World War II

World War II

1939–1945

 

Sixteen million Americans served in the United States military during World War II. Yeiichi “Kelly” Kuwayama served as part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a segregated Japanese unit that remains the most decorated unit in history for its size and length of service. Joe Morris Sr. was a member of the Navajo Nation and served as a code talker, using the Navajo language to send classified messages in the Pacific theater. Annie Fox was the head nurse at Hickam Field hospital during the attack on Pearl Harbor and the first woman to earn a Purple Heart. John W. Rogers served in the US Army Air Corps with the Tuskegee Airmen, a unit of African American pilots.

 

 

Image Source: United States Department of the Treasury, War bonds poster with message to "Back the Attack," 1943, Gilder Lehrman Institute, GLC09520.33

WWII Era War Bonds poster showing soldier and parachutists

Lives and Legacies of US Veterans and Service Members

Professional Development

A mix of online and in-person PD sessions exploring American Veterans' and Service Members' lives on and off the battlefield.

Lesson Plans

These units focus on the service and sacrifice of military personnel help students learn and practice the skills to analyze visual and textual source materials.

Online Exhibition

This online exhibition introduces viewers to nineteen men and women who served during six conflicts in American history.