In May 1944, the Western Allies were finally prepared to deliver their greatest blow of the war, the long-delayed, cross-channel invasion of northern France, code-named Overlord.
While thousands of their fellow Americans were about to enter into the Battle of the Bulge and likely face capture under harsh circumstances by the war-weary German enemy, others, already POWs, celebrated a lonely Christmas holiday, the last of the war, in camps across Europe.
Where could a GI enjoy the best big bands, dance with the ladies, and rub elbows with the likes of Marlene Dietrich? Only at the Stage Door Canteen.
The Douglas C-47 became the mainstay for airborne drops and were used in this role extensively for Operations Overlord, Dragoon, Market Garden, and Varsity.
Director of On-Base Service Clubs, 315th Troop Carrier Group, The American Red Cross
The campaigns in Italy from the first landings in September 1943 through May 1945 tested Allied soldiers to the limit.
Artist and Polish Jewish refugee Arthur Szyk became renowned in the 1930s and '40s for his caricatures and political cartoons, throughout which he displayed a broad concern for human rights.
Join The National WWII Museum this spring to learn more about the inspiring story of the American Home Front effort that brought victory to the Allies and brought the country out of the Great Depression.