Did you know that Montgomery County is designated as an American World War II Heritage City? An American World War II Heritage City is a recognition that is given to one jurisdiction from each state and spotlights that city’s historic contributions to the World War II home front war effort and their preservation achievements in the area. From historic landmarks to memorials honoring those who served, these sites share the region’s lasting connection to WWII.
Please note that this list highlights select WWII sites—many more stories await throughout the Heritage Area.
Banner: @heli_jeremy
Did you know that Montgomery County is designated as an American World War II Heritage City? An American World War II Heritage City is a recognition that is given to one jurisdiction from each state and spotlights that city’s historic contributions to the World War II home front war effort and their preservation achievements in the area. From historic landmarks to memorials honoring those who served, these sites share the region’s lasting connection to WWII.
Please note that this list highlights select WWII sites—many more stories await throughout the Heritage Area.
Banner: @heli_jeremy
Wright Patterson Air Force Base Memorial Park
1100 Spaatz St, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433
This park features monuments and plaques honoring those who served, including the Gold Star Families Memorial, which pays tribute to relatives who have lost a loved one in service to the nation. | Photo: NMUSAF
Open In Google MapsNational Museum of the U.S. Air Force
1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45433
Explore the WWII Gallery and see the legendary Boeing B-17F Memphis Belle™, the first U.S. Army Air Forces heavy bomber to complete 25 missions over Europe and return home. | Photo: @heli_jeremy
Open In Google MapsNorth Dayton Patriots Memorial
Valley St, Dayton, OH 45404
Located at Keowee and Valley St. in Dayton, this memorial honors veterans from the Old North Dayton and McCook Field neighborhoods. | Photo: MCVSC
Open In Google MapsAviation Trail Parachute Museum
16 S Williams St, Dayton, OH 45402
Learn about the aviation history of parachutes and their development in Dayton, including their role in WWII. The museum highlights the invention of the free-fall parachute at McCook Field after World War I and its impact on aviation.
Open In Google MapsCarillon Historical Park
1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409
Step inside WAVES Sugar Camp Cabin #22, one of 60 cabins that once housed U.S. Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) as they worked on a classified code-breaking project during WWII. | Photo: Dayton History
Open In Google Maps“Codebreakers: How Dayton Helped Win WWII" at Wright Memorial Public Library
1776 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45419
Uncover Dayton’s secret WWII history and see rare codebreaking artifacts that helped change the course of the war. From the genius of Joseph Desch to the groundbreaking work of the WAVES, this must-see exhibit brings to life the high-stakes world of wartime encryption and decryption.
Open In Google MapsMound Cold War Discovery Center
1075 Mound Rd, Miamisburg, OH 45342
Explore the history of the Dayton Project and its role in the Manhattan Project during WWII, including the production of the atomic bomb’s trigger. | Photo: Dayton History
Open In Google MapsCity of Centerville Veterans Memorial in Leonard Stubbs Park
255 W Spring Valley Pike, Centerville, OH 45458
Honor veterans of all wars at this memorial, set on a plaza with engraved bricks bearing service members' names. Five bas-relief pieces depict each military branch, with a new Space Force medallion planned for the upcoming expansion. | Note: Currently closed, re-opening May 2025. | Photo: City of Centerville
Open In Google Maps