Once Hitler declared a place a "stronghold," his men had no choice but to fight to the death.

German technology surpassed the Allies' with the production of radio-guided weapons that worked in a combat environment. As early as 1943, the Henschel (Hs) 293 and the Ruhrstahl X-1 (Fritz X) were the first guided bombs employed in combat. These weapons debuted around the time of the Allied assault on Salerno and were a new concern for fleet defense. 

Whether it played the role of the “Black Cat,” “Mad Cat,” or “Dumbo,” the PBY Catalina proved itself as one of the most instrumental amphibious planes as it struck fear in the Axis and provided hope for the Allies.

The Eighth Air Force’s first penetrating strike into Nazi Germany was a bloody affair that provided lessons for both sides. 

Join Historian Hannah Dailey as she presents on what it means to be an Atomic Veteran.