The Great Crusade Lecture Series at The War Memorial

Presented by Steve Mrozek

This summer, we are excited to welcome Steve Mrozek, Executive Director of the Selfridge Military Air Museum, to The War Memorial as he presents three noteworthy lecture topics on Normandy, France. The series began in June with the lecture “The Road to the Great Crusade,” where he highlighted the significant events that lead to the Normandy invasion.

Mrozek has had an extensive career working with historical museums where his enthusiasm about military history has fueled his dedication to the field. His 26-year long career serving in the Army National Guard also explains his passion and return to Selfridge. Mrozek served over ten years in Company F, 425th Infantry, a Long Range Surveillance unit stationed at Selfridge until deployed to Afghanistan in 2007 attached to the 82nd Airborne. In May 2020, Mrozek joined the Selfridge Military Air Museum as a volunteer and later climbed his way to become the Executive Director of the museum in February 2021.

“The Airborne Phase of Overlord” on Tuesday, July 11th will share Mrozek’s expertise on the equipment and training that paratroopers and glider-borne troops used in 1944 against the extensive airborne assault as well as sharing what it took to insert three allied airborne divisions within enemy lines.

Tuesday, August 8th will be the final lecture titled “Operation Cobra, The Beachhead Break Out.” It will explore the overlooked aspect of the Normandy campaign and the consequential risks that were involved. Mrozek will dive into how the armies of the allied nations fought in the challenging hedgerow in Normandy.

For more information on The Great Crusade Lecture Series, visit www.warmemorial.org/speakers