The liberation of Mindanao was, in some respects, an unnecessary campaign militarily, but it had important political implications, as it enabled the United States to fulfill its promise of independence to the Philippines.
On June 10, 2016, The National WWII Museum and Whitney Bank will present the American Spirit Awards in the Museum’s US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center. The awards gala, which will take place in New Orleans for the first time, celebrates individuals and organizations whose work reflects the spirit of those who served our nation during World War II. The 2016 honorees include New Orleans natives and representatives from across the nation, all of whom have inspired others through their own acts of courage, sacrifice, initiative and generosity.
Well before the war ended, President Franklin D. Roosevelt envisioned a plan for veterans to return home and better their lives through the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. But administering the massive welfare program required navigating social and political challenges.
The campaign in North Africa began with a daring Anglo-American commando raid code-named Operation RESERVIST.