Known as a tropical paradise today, for many sailors before December 7, 1941, it was just another port of call during their naval service.

Attached to Canadian and British forces, the first Americans to see ground combat in Europe witnessed disaster at Dieppe.

The oldest active military medal in the United States, over 1 million Purple Hearts were awarded during World War II.

In July 1946, the fourth and fifth atomic bombs to explode tore into a fleet of 84 ships anchored at Bikini Atoll in the name of science.

Created by the camera, photographs help tell the story of Marine Photographic Squadron VMD-254.

The first to cross the English Channel on D-Day, minesweepers cleared the way for the invasion of France.

A sailor had a simple request—he just wanted to relax with a few beers after months at sea.

The shamrock is the symbol of Ireland and a recurring theme in The National WWII Museum’s collection.

USS Mason was the first US Navy fleet vessel crewed by a majority of African American sailors.

A look past the pages of a written letter home.