World War II
From December 1941 to September 1945, the U.S. was involved in WWII, the deadliest war in history. There was little time to mobilize following the Pearl Harbor bombing, and national cooperation was necessary. Wartime productions and draft rates soared, and the country became an asset for its Allies and a unified front on the global stage.
Photo: February 23, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan
Taken by Joe Rosenthal
Korean War
Off the heels of WWII, the Cold War became a new narrative in American households. The efforts made in Korea reflected an international fight for democracy and the U.S. backed South Korea for the length of the three year war.
Photo provided by Paul West Jr., U.S. Army
Veterans Through the Years
Richard Stroud, 17
Memphis, TN
December 1944
Richard Stroud, 96
Acworth, GA
March 1, 2023
Marilyn Simmerman, U.S. Air Force, WAF
March 17, 1952 - July 28, 1954
Korean War
Marilyn Simmerman
2023
Vietnam War
The U.S. continued to participate in foreign wars with its controversial involvement in Vietnam. For nine years, American troops were directly involved in support of the South Vietnamese. Back at home, infamous anti-war protests were taking place, sparking a cultural reset that many soldiers overseas were unaware of.
Photo: Vietnam, March 1965
Veterans Through the Years
Leonard Brooks, U.S. Army
July 26, 1963 - July 1, 1988
Vietnam War Combat Medic
Leonard Brooks with grandson during interview in Austin Texas 2022.
James Bligh in uniform
James Bligh, retired USMC 1st Lt. and UPS exec. 2017
Marily Simmerman, USAF Korean War era
The Secret War in Laos
During the CIA's secret war in Laos from 1961 to 1973, the Hmong and Lowland Lao, supported by the Royal Lao Army, joined forces with the CIA and U.S. Army Special Forces. Together, they aimed to disrupt communist supply routes along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. While the Hmong played a significant role, it is important to acknowledge the crucial contribution of the Lowland Lao and the Royal Lao Army in conducting reconnaissance missions, interdicting supply lines, and engaging in combat against communist forces. Their collaboration was central to the broader strategy employed by the CIA in its efforts to counter the communist threat in Laos.
Photo provided by Khemsenne Sonephet
COnflict in the Middle East
For decades, the U.S. and dozens of other nations have been drawn into conflict in the Middle East. From Operation Desert Storm to the Afghanistan War, there is a long history of American Service that continues today.
Photo provided by Victor Athakhan, U.S. Marine Corps