While the legacy of chemical warfare is complicated and somewhat infamous, the United States Chemical Warfare Service has occupied an important role within the US military.
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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.
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Harold John Gebhart was born to Bernard and Frances Gebhart on January 1, 1920 in Holy Cross, Iowa. He was the youngest of his four brothers: Chico, Arthur, Ervin, and Zeno
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While World War II impacted thousands of families, the stories of the Goodier family and those interned at Santo Tomas are undoubtedly unique and often overlooked. In the face of overwhelming odds and circumstances beyond his control, Benjamin did his best to keep his family safe.
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It takes great strength and character to dedicate a portion of one’s life to serve in the American military. It takes even greater integrity and grit to serve in three global conflicts: World War Two, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Though Albert Abelson and his Jewish family faced many challenges while they lived in Lithuania, he became an American hero.
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Harry Charles Miller enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps on December 13, 1940, from Roanoke County, Virginia. Miller started his time in service as an aircraft mechanic on B-18 and B-17 bombers in Puerto Rico, along with subsequent assignments near the Panama Canal Zone and the Galapagos Islands.
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On November 25, 1941, Jimmie was enlisted into the Air Corps; however, he would not remain in this position for long.
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During World War Two, many young men found themselves going straight from high school to war. These seventeen and eighteen year olds were exposed to some of the war’s most ferocious fighting before they could even legally buy a drink back home in the States. Othel Emery was one of these young American men.
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Irvin 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.
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Robert K. Aaker served in the US Army Air Corps in World War II, stationed in England. Robert was a flight engineer and technical Sergeant with the 734th Bomb Squadron of the 453rd Bomb Group, flying missions out of Old Buckenham, England.
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Entering into the Second World War provided new job opportunities, from weapons manufacturing to military service. One American who took advantage of these chances was Robert S. Bacca, who, along with taking part in New Deal projects, also served in World War II as an Air Corps pilot.
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As the Great War continued on and the United States decided to enter the conflict, many men across the country registered for the draft, including Ralph Frederick Jerome.
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Bradford Bowker started his service in the Navy on October 15, 1940. In his early military life, just around the time before World War II, Bowker was a lieutenant in the Philippines helping build / rebuild airstrips in unsafe distance from enemy fire and territory. Bowker later made the rank of rear-admiral for the Seabees.
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In 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.
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In 1942, Dorothy L. Starbuck joined the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) and was stationed at Lowry Army Airfield in Colorado. There she acted as a commanding officer to a company of photo analysts. The creation of WAAC was a defining moment in gender roles in the United States. Women worked in hundreds of fields, like military intelligence and cryptography.
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When 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.
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Joseph Katayama was born in 1926, in Salinas, Monterey County California to his father Moichi and his mother Sayo.
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As Asian Americans reckon with a wave of anti-Asian hate in the wake of COVID-19, honoring the forgotten stories of Filipino veterans acts as a healing reminder of what it means to be Pinoy and American.
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Archie Robinson served with the Marine Corps for around 30 years. When Archie Robinson first enlisted, he was treated differently due to racism and racial discrimination.
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Although many come back from war changed, Clarence Couch came back changed for the better. Despite serving in stressful and harrowing times, after he was discharged, Clarence went on to live a happy and fulfilled life with his family.
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