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.
Read MoreWilliam Jerome Bell saw the first televised war up-close and personal as a Black combat photographer in Vietnam. In March of 2009, William was interviewed about his military experience for the Veterans History Project, telling his story about his time as a Company Clerk and Combat Photographer all while the United States underwent desegregation and a tremendously unpopular war.
Read MoreOn November 25, 1941, Jimmie was enlisted into the Air Corps; however, he would not remain in this position for long.
Read MoreDuring 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.
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 MoreEntering 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.
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 MoreAs an American soldier in World War II, Charlie Levy was a part of the 20th Armored Division, a division of the United States Army led by General Orlando Ward. He served as a sergeant tank commander.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreArchie 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.
Read MoreLieutenant Vincent Moore was among those in the Navy tasked with sharing his knowledge and experience from the Great War with soldiers who fought and died in the Second World War. After his military service, Vincent continued his commitment to education by teaching at both CU Boulder and the Rocky Flats Plant.
Read MoreIt is no small task to occupy the role of both veteran and advocate. But their calls to service are similar. Both are patriotic acts that strive to better the country which one calls home. One man in particular, named Godofredo “Fred” S. Gomez, shows how the two intersect.
Read MoreAlthough there are over 4 million Filipinx-Americans in the United States, their culture, languages, and traditions are rarely represented in predominantly white spaces and narratives. Second and third-generation Filipinos must lean on the legacy left by those like Felix B. Magalong Sr., who prove that Asians are accomplished enough to serve both their country at large and communities at home.
Read MoreBoth the experience and value of military service can mean a variety of different things to different people.
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 MoreDick joined the military during a tremendous time of desegregation in the United States. The military had already begun moving toward desegregation nine years earlier with the abolition of segregation in the Armed Forces.
Read MoreThroughout his whole life, from growing up in an immigrant family, to surviving the Communist Chinese prison camps, to solving his financial issues, and to challenging social and political norms, Ernest Contrearas was a true American hero.
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