In 1973 a devastating fire in the National Personnel Records Center destroyed about 17 million military personnel files. A loss with long-lasting repercussions, it affects our understanding and knowledge of many individual WWII stories.

Portrayed in the new film Greyhound, starring Tom Hanks, the Battle of the Atlantic raged for almost six years. Here is a reading list to learn more about the epic battle to supply Allied forces in Europe.

 By January 1945 the African American soldiers of the 761st Tank Battalion, the Black Panthers, were battle-tested veterans. But they would encounter one of their toughest fights in January 1945 during the Battle of the Bulge.

The fight for Mount Austen witnessed some of the hardest fighting on Guadalcanal. Its successful capture ensured the security of Henderson Field from Japanese artillery fire and infiltrators.

On July 5, 1945 General Douglas MacArthur released a communique announcing that major combat operations in the Philippine Islands had concluded.

President Harry Truman's Independence Day message of July 4, 1945 offered words of consolation and hope at a time of immense stress for the nation—and himself.

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.