Frances Langford was an inspiring vocalist who devoted much of her wartime career to the entertainment of those in service. She was known as the “GI Nightingale,” and her performances had the power to temporarily transport troops from the battlefield into the arms of their sweethearts.

In the bloodiest battle in Marine Corps history, 27 Marines and sailors were awarded the Medal of Honor for action on Iwo Jima. No other campaign surpassed that number.

In the bloodiest  battle in Marine Corps history, 27 Marines and sailors were awarded the Medal of Honor for action on Iwo Jima. No other campaign surpassed that number.
 

In the bloodiest  battle in Marine Corps history, 27 Marines and sailors were awarded the Medal of Honor for action on Iwo Jima. No other campaign surpassed that number.

In the bloodiest  battle in Marine Corps history, 27 Marines and sailors were awarded the Medal of Honor for action on Iwo Jima. No other campaign surpassed that number.

In the bloodiest battle in Marine Corps history, 27 Marines and sailors were awarded the Medal of Honor for action on Iwo Jima. No other campaign surpassed that number.

Dorothy Britt (later Mann) was one of only 1,100 women who trained as pilots with the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots). Through artifacts from her service and stories of her experiences, she continues to inspire.

Jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald's voice soothed and entertained many during World War II. Her records were even sent to a besieged London, where her hit songs kept civilians in air raid shelters occupied during the long, scary hours of the Blitz.

Sophie Scholl and the White Rose movement, while less known to Americans, is a powerful example of youthful resistance to the Nazi Regime.

Jack Lucas saved the lives of three men… just six days after his 17th birthday.

Woody Williams, a veteran of several campaigns with the 3rd Marine Division, landed on Iwo Jima in the days after D-Day. On February 23, 1945, Woody acted with "conspicuous gallantry" in eliminating Japanese pillboxes on Iwo Jima with his flame thrower. For his actions that day, Woody was awarded the Medal of Honor.

James Goodrich was a veteran of two campaigns when he landed on Iwo Jima in 1945 with the 5th Marine Division.