This year marks the 75th anniversary for both Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day. These victories ended the deadliest and most destructive conflict in human history in its two major theatres: Europe and Asia. Millions of men and women served in the armed forces of the United States during the conflict. As time passes the number of Second World War veterans decreases daily.
On this Veteran’s Day let’s take a moment to remember the veterans who served during that terrible war and, if possible, thank a veteran for their service. I will highlight some books within our collection that pay special attention to the role the average soldier, marine, or sailor played.
Spearhead: An American Tank Gunner, His Enemy and a Collision of Lives in World War II by Adam Makos
The Women With Silver Wings: The Inspiring True Story of the Women Air Force Service Pilots of World War II by Katherine Sharp Landecker
The Women Who Wrote the War by Nancy Caldwell Sorel
Coffin Corner Boys: One Bomber, Ten Men, and Their Harrowing Escape from Nazi-Occupied France by Carole Engle Avriett
Helmet for My Pillow: From Parris Island to the Pacific by Robert Leckie
With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa by E.B. Sledge
Twenty-Tow on Peleliu: Four Pacific Campaigns with the Corps: The Memoirs of an Old Breed Marine by George Peto
The Fighting First: The Untold Story of the Big Red One on D-Day by Flint Whitlock
Sons and Soldiers: The Untold Story of the Jews Who Escaped the Nazis and Returned With the U.S. Army to Fight Hitler by Bruce Henderson
