Vintage 1942 WWII Harley-Davidson Debuts at Veterans History Museum

The “Liberator” earned its name as the motorcycle ridden by soldiers liberating occupied Europe. Why did its riders call its gear shift the “suicide” shift? The stick was on the gas tank. The rider had to let go of one of the handlebars to shift gears!  Immerse yourself in this exhibit: In 1942, an Army MP pulls up to a WWII-Europe APO (American Post Office) to check his mail. His ride is a 1942 Harley-Davidson. It’s parked alongside a 1943 Willys Jeep, where soldiers celebrate the captured swastika flag and German weapons they’ve relegated to the ground—battleground victories. During WWII, the Army used over 90,000 Harley-Davidson WLAs (manufactured to Army specifications) for police and escort work, courier duties, and some scouting, and transporting radio and radio suppression equipment.

Plan your visit now to enjoy this exciting new exhibit which debuts March 2 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, and is a permanent exhibit. Admission to the museum is free of charge.

VHM is open Wednesday – Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The museum is located at 21 East Main Street, Brevard, NC, 828-884-2141.

www.theveteransmuseum.org