Explore Chattanooga Fall 2025

cultural artifacts, childhood mementos, military decorations, and personal treasures—including “Coco,” Birdwell’s childhood stuffed animal, and books that shaped his early years. The exhibit emphasizes that Medal of Honor recipients, while extraordinary in courage, also began as ordinary children whose choices and character shaped their destinies. Chattanooga provides a fitting backdrop for Birdwell’s story. Known as the “Birthplace of the Medal of Honor,” Chattanooga is where the very first Medals of Honor were earned during the Civil War’s Andrews’ Raid in 1862. The Heritage Center continues to honor this legacy by preserving stories of valor from past to present.

The timing of this new exhibit is especially meaningful as Chattanooga prepares to host the National Medal of Honor Convention, September 29 – October 4, 2025. The gathering will bring recipients, families, and supporters together in the city where the Medal’s history first began. This fall, visitors to the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center will not only learn about Dwight Birdwell’s courage, but also reflect on the enduring values of Courage, Sacrifice, Patriotism, Citizenship, Integrity, and Commitment that the Medal represents. For hours operation and additional information visit mohhc.org

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