The National WWII Museum is saddened to learn of the passing of Colonel Gail S. Halvorsen (USAF, Ret.), who died February 16, 2022, at the age of 101.

A first-generation American of Lebanese descent, James Jabara was intent on being a fighter pilot. Soon, the five foot five airman would make US military aviation history.

Alberta Hunter was already a seasoned performer when she and the “Rhythm Rascals” traveled to the “forgotten” China-Burma-India (CBI) theater as the first African American entertainers to visit there, and she later sang for Eisenhower himself. Her service in World War II, however, is but one of many extraordinary stories of this highly regarded woman’s life.

What happened in Dresden in February 1945 was apocalyptic.

Awesome turnout for this annual event!