World War II.

The Soldiers Memorial is a looming edifice of stone that dominates the park like downtown setting. Towering columns surround the building. The steps are flanked by Bedford stone statues of Pegasus and the martial figures of men and woman. Walker Hancock, a St. Louis native sculpted the massive statues.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the site in 1936 and the museum officially opened on Memorial Day, 1938,

In an open area at the top of the steps is a cenotaph that honors the war dead. To the west and east are doorways that lead into the two museum exhibit areas. Permanent exhibits occupy both sections of the museum.

There are photos, posters, weapons, uniforms, and miscellaneous items from the conflicts where St. Louisans died and were forever changed as they fought for our freedoms. There is memorabilia from all services: Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy and the Merchant Marines. Glass cases arranged with war memorabilia from World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam and the two modern Desert Wars sit under the high ceilings and are illuminated by natural light through the windows (Pic #1).

One permanent exhibit is of posters reminding servicemen to be watchful of spies and provocateurs (Pic #2). Images of sexy women held the same sway over soldiers as they do today.

The museum also welcomes temporary exhibits.

Currently there is a special exhibition titled American Superheroes: Popular Culture and the St. Louis War Experience. During World War II comics portrayed costumed heroes fighting alongside American soldiers or engaging in clandestine actions to help the war effort. These portrayals not only served as entertainment they also served as propaganda tools. It was nearly impossible for any child to resist his hero telling him to help the war effort by conserving food or collecting metal.

The American Superheroes exhibit includes, from DC Comics a Wonder Woman (Pic #3) costume standing back-to-back with a leather bomber jacket displaying a patch of the Red Devils (Pic #4). Superman and Batman are other superheroes featured from the DC universe. From Marvel Comics there is the star-spangled warrior Captain America battling the Nazis. Today many of the images are considered "politically incorrect" but during World War II they were iconic presentations of what many saw as reality.

Another type of hero was created by Lee Falk, a St. Louis native. The Phantom from King Features waged a guerilla style war against the Nazis. His trademark purple outfit, his pistols, and ring struck fear into his, and America's enemies (Pic #5) hearts.

The Soldiers Memorial Military Museum is there to remind us of the sacrifices made by the men and women who wear the uniforms and put themselves on-the-line for their countrymen. It is located at 1315 Chestnut St. in downtown St. Louis. Go to the Explore St. Louis website for more information on times and upcoming special exhibits.