An anti-shipping sweep conducted on July 22, 1945 was the first time US Navy ships entered the outer reaches of Tokyo bay since April 1939.

While the campaign marked the first offensive victory for the Americans, it provided more than just a morale boost and a checking of Japanese aggression. This campaign illustrated the powerful synergy of American joint operations.

The American assault on Fortress Brest, led by the 2nd, 8th, and 29th Divisions under General Troy Middleton, marked one of World War II’s most ferociously contested battles.

During the battle for Okinawa, the crew of the USS Texas spent over 50 days confined to battle stations in gun turrets and compartments deep within the ship. They stayed put, and saved lives.

Without the structure of an official branch of the military, the US Merchant Marine would have to rely on the strength of their numbers leveraged through labor unions to protect themselves.