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.

Despite early challenges to women’s place in the Navy, the WAVES’s establishment as a part of the Navy itself, not a corps or auxiliary like the WAACs, was “precedent-breaking.”

The USS Stewart, a Clemson-class destroyer, earned the nickname after having the unique distinction of serving under both the American and Imperial Japanese navies during World War II. 

Below are the top five veteran research questions, where to go for further resources, and how to begin your search.

October 26 marks the National Day of the Deployed. The day honors all servicemembers who have been deployed in the service of the United States. It also honors the sacrifices their families have made during deployments.

Often overshadowed by the Battle of Midway, the hard-fought carrier naval battle in May 1942 in the waters of the Coral Sea north of Australia marked the end of the phase of Japanese triumphs in the Pacific War and proved to be of strategic significance.

Naval Reserve officer Grace Hopper was a pioneer of computing during World War II, laying the foundation for today’s technology.

AMM2c Durell Wade made the ultimate sacrifice manning his battlestation on USS Oklahoma during the attack on Pearl Harbor.