Fredericksburg, TX –The National Museum of the Pacific War invites the public to experience Pacific Valor, its signature living history battle program, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Museum’s Pacific Combat Zone (508 E. Austin Street, Fredericksburg, TX).
This immersive program brings history to life through a dramatic recreation of one of the Pacific War’s fiercest battles—the invasion of Tarawa. Audiences will step into the story of Staff Sergeant William Jennings Bordelon, a Marine who heroically gave his life as a demolitionist during the November 1943 assault on the island. His courage and sacrifice earned him the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration.
In a special addition to this year’s program, members of the Bordelon family will be in attendance, and the Museum will proudly display Staff Sergeant Bordelon’s original Medal of Honor, which is part of its collection.
Featuring restored WWII vehicles, simulated explosives, and blank-firing weapons, Pacific Valor transports visitors into the sights and sounds of combat as it unfolded more than 80 years ago. The program is presented by the Museum’s dedicated Company K Living History Volunteers, who authentically portray the experiences of the men and women who served in the Pacific Theater.
Programs will be offered at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., with pre-shows beginning 30 minutes prior to each performance.
Please Note: This presentation is not recommended for small children, pets, or individuals with heart conditions due to loud noises and simulated battle effects.
Tickets:
- Adults: $20
- Military (with ID): $15
- Children (6–17): $10
- College Students (with ID): $10
- Children (5 and under): Free
- WWII Veterans: Free
Online ticket purchases are highly encouraged. Seating is first come, first served.
For tickets and more information, visit: https://www.pacificwarmuseum.org/event/pacific-valor-william-james-bordelon
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About the Admiral Nimitz Foundation
The Admiral Nimitz Foundation was established in 1971 as a 501(c)(3) Texas Corporation to provide additional development funding for the Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Naval Museum, a museum honoring Fredericksburg’s native son and Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces, Pacific Ocean Area. The sole purpose of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation is to raise funds for the National Museum of the Pacific War and to manage its operation.
About the National Museum of the Pacific War
The National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW), founded in 1967, is the only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the Pacific and Asiatic Theaters in World War II. The Museum annually welcomes more than 120,000 visitors, including at least 15,000 students from across the state. The museum sits on six acres in downtown Fredericksburg, Texas featuring three galleries with more than 55,000 square feet of exhibit space, 40 media installations, approximately 900 artifacts, 15 macro-artifacts, and hundreds of photographs. The Museum is a Texas Historical Commission Property, managed and supported by The Admiral Nimitz Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, visit http://www.pacificwarmuseum.org. Follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Smithsonian Affiliations
Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums, educational, and cultural organizations to share Smithsonian collections, build collaborative networks, and engage learners of all ages with Smithsonian resources. More information is available at www.affiliations.si.edu.
