U.S. in World War II

1939-1945. World War II was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. The war involved the many of the world's countries. Two opposing military alliances were formed: the Allies and the Axis. While Japan was already at war with China in 1937,  the Second World War began on September 1, 1939 when Nazi Germany invaded Poland. Germany conquered much of Europe, eventually forming the Axis alliance with Italy and Japan. Approximately six million European Jews were killed by Adolf Hitler's Nazi Germany and this event would become known as the Holocaust.
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A Time to Fight, Part 7
Episode 7

Video

The Tuskegee Airmen were African-American pilots during WWII. Before the war, the Army thought African-Americans could only be used as laborers. African-Americans faced all sorts of prejudice and...
A Time To Fight, Part 8
Episode 8

Video

The Army sent the 82nd Airborne, along with General George Patton’s armored divisions, to take the island of Sicily, off the coast of Italy. British forces also assisted the Americans in the Sicily...
A Time To Fight, Part 9
Episode 9

Video

The two most widely used bomber aircraft used by the U.S. in World War II were the Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortress,” and the Consolidated B-24 “Liberator.” During bombing runs, the two biggest fears...
A Time to Fight, Part 5
Episode 5

Video

The story of the Doolittle Raiders is told, including.that of Bill Farrow, one of three top students in a nationwide search of colleges and universities, chosen to receive pilot's training at...
A Time to Fight, Part 1
Episode 1

Video

This episode follows our veterans from their childhoods to the attack on Pearl Harbor and following through to the first battles of the war in North Africa, Italy and Sicily. Additional sections...
A Time to Fight, Part 4
Episode 4

Video

In June of 1940, Camp Jackson became a permanent military installation and its name was changed to Fort Jackson. Individuals recall various aspects of the training they received there and the...
The Way Home, Part 5
Episode 5

Video

On August 11, 1945, the Emperor of Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration, which specified the unconditional surrender of Japan. The war was over, the Americans rejoiced, and the troops headed home...
The Way Home, Part 6
Episode 6

Video

Veterans provide advice to future generations, and reflect on the responsibilities that come with freedom, and their wishes for a world without war. They remember those who didn't survive, and they...
The Way Home, Part 3
Episode 3

Video

Okinawa was the final Japanese island before the mainland. It would be the largest amphibious invasion in history. The Americans had to control the air and the water. The orders came that the...