American Heroes of World War II

AMERICAN HEROES OF WORLD WAR II: THE U.S. ARMED FORCES, 1941-1945

“We are now in this War. We are all in it all the way. Every single man, woman, and child is a partner in the most tremendous undertaking in our American history. “
President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Radio Address December 9, 1941

On December 7, 1941, the alarm "AIR RAID PEARL HARBOR . . . This is no drill" came without warning for the U.S. armed forces serving on Oahu. The Japanese attack woke a sleeping giant. Even as smoke still bellowed out of U.S.S, Arizona and the other ships of the devastated Pacific Fleet, a stunned nation rallied even as it mourned nearly 3,000 causalities who had died on that fateful day. In response, nearly sixteen million Americans would don their country’s uniform in response to Pearl Harbor. American airmen, coast guardsmen, marines, sailors, and soldiers served their country during World War II. Of these veterans some 405,000 lost their lives during the conflict, and another 670,000 were wounded. Some 140,000 became prisoners of war. All contributed to the victory that preserved the freedoms enjoyed more than a half century later. These men and women truly earned the title of “the greatest generation."
Of the millions of men and women who proudly wore the U.S. uniform during the Second World War only a few achieved fame. Some remained in the military after the conflict and made a career in the armed forces. Most returned to their everyday lives, their deeds being remembered by only a close circle of family, friends, and loved ones. And there were those who never returned. This group paid the highest price for freedom. They now rest under white markers in quiet military cemeteries or elsewhere, including far off jungles, around the world.
The majority of those who served were ordinary people called upon to make extraordinary sacrifices. They have been called “the greatest generation.” Although other Americans before them had made significant contributions, certainly World War II veterans in the United States helped stem the tide against totalitarianism. Whether stationed at home or abroad, they fought to preserve freedom. Their success in this struggle brought great rewards of peace and prosperity to those who followed. Nothing can adequately repay the debt owed to these heroes who rallied in the face of one of their country’s darkest hours.


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