Ghosts of the Battlefield Collection

"The Hat of the Sailor That Weathered the Storm: The Naval Journey of Harold C. Sandifer"

From the icy waters of the North Atlantic to the thunderous shores of Normandy, Harold C. Sandifer’s Navy hat carries the weight of a life spent in service. Worn by a man who survived his ship being cut in half.

From the Collection

Silent and Strange: The Vietnam War’s Poop Transmitter

Disguised as feces, this Vietnam War sensor detected enemy movement along the Ho Chi Minh Trail—an odd but effective tool of Cold War surveillance and battlefield ingenuity.

From the Collection

Restoring Honor: The Uniform of CSM Marion S. Howell

Ghosts of the Battlefield has painstakingly restored the dress uniform of Command Sergeant Major Marion S. Howell, hero of the legendary Son Tay Raid. His story of courage and sacrifice now lives on, stitched into every thread of his preserved uniform.

From the Collection

The M1 Garand Ping: Lifesaving Innovation or Fatal Flaw?

Did the M1 Garand’s iconic “ping” reveal a soldier was out of ammo, putting lives at risk? Some say yes—others call it a battlefield myth. This debate echoes through history, tied to one of WWII’s most legendary weapons.

From the Collection

“Midgies: The Complete Miniature Mobile Army” — A Toy Soldier’s War on the Home Front

This WWII-era Midgies toy set offered kids a “Complete Miniature Mobile Army,” blending play with patriotism. It reflects how toys gave families purpose, pride, and a way to support the war effort—while companies capitalized on that spirit.

From the Collection

"My Thrift Store Treasure: How a Vintage Cookie Jar Connects the Past, Food, and Memory"

A chance find at a thrift store—a vintage Toll House cookie jar—unlocks a story of history, tradition, and the powerful connections food creates.

From the Collection

Doughnut Dollies Distinct Horizon Blue Uniform "From the Trenches of WW1 to the Jungles of Vietnam"

The simplicity and functionality of the attire helped the Doughnut Dollies navigate both the physical demands of their work and the expectations placed upon them as representatives of the Red Cross.