Louisiana's Heroic Call to Duty: The Pelican State's Role in World War II
When Louisiana Answered the Call
When the United States entered World War II on December 8, 1941—one day after the Pearl Harbor attack—Louisiana swiftly mobilized. Even before then, the Pelican State was central to U.S. defense efforts, hosting the largest military maneuvers in American history from 1940 to 1945. Countless Louisianans left families and jobs to enlist in service.
Special Exhibit Announced
Mayor Nic Hunter has announced an upcoming exhibit at Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center: The Pelican State Goes to War: Louisiana in World War II. On loan from The National WWII Museum, this comprehensive display features artifacts, photographs, and oral histories showcasing Louisiana's critical contributions to America's WWII victory. It will be on view from August 2 through October 19.
Charles Dalgleish, President of the Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission, emphasized the state's sacrifices: “Nearly 280,000 Louisianans served in the armed forces during the war. The Pelican State Goes to War highlights the stories of our six Medal of Honor recipients, symbolizing sacrifice and devotion. It also explores the home front, from Higgins Industries' massive mobilization to young Billy Michal's school scrap drives.”
The exhibit expands with local ties, as Lake Charles families and veterans contributed memorabilia, photos, and artifacts—echoing Louisiana's 1941 response. Matt Young, Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Lake Charles, invites community loans to enrich the display.
“Nearly every Southwest Louisiana family was touched by WWII, through a loved one or friend who served,” Young said. “These heroes shaped global history, and this exhibit honors their legacy through stories and programs.”
Local Heroes' Stories
Community contributions revive memories of heroes like Charles Mayfield, stationed at Port Chicago, California. On July 17, 1944, a munitions explosion killed 320 and injured 390; Mayfield was among the fallen.
Gus Corbello, a local naval ordnanceman on a PBY-5 patrol bomber, departed Hawaii on May 24, 1944, for routine patrol. After a radio report, the plane vanished near Kure Island; despite searches, Corbello was never found.
Claude Arnold, Lake Charles High School Class of 1937, served as a fireman third class on the USS Arizona. He perished when the ship exploded during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, claiming 1,177 lives.
Alvin Joseph Monlezun of Lake Arthur graduated cum laude from LSU in 1941 with a BS in Commerce and was commissioned via ROTC. Assigned to Company K, 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Division under General Omar Bradley, he died on October 10, 1944, in Aachen, Germany, at age 24.
Community Contributions
Families have donated letters, medals, postcards, and clothing, celebrating local veterans and war-affected families. McNeese State University history student Grand Leonards is cataloging these items. A Wall of Honor with local veterans' photos will complement the exhibit.
“The City partnered with the Calcasieu Parish School Board Television Production program, led by Britney Glaser Felder, to record oral histories,” Mayor Hunter noted. “Preserving these stories ensures our history endures.”
Interviews feature WWII veteran General Erbon Wise, E.K. Hunter (son of veteran Judge Edwin F. Hunter, Jr.), and American Press reporter Jim Beam. Produced by Felder’s high school students, the video documentary will screen with the exhibit.
A panel discussion on WWII’s impact on Southwest Louisiana is set for September 5, 2019, at McNeese’s Tritico Theatre, moderated by KPLC anchor John Bridges. Panelists to be announced.
Events like this honor the fallen and revive legacies, proving Louisiana still answers the call.
The Pelican State Goes to War runs August 2–October 19 at Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center. Concurrent: National Geographic’s 50 Greatest Landscapes on the second floor. Hours: Mon–Fri 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free admission. Opening reception: August 2, 5:30–8 p.m. Call 337-491-9147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com.
