When the United States entered World War II, thousands of men put their lives on hold and instead risked them to serve their country. Sherwin George Desens was one of these men, and his decision to enlist began a decades-long career of service that took him from the skies above Normandy down to a prison camp in his grandfather’s homeland.
Read MoreWilliam Howard McClure was one of the lucky few who not only survived the atrocities he faced while he was a Prisoner of War, but also made a life for himself in the aftermath of World War II.
Read MoreOften, the phrase “American hero” connotes someone born and raised in the United States who bravely served our country without hesitation. But what if they were born in a different country, on an entirely different continent?
Read MoreDuring wartime, young people are often asked and expected to perform acts of unimaginable heroism. Gerald Kraus was one such young man who went above and beyond what was asked of him when enlisted in the Marines at just twenty years old, after the North Korean invasion of South Korea in 1950.
Read MoreOn November 25, 1941, Jimmie was enlisted into the Air Corps; however, he would not remain in this position for long.
Read MoreIrvin and Zouie Little Thunder share the story of so many 20th century Native children who were subject to cultural erasure, abuse, and distance from families so key to their resilience. They share the story of entering the U.S. military while experiencing unequal freedom and citizenship, fighting for the country that so often fought their existence.
Read MoreIn Section T2 at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Rolf Wagschal lays beneath a headstone adorned with the Star of David, an indication of his Jewish faith that may have encouraged him to fight during World War II.
Read MoreWhen war broke out between the U.S and the Axis powers Bob felt like he had to prove he was an American. Bob, just like any other young person heard the patriotic call of the nation, to lend his ability to the war effort.
Read MoreJoseph Katayama was born in 1926, in Salinas, Monterey County California to his father Moichi and his mother Sayo.
Read MoreBattles have always been fought with weapons, but a modern war is fought with intelligence. Successful strategic planning requires trustworthy intelligence that can either reveal or predict the enemy’s actions.
Read MoreDespite the hardships he faced growing up, Tony did his duty to his country and volunteered for the Army as soon as he graduated high school.
Read MoreMany people believe that they will change the course of history, but few have the means and opportunity to do so. Karl Henry Timmerman, the product of German immigration, was instrumental in securing victory over forces holding the Rhine Bridge in World War II, which broke open Germany’s defenses in the west. In doing so, Karl honorably served his country and created a legacy dictated by his actions and not those of his father.
Read MoreWhen the world is at war the courageous and the brave come together to fight for the freedom of the oppressed. The 1940s was a time when countries like the United States called upon young men and women to help end the destruction happening all over the world.
Read MoreIn December of 1967, Frank was shipped out to Vietnam where he worked in the kitchens and in waste disposal, which mainly consisted of burning garbage.
Read MoreRichard Oskar Menzel was born in Leipzig, Germany on June 14, 1897. He immigrated to the United States on the S.S. Württemberg on November 10, 1921.
Read MoreDuring and after the first World War, there was a severe backlash against German Americans. President Woodrow Wilson spoke disparagingly of “hyphenated” Americans, who he saw as threats to the United States due to a fear of mixed loyalties
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