WWIIVHP BLOG
Discover the latest from the WWII Veterans History Project.
Follow our journey of capturing the stories of WWII veterans, educating the next generation, and giving the past a future, one story at a time.
Ancestry Announces Partnership with the WWII Veterans History Project
To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the WWII Veterans History Project is proud to announce a partnership with Ancestry, the global leader in family history, to preserve and share the stories of those who served. Together, we are honoring this historic milestone by introducing Thank You For Your Story, a commemorative storytelling effort complete with a WWII discovery and preservation hub featuring curated record collections, preserving the firsthand accounts of 80 WWII veterans, and helping countless others unearth their own. It’s our way of saying, “Thank You For Your Story.”
Eighty-One Years After His Death in Normandy, a Soldier’s Memory Lives On
Eighty-one years ago today, on July 17, 1944, Staff Sergeant Orion L. Miller, Jr. was killed in action near Remilly-sur-Luzon, France, during the Normandy campaign. Born in 1918 in Terrell, Texas, Miller enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941 and was assigned to E Company, 330th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division. He joined his unit at the front on July 11, as they fought through the hedgerows against entrenched German forces. Just six days later, he was killed at age 26.
Victory in Europe 78 Years Later
78 years ago today, on May 8, 1945, the Allies accepted Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, marking the end of World War II in Europe. It was a day of triumph and jubilation, as millions of people across the world celebrated the return of peace to the European continent after nearly six years of destructive war.
WWII Combat Veteran Dies at 99
Please join us in remembering WWII Veteran Daniel Breier, who recently passed away in New York. He was 99. In 2019, we had the distinct privilege to capture his wartime memories, ensuring that his story of service and sacrifice lives on.
Honoring James Johnson: A Buffalo Soldier’s Courage in Italy
We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Maria and Jimmy Johnson, the children of Chief Warrant Officer James Milton Johnson, a WWII veteran who fought with the all-black 92nd Infantry Division. His history serving stateside with the 2nd Cavalry Division, overseas with the Buffalo Soldiers, and marrying an Italian woman and welcoming a child during the occupation of Italy is nothing short of incredible.
Captain Robert Herfort: A Battalion Surgeon's Gallantry in Normandy
Over the past few months, we’ve been researching the military service of Captain Robert Adolph Herfort, who served as a battalion surgeon in the 36th Armored Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Division, during World War II. He was twice wounded in Normandy and received the Silver Star medal for gallantry in action.
WWII Veteran Frank Klum Turns 100
Happy 100th birthday to WWII veteran Frank Klum! Surrounded by family, friends, and the local community, Frank was honored last weekend in a festive centennial celebration.
WWII VETERAN SHOT BY SNIPER IN BATTLE OF THE BULGE
We recently had the pleasure to meet and interview 97-year-old John Jeckovich, a WWII veteran who saw combat in the European Theater of Operations as a member of H Company, 291st Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Division…
WWII Veteran Recounts How He Saved The Life Of a Fellow Soldier in Combat
Bryce Thornton, veteran of the 104th Infantry Division, emotionally recounts how he saved a fellow soldier's life during WWII, 78 years ago…
GERMAN WWII PANZER COMMANDER DIES AT 99
Wolfgang Kloth, one of the last surviving German WWII veterans, died last week at the age of 99. As a Lieutenant in the Wehrmacht, Kloth served as a Panzer commander during the Battle of Kursk and in the Kurland Pocket, eventually surrendering to the Soviets and becoming a prisoner of war in the spring of 1945…
TRAILBLAZING US NAVY WAVES VETERAN DIES AT 101
Please join us in remembering Priscilla Getchell, a WWII veteran of the US Navy WAVES who passed away this week at the age of 101…
WWII COMBAT PHOTOGRAPHER TONY VACCARO TURNS 100
Please join us in wishing WWII veteran and world-renowned photographer Michael A. "Tony" Vaccaro a happy 100th birthday! Tony served in the 83rd Infantry Division and saw fierce combat throughout the European Theater, from Normandy, France, to the heart of Germany…
96-YEAR-OLD WWII 1ST ENGINEER COMBAT BN VETERAN
We recently had the opportunity to interview 96-year-old Lawrence Bailey, a WWII veteran who served as a Sergeant in the 1st Engineer Combat Battalion during the occupation of Germany.Although he never saw combat, Bailey’s job was hazardous – and instrumental in the US military’s efforts to denazify, stabilize, and rebuild Germany following World War II…
REMEMBERING PEARL HARBOR | 81ST ANNIVERSARY
Today marks the 81st anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, December 7, 1941. We honor all service members present during the attack and remember those who lost their lives on that fateful day…
A WWII THANKSGIVING
Happy Thanksgiving from the WWII Veterans History Project! Today, we are thankful for the sacrifices made by our nation’s Greatest Generation in fighting to preserve peace and democracy across the world…
WWII BATTLE OF THE BULGE VETERAN DIES AT 99
Please join us in remembering WWII Veteran Joseph Watson, who passed away last Tuesday in South Carolina. He was 99. Three years ago, we had the opportunity to join Watson on his return to the battlefield where he fought for the first time since the war…
VETERANS DAY 2022 — HONORING OUR GREATEST GENERATION
On this Veterans Day, we honor and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country in the armed forces…
US MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY
Happy 247th birthday, U.S. Marine Corps! Today we salute and honor all members of the Corps who have selflessly served and protected our country. Semper Fi!
97-YEAR-OLD 101ST AIRBORNE VETERAN OF NORMANDY
Michael Camasso is a 97-year-old WWII veteran of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division and one of the last surviving members of his unit, which saw fierce combat across the European theater from Normandy to Germany…
WWII US NAVY VETERAN DIES AT 96 | USS VELLA GULF
Please join us in remembering the life of WWII US Navy veteran Donald Tracy, who passed away today at the age of 96. Tracy was drafted during the height of WWII and chose to enter the Navy, following in his father’s footsteps…