How do we pay respect this #MemorialDay? Consider one Black #WWII soldier's request. "Don't you think it would be a grand gesture and the beginning of great progress if the people (of the United States) as a whole would have their eyes opened ... " americansoldierww2.org/surveys/a/S1...

experiences during WWII, a group at Virginia Tech put together an interactive website with over 65,000 uncensored pages from service members, oral histories, data and other histories (with the help of NEH funding). americansoldierww2.org. (2/2)

History Lesson: Today is VE Day! 80 years ago, WWII in Europe (not Japan, but Europe) was officially over. Germany signed the unconditional surrender at small schoolhouse in Reims, France on May 7, but the war was declared over at midnight. To learn more about the American soldiers’ (1/2)

May 8th, 2025 is the 80th anniversary of VE Day. It was on this day in 1945 that the German forces officially surrendered, ending the War in Europe. Today, we remember the bravery, sacrifice, and service of the men and women who made this day possible.

May 2, 2025, marks the 80th Anniversary of the ending of the Battle of Berlin. On this day, the Soviets overtook the city and forced the German forces led by General Helmuth Weidling to surrender.

After 80 years, the 6888th Battalion received the Congressional Gold Medal on April 29, 2025.

Researchers found that enlisted men’s opinions of their officers varied greatly from company to company. In four companies, less than 25% said their officers have even a fair amount of interest in their personal problems or welfare. americansoldierww2.org/what-the-sol...

What is Morale? The Morale Services Division found that there were 4 attitudes associated with the good mental conditioning of troops: Zeal, Self-Confidence, Discipline, and Satisfaction. Commanders could build these by working on 7 attitudes: americansoldierww2.org/what-the-soldier-thinks

What did troops think about allies, enemies, and combat duty? Russia is rated very high on fighting ability, low on post-war cooperation; 4 in 5 rated Germans high as fighters; 3 in 5 rated the Japanese likewise; 1 in 3 were suspicious of war news (16): americansoldierww2.org/what-the-soldier-thinks

On This Day: April 3, 1945 General Douglas MacArthur was appointed to command Allied ground forces in the Pacific theater.

WWII offered an opportunity for women's advancement, but not everyone was happy with women's new roles. This soldier declared that most WACs were "wolves in sheeps clothing." To view this response and others, check out this link: bit.ly/3FLVyT5

Today is Rosie the Riveter Day! The name “Rosie the Riveter” was first popularized in the 1980s. But between 1941 to 1945, over 5 million civilian women worked in factories. For many, this was their first job outside of the home where they were able to earn money to support their families.

“The WAC does not determine character but rather releases the inhibiting factors of home so that she lives her own character not an assumed one.” Survey 90, Nov 1943 Enlisted women were rigorously trained to perform essential noncombat roles like stenographers, mechanics, and switchboard operators.

Did You Know? Colonel Oveta Culp Hobby was the first director of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (later the Women's Army Corps) appointed on May 16, 1942.

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was the only all-Black WAC unit stationed overseas during WWII. The unit was created in late 1944 with ~850 women commanded by Maj. Charity Adams. They worked 24 hours a day divided into 3, 8-hour shifts, sorting 17 million pieces of mail in 3 months.

Did You Know? The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was commanded by Maj. Charity Adams who finished the war as a lieutenant colonel, making her the highest-ranking Black woman in WWII.

Black service members served in segregated units and were given separate surveys. A March 1943 survey shows that Black soldiers were assigned to "unskilled" positions at higher rates than white soldiers. Despite unequal treatment, Black Americans fought bravely in every theater of WWII.

“Lilies are as beautiful, regardless of their hue." An Allied victory was made possible by the efforts of over 1 million Black servicemembers in the US Army and Women's Army Corp. During Black History Month, we remember their strength and honor their sacrifice fighting injustice at home and abroad.

The American Soldier in World War II project is back and we are excited to tell stories and new tools for learning about the Americans who served at this pivotal point in history. #worldwarII #army #navy #marines #history #military #virginiatech

Today is #PearlHarborRemembranceDay Over 2,400 Americans died in Pearl Harbor and every year on December 7th we remember their sacrifice. December 7th also marks the two-year anniversary of the foundation of the American Soldier Project. We are grateful for everyone who has followed us.

Today is #VeteransDay Over 16.1 million Americans fought for the United States Armed Forces in World War II and eventually returned to civilian life. This #WWII Soldier argued that after all these veterans had contributed to their country, they should be taken care of upon their return.

This month is #HispanicNationalHeritageMonth! This #WWII soldier of Mexican descent spoke out against discrimination in the United States military. During this month we honor the Americans of Hispanic ancestry like this soldier who have contributed to US history and culture.