By the winter of 1945, millions of American military personnel were on the move, but they were not alone. More than 60,000 women wed by American servicemen during World War II hoped to leave their old homes behind and rejoin their husbands for a new life in the United States. However, for these “War Brides” restrictive American immigration policies posed a major challenge.
The valiant defense of Wake Island by US Marines, sailors, soldiers, and civilians became a potent rallying point for Americans in the dark days after Pearl Harbor.
During World War II and in the decades following, Bob Hope visited American troops for the holidays. His performances for those serving around the world brought them a bit of home. And year after year, his televised Christmas specials brought the faces of those troops into American living rooms.
General George S. Patton, Jr., one of America’s greatest battlefield commanders, died on December 21, 1945 in an Army hospital in Heidelberg, Germany.
In the opening strokes of the Battle of the Bulge, platoon leader Vernon McGarity distinguished himself in combat, inspired his men, and saved lives while delaying the onslaught of German forces.
Historian Richard Frank explores the influence of China and the Soviet Union in the Japanese decision to attack American territories in December 1941.
Free resources for your classroom to commemorate the December 7,1941 attack
On December 7, 1941, USS California’s crew fought bravely to save her. For their heroic actions, four of her crew were awarded the Medal of Honor.
America’s coins and paper money underwent a number of changes to serve the war effort during World War II.
Hitler and his staff kept driving German troops onward to Moscow to impel Imperial Japan to enter the war.