World War II
World War II began when Nazi Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. The war involved the mobilization of over 100 million military personnel, making it the most widespread war in history. Over seventy million people, the majority civilians, were killed, making it the deadliest conflict in human history. Over 400,000 Americans sacrificed their life while defending freedom.
Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the United States declared war on Japan on December 8. Three days later on December 11, Nazi Germany and its Axis partners declared war on the United States. Nearly four years later, on May 7, 1945, Germany surrendered to the Western Allies. On September 2, Japan formally surrendered, ending the war.
In these videos, you will hear about the experiences of many American veterans of World War II. From the Doolittle Raiders to the Band of Brothers, from D-Day to Iwo Jima, they all fought for the common cause of freedom.
World War II Videos
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Veterans of E Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne – the Band of Brothers – share their memories and experiences. Members, who share their story, include Buck Compton, Bill Guarnere, Babe Heffron, Don Malarkey, Earl McClung, Red Falvey, Buck Taylor and Herb Suerth.
The American Veterans Conference with Hall of Fame Baseball Players talking about their service in War Time. This panel includes Hall of Fame Players Bob Feller, Buck O’Neil, Phil Rizzuto, and Monte Irvin. Other major leaguers are Lou Brissie and San Diego Padre announcer Jerry Coleman.
Two of the most distinguished veterans of the largest amphibious invasion of all time tell their stories. Featuring Donald Burgett, author of “Currahee!”, the only book on WWII endorsed by Dwight D. Eisenhower and John Robert Slaughter, author of “Omaha Beach and Beyond,” and veteran of the 1st Infantry Division.
Footage of The Doolittle Raiders Panel at the American Veterans Center Convention held in Washington, DC. Raiders that shared include Sgt. David Thatcher, Major Thomas Griffin, Maj. General David Jones, Col. William Bower, M/Sgt Edwin Horton and Lt. Col. Richard Cole.
Military intelligence service veterans speak about their experiences at P.O. Box 1142, Ft Hunt in World War II. Ft. Hunt was a top secret MI facility created in 1942 with the task of interrogating high-value German prisoners of war. Speakers are Dr. H. George Mandel and George Frenkel.
Among the men of HQ Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, was a group of hard-living and hard-fighting brawlers nicknamed the Filthy 13 for their lack of proper hygiene. Selected and trained to destroy targets behind enemy lines, they were known for their courage in battle and general disregard for rules.
The first African American pilots in the United States military, the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, recall the struggle to prove that they were up to the challenge of fighting alongside their fellow Americans in World War II. From the American Veterans Center’s 2007 conference.
Col. Dave Severance, Col. Frank C. Caldwell, Ralph K. Griffiths, Chuck Tatum, Donald Mates, and James White share their stories. Their experiences range from raising the flag on Mt. Suribachi to witnessing Medal of Honor recipient John Basilone’s death on the island.
Japanese American veterans of the United States Army in World War II recall their fight against America’s enemies abroad and prejudice at home. From the 442nd Regimental Combat Team to Merrill’s Marauders to General McArthur’s Intelligence Section, these decorated veterans truly served their country honorably.
Celia Sandys discusses the life, leadership, and legacy of her grandfather Sir Winston Churchill at the 2006 American Veterans Center conference. Sandys has written several books, including The Young Churchill, Churchill: Wanted Dead or Alive, and We Shall Not Fail: the Inspiring Leadership of Winston Churchill. She is also founder of the Churchill Leadership Program.
Photos of World War II
Photos of World War II Veterans
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