The Nazi dictatorship policed, prosecuted, and ultimately murdered thousands of gay men during its 12 years of rule.

WWII veteran Christine Jorgensen became the first American transgender woman to attain fame for having sex reassignment surgery. Her story has influenced many others and helped redefine gender identity.

On November 16, 1944, the men of the African American 761st Tank Battalion assaulted the German-held town of Guebling. Platoon Sergeant Ruben Rivers displayed uncommon heroism in leading the assault, and in doing so made the ultimate sacrifice for his comrades.

The United Nations was a child of World War II, and another one of FDR's good ideas.

Anne Mergen was the only female editorial cartoonist of her time. Her work captured the social and political atmosphere of the WWII years and beyond.

In June 1944, USS Texas battled the largest German gun battery in the Cherbourg area in support of the VII Corps’ push on the city.

Alan Turing helped the British government pioneer the technology to decrypt Nazi Germany’s secret communications during World War II. In 1952, Alan Turing was forced to endure chemical castration by the same government after being prosecuted for homosexual acts.

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.

When the United States entered World War II, it also declared total war on New Orleans most sinful reputation.

Once Hitler declared a place a "stronghold," his men had no choice but to fight to the death.

The men of the African American 761st Tank Battalion entered combat at Morville-les-Vic on November 7, 1944. In an "inferno" of battle, they proved their worth in the first of a series of hard fought battles.

More than 14,000 African American men served in the US Army Air Forces in segregated units during World War II. Only about 1,000 of them were pilots. Many others, like Louisiana native Albert Porche, filled vital support roles which kept the famed Red Tails flying in Italy.