“Follow Me!”
Major General Aubrey Newman’s stirring “Follow Me!” battle cry is the motto of the U.S. Army Infantry. That point is further driven home by the daunting “Follow Me” bronze statue that greets all visiting the U.S. Infantry Museum in Columbus, Ga.
This inspirational statue captures the tension, determination, and leadership of an infantryman leading others into battle. In many ways, it was a harbinger of the experience awaiting visitors inside.
As imposing as the “Follow Me!” statue is, the stately brick and white column Museum itself immediately commands your respect as you drive up. It is a sight to see on a 155-acre campus nestled between the hardwoods and abundant Georgia pines.
The beautifully manicured grounds include Inouye Field, which has soil from the battlegrounds of Yorktown, Antietam, Soissons, Normandy, Corregidor, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
There is also a 2,100-seat stadium that hosts graduations of Army trainees immediately behind the main building. In addition, the entire campus is adjacent to the Army’s Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE) at Fort Benning.
We circled this date on the calendar when Corvette Cruisers of Atlanta (CCA) said they were going a few months ago. And yes, it was worth the wait.
From Humble Beginnings
This Museum has grown and taken shape from humble beginnings in an old Amy hospital on Fort Benning. In 1998, the 501(c)(3) National Infantry Museum Foundation was formed to plan, fund, and operate a new museum.
The Foundation partners with the Army to manage the facility and its artifacts. The Army reimburses the Foundation for approximately 30 percent of the Museum’s annual operating expenses through its lease agreement.
The 190,000-square-foot facility opened its doors in June 2009. There are over 70,000 artifacts, a giant screen theater, combat simulators, and the Fife & Drum restaurant and bar.
Outside, the campus is home to World War II Company Street, Vietnam Memorial Plaza featuring the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall and the Global War on Terrorism Memorial.
Of particular note is the World War II Company Street, a collection of seven buildings constructed at Fort Benning from 1940-1942. Refurbished as they were in the 1940s, they are open for tours on weekends & by special arrangement.
This area includes a chapel, barracks, mess hall, orderly room, supply room, sleeping quarters, and headquarters building. Gen. George Patton used the HQ while commanding the 2nd Armored Division at Fort Benning before his deployment to North Africa in 1942.
Through it all, the Museum emphasizes the values that define the U.S. Infantryman: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.
The Last 100 Yards
The daunting task of telling the story of our country’s National Infantry and U.S. Army history fell to Lead Exhibit Designer Brent Johnson.
His creative direction culminated in a somber yet riveting 100-yard-long display known simply as “The Last 100 Yards.”
Since its formation in 1775, it has been said that the United States Army Infantry has owned the last 100 yards of the battlefield. While other service branches provide support, it is the infantryman’s job to face the enemy bayonet to bayonet.
“The Last 100 Yards” is the heart and soul of this museum’s experience. This multimedia presentation utilizes large-scale video projections, eerily realistic scenes of battlefields, war-torn buildings, and rugged terrain.
There are full-sized cast figures, explosions, and an original music score enveloping your senses that bring the static scenes to life. This immersive journey depicts more than 230 years of Infantry history.
Starting at the American Revolution, this journey takes you through wars and conflicts up to the Gulf Wars.
Corvette Cruisers Show Respect
There was a somber mood among the Corvette Cruisers of Atlanta (CCA) members walking through the front door of the Museum. The sacrifice of the fallen infantrymen weighed heavily on the shoulders of many in attendance.
And rightfully so, this is a Museum that honors the bravery, loyalty, and dedication of soldiers who defend our American freedoms.
Also, lest we forget, thanks go to Gary & Nila from CCA for being superb trip organizers.
In addition to this trek to Columbus, Ga, CCA stays busy with trips planned nearly every weekend during the warm months. They meet on the second Monday of the month if you want to join a fun, active group of Corvette enthusiasts.
We Remember Those . . .
It was on Veterans Day in 1988 that President Ronald Reagan said, “We remember those who were called upon to give all a person can give, and we remember those who were prepared to make that sacrifice if it were demanded of them in the line of duty.”
“Most of all, we remember the devotion and gallantry with which all of them ennobled their nation as they became champions of a noble cause.”
Those sentiments reverberate through the hallways and viewing rooms of this world-class Museum. The infantryman’s story poignantly resonates with the Ranger Hall of Fame, the introspective Hall of Valor, and the Armor & Calvary Gallery.
Numerous national accolades and awards hang in this Museum. Though one can argue its greatest achievement is reserved for the impression it leaves on its visitors.
Few could walk these hallways and not be moved.
That’s why we encourage you to add the U.S. Infantry Museum in Columbus, Ga, to your list of must-see locations this year.
The U.S. Infantry Museum
Website: U.S. Infantry Museum
Location: 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, Ga 31903
Admission: Free. $5 suggested donation per person
Hours of Operation: 9 am – 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday, closed on Mondays.
* Federal Holidays can change hours.
Articles We Recommend
A Deep Dive Into Classic Glass Corvette Club’s SuperVette Saturday
Michelin Tire Rolls Into The Monthly Lanier Corvettes Unlimited Meeting
The National Council Of Corvette Clubs Redlines The Fun Gauge Every Time Out
- More “Club News & Activities” articles.
Don’t Miss Out
Subscribe To Our FREE Newsletter