African American truck drivers of the Red Ball Express kept American units supplied in the race across France during the summer and fall of 1944.

Commander Davis demonstrated steadfast leadership during a kamikaze attack off of Luzon, Philippines.

For the 106th Infantry Division, the Opening of the Bulge was a Death Blow.

Americans like to think of World War II as a “great crusade,” but if it was, the country certainly didn’t seem all that fervent about rushing into it. Think of it: by the usual reckoning, World War II lasted six years, from the invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, to Japan’s surrender on board the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945. US participation spanned less than four years of that total, a little over half the war. Of seven campaigning seasons, the United States missed the first three and was active only in the final four.

US code breakers deciphering Japanese naval messages provided an opportunity for vengeance in April 1943 after intercepting the travel plans of Japan’s naval commander in chief, the mastermind behind the attack on Pearl Harbor.