GREENFIELD – When Simon Davies was in kindergarten, his teacher gave him a M-1 metal Army helmet, more commonly known as a “steel pot.” That, perhaps, sealed his future as a military enthusiast with ambitions of becoming a U.S. Marine Corps officer.
From that early age, Davies began collecting military memorabilia and uniforms, leading up to a planned Memorial Day weekend opening of the Simon Davies Military Museum, located in the corner of his parents’ backyard.
Davies, who is now a junior at Ocean City High School, said from early on, he took Halloween to another level, dressing as a Marine infantryman. He started collecting military gear and learning military terminology, the history of the items, and the battle sites where they were used.
His interest was heightened when his father took him to visit National Guard bases. It turned out to be pure joy when he visited military surplus stores and learned he could buy real military items. Now, of course, he only has to go online to find items to fit into the displays he is creating in his museum.
“A number of the items have been donated,” said his mother, Danielle Davies.
One of those is a trailer for a military 2.5-ton truck, commonly called a “deuce-and-a-half.”
Simon’s museum is set up in a 12-foot-by-20-foot shed and is organized by conflict, beginning with a World War I exhibit, then moving right to left to displays for World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam, and ending with the Global War on Terror.
“It’s Marine Corps focused,” Davies said, adding that he wants to enter Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps with the option of becoming a Marine officer.
Davies said his first choices of college are Villanova or Virginia Tech, but if for some reason that doesn’t work out, he would probably enlist. The museum is, in fact, dedicated to all military veterans and all who continue to serve, from all conflicts and all branches of the armed forces, but especially to family member veterans, including Edward Buchakjian Sr., John Ciarrocchi, Edwin Davies Sr., Dennis DiBonaventura, Donato DiBonaventura, Paul Downs, Michael Neary, William Neary, Gabriel Viesti and Joseph Viesti, as well as Andrew Fletcher and Cairo McGrory – both of whom are currently serving.
Davies can describe each of the various military artifacts and uniforms as he goes around the room, including, for example, the Battle of Peleliu, which was a staging area for Japanese attacks on the American Naval fleet. The Marines suffered heavy casualties but took the island before moving on to Okinawa.
Davies points out the various types of camouflage uniforms, such as those worn by Marine special forces – or “Raiders.” Davies can distinguish between the camouflage and where it was used – or misused, such as when marines went into Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1993 supplied with a mix of “woodlands” and desert camouflage.
Davies also pointed out an Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) ruck sack, which was preferred by U.S. Marines to their standard issue because it was lighter material.
Davies has several weapons mounted on the wall, including an M-16 and an M-14 carbine, which are either Airsoft or Denix replicas. Still, the museum is alarmed to prevent theft.
As of May 22, Davies was still setting up the Global War of Terror exhibit in preparation for a grand opening at 1 p.m. May 28. The museum is located at the Davies property at 67 Tyler Rd., Upper Township.
The grand opening ceremony is open to the public and will be attended by veterans and veteran advocates, including speakers Cape May County Commissioner Director Leonard Desiderio, veteran Joseph Altimari, and veterans advocate Joseph Griffies, who hosts the “Welcome Home” radio show on WIBG, 1020 AM and 101.3 FM.
“I’ve always been interested in our military history and the people who have served in our conflicts,” Davies said. “I wanted to honor the veterans who have served and everyone who’s still serving our country.”
Museum tours are available by appointment only. For more information, visit www.SimonDaviesMilitaryMuseum.com or call 609-338-2586.
Contact the author, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
