World War II POW Recounts Capture
In a radio interview on March 14, 1944, Sgt. Milton Williams, one of the first Americans swapped in the exchange of prisoners between Germany and the United States, recounts his experience being shot down over Germany during a mission with the Eighth Air Force.
Related Speeches & Audio (10)
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World War II POW Recounts Capture
World War II POW Recounts CaptureAudio Clip (3:07)
Audio Clip (3:07)
In a radio interview on March 14, 1944, Sgt. Milton Williams, one of the first Americans swapped in the exchange of prisoners between Germany and the United States, recounts his experience being shot down over Germany during a mission with the Eighth Air Force.
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Truman Announces Germany's Surrender
Truman Announces Germany's SurrenderAudio Clip (2:04)
Audio Clip (2:04)
In a May 8, 1945, radio broadcast, President Harry Truman announces the unconditional surrender of Germany, but reminds Americans that the war wages on in the Far East.
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Franklin D. Roosevelt's War Progress Report
Franklin D. Roosevelt's War Progress ReportAudio Clip (0:57)
Audio Clip (0:57)
In his progress report on World War II on July 28, 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt informs the nation that "the first crack in the Axis has come" as Italian Premier Mussolini falls from power.
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General Patton's Homecoming
General Patton's HomecomingAudio Clip (0:35)
Audio Clip (0:35)
On June 9, 1945, Los Angeles honored Gen. George S. Patton with a homecoming parade upon his return from Europe after Germany’s surrender. In an address at the City Hall ceremonies, Gen. Patton, in his trademark colorful language, describes the destruction wrought by the Eighth Air Force and Third Army.
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Truman Announces Japan's Surrender
Truman Announces Japan's SurrenderAudio Clip (1:57)
Audio Clip (1:57)
On September 1, 1945, in a radio address to the American people, President Harry Truman announces the unconditional surrender of Japan, formalized aboard the U.S.S. Missouri.
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Douglas MacArthur Receives the Japanese Surrender
Douglas MacArthur Receives the Japanese SurrenderAudio Clip (1:21)
Audio Clip (1:21)
On September 2, 1945, aboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay, World War II comes to a close when Japanese officials sign the unconditional surrender. Gen. Douglas MacArthur presides over the signing and delivers a short speech on the momentous occasion.
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Impact of U.S. Withdrawal on South Vietnam
Impact of U.S. Withdrawal on South VietnamAudio Clip (2:47)
Audio Clip (2:47)
Following the January 27, 1973 signing of a ceasefire agreement to end the Vietnam War and the subsequent departure of U.S. troops, the U.S. military prepared the South Vietnamese to take over operations. A U.S. officer who remained in Vietnam to help with the transition is interviewed on October 11, 1973, about the process of bolstering South Vietnam's economy and self-sufficiency.
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Paul Tibbets on Dropping the Atomic Bomb
Paul Tibbets on Dropping the Atomic BombAudio Clip (2:38)
Audio Clip (2:38)
On July 3, 1987, 42 years after dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Enola Gay pilot Paul Tibbets recalls his mindset during the fateful mission on August 6, 1945.
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Allies Liberate Bastogne
Allies Liberate BastogneAudio Clip (1:27)
Audio Clip (1:27)
In a broadcast on December 29, 1944, Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe recounts the 101st Airborne’s victory against overwhelming odds at Bastogne, Belgium.
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U.S. Goals in World War II
U.S. Goals in World War IIAudio Clip (0:31)
Audio Clip (0:31)
In his speech delivered July 23, 1942, Secretary of State Cordell Hull explains the aims of the United States in World War II.
Related Videos (10)
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Friend or Enemy?
Friend or Enemy?Video Clip (2:09)
Video Clip (2:09)
During WWII, American soldiers were sometimes met by friendly German civilians and Russian allies.
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World War II Soldiers Dig In
World War II Soldiers Dig InVideo Clip (2:50)
Video Clip (2:50)
American soldiers used military-issue shovels for many tasks in World War II.
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Amphibious Assaults of World War II
Amphibious Assaults of World War IIVideo Clip (2:16)
Video Clip (2:16)
The landing vehicle tank was essential to the amphibious assaults on D-Day and throughout the Pacific theater.
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Charles Scheffel
Charles ScheffelVideo Clip (2:44)
Video Clip (2:44)
Born and raised in Enid, Oklahoma, Captain Jack Scheffel enlisted in the army in order to continue his family's strong tradition of military service. He soon learned that, in war, every decision you make can literally mean the difference between life and death.
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Atomic Bomb Ends WWII
Atomic Bomb Ends WWIIVideo Clip (2:49)
Video Clip (2:49)
The U.S. looked to a new weapon to put an end to WWII.
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National WWII Memorial
National WWII MemorialVideo Clip (3:14)
Video Clip (3:14)
Thanks to WWII veteran Roger Durbin the National WWII Memorial opened at the Rainbow Pool in 1995.
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Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress BomberVideo Clip (1:49)
Video Clip (1:49)
Marvel at the unprecedented speed, strength and seemingly endless range of the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber, one of the most recognizable heavy bombers of World War II.
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The Christmas Truce
The Christmas TruceVideo Clip (2:15)
Video Clip (2:15)
During WWII soldiers from opposing sides laid down their guns and celebrated Christmas together.
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World War II Tanks
World War II TanksVideo Clip (3:16)
Video Clip (3:16)
Armored tanks provided extra firepower and mobility during World War II.
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761st Activated
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The 761st Panther Tank division was called to duty in 1962.
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Voices of D-Day
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Our most powerful and genuine accounts of D-Day come from the veterans who live through this momentous piece of history.
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G.I. Bill: Famous Recpients
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6 Photos
By 1956, more than 7.8 million veterans had received benefits under the Servicemen's Readjustmen Act, also known as the G.I. Bill.
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Civil War: Artifacts
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Explore Civil War artifacts, from medical kits and personal hygiene items, to carbines and currency.
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Memorial Day
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17 Photos
Images of memorials and celebrations of the Memorial Day holiday.
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Faces of the Civil War
Faces of the Civil War(28 Photos)
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The Library of Congress recently acquired a rare collection of nearly 700 Civil War-era ambrotype and tintype photographs, donated by the Liljenquist family.
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World War II: Rest and Relaxation
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View photos of soliders from World War II
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Veterans Day: Remembering the Armistice
Veterans Day: Remembering the Armistice(13 Photos)
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Veterans Day falls on the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I on November 11, 1918. Meet several World War I veterans and read their reflections on that momentous occasion.
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Vietnam War: Leaders
Vietnam War: Leaders(15 Photos)
15 Photos
View images of the Presidents, politicians, and military leaders who influenced American involvement in the Vietnam War.
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Vietnam War
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The Vietnam War lasted longer than any other war in U.S. history and cost 58,000 American lives
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