Cpl. George Metzger Gallery

George Washington

Greeting visitors and providing an overview of the museum is General George Washington. In 1782, during the American Revolution, Gen. Washington established the Badge of Merit, a forerunner of the Purple Heart and America's first military decoration. Gen. Washington would go on to serve as the First President of the United States from 1789-1797.
 

Purple Heart

Established in 1932, the Purple Heart is a military decoration awarded to armed services members who were injured or killed while serving the U.S. Military.  The Brotherhood of Heroes museum is the permanent home of the Florida Purple Heart Wall, which chronicles the state's Purple Heart recipients who have died in combat since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the nation. 

.50 Ca. Machine Gun
The awesome .50 Browning is a centerpiece in our museum. During World War II, virtually every U.S. and Allied combat aircraft, naval ship, armored vehicle and infantry unit was equipped with big Brownings, known to millions of servicemen and women as the “Browning M2” or simply the “Ma Deuce.” 

Stalingrad

The German machine gunner on display depicts the Battle of Stalingrad, which marked a turning point in the Allied victory in Europe during World War II. From August 1942 through February 1943, more than two million troops fought in close quarters – and nearly two million people were killed or injured in the fighting, including tens of thousands of Russian civilians.
 

Willys Jeep
A focal point of the museum is a 1945 Willys Jeep. It was found on a farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, before being fully restored. After World War II, many Jeeps were used like tractors for farm work. In addition to being used in World War Two, this Jeep was also used by a Lancaster County fire department.