greatest generation

We write about, and curate, World War II history on Tumblr. When freedom and democracy were in peril, an entire generation answered the call. It may be hard for us to imagine, but our grandparents and great-grandparents - when they were young like us -...

[greatestgeneration]

“Saving Private Ryan”

Marking the 20th anniversary of its premiere, the "Service on Celluloid" podcast examines the landmark WWII film. Listen and subscribe.

[greatestgeneration]

History Through the Viewfinder

The FDR Memorial reflects his radiant calm and leadership through the crashing storm of war. Learn more. 

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The Words of War

A Navajo code talker turns his language and culture into battlefield weapons. Learn more. 

[greatestgeneration]

The Rise of the Panzer Division

Sustained mobility was the game-changer of 20th-century warfare, and it gave Adolf Hitler the confidence to wage the greatest war in human history. Learn more.

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The Doolittle Raiders

WWII leadership lessons from the Museum’s Institute for the Study of War and Democracy. Learn more. 

[greatestgeneration]

The Words of War

WWII naval aviator Dusty Kleiss helps secure victory at Midway—and in his life. Learn more. 

[greatestgeneration]

History Through the Viewfinder

A memorial depicts FDR’s special relationship with ordinary Americans in a world verging on war. Read more. 

[greatestgeneration]

Last Ride at Anzio: The German Counterattacks, February 1944

How a forceful German counterattack in February 1944 could not push back the Allied Anzio landing. Read more. 

[greatestgeneration]

“Service on Celluloid”

Now on SoundCloud and iTunes: A "Service on Celluloid" minisode following up on our "The Best Years of Our Lives" episode, in which WWII veterans Francis Resta and John “J.J.” Witmeyer (pictured) discuss their return to civilian life after the war. Listen and subscribe. 

[greatestgeneration]

The Words of War

The personal cost of a great victory is brought home to a young pilot. Read more. 

[greatestgeneration]

Should Atomic Bombs Never Be Used as a Weapon?

From the Manhattan Project to Hiroshima and atomic diplomacy. Read the poll results. 

[greatestgeneration]

History Through the Viewfinder

A single teardrop symbolizes FDR’s tumultuous first term.

[greatestgeneration]

The Peninsula: The Crimea at War

How the strategic location of the diamond-shaped peninsula proved too much for the Germans. Read more.  

[greatestgeneration]

The Art of Perseverance: The Story of the Search for First Lieutenant Loren Hintz

Families with unrecovered loved ones should never give up. Read more.

[greatestgeneration]

The Words of War

The unforgettable sight of three Japanese carriers burning on the blue Pacific, described by a pilot who was there.

[greatestgeneration]

History Through the Viewfinder

The spirit of democracy in wartime connects two great presidential memorials. Read more here. 

[greatestgeneration]

D-Day in Film: Building Up to Saving Private Ryan

Marsha Gordon and Nicholas Cull examine screen depictions of the Normandy invasion. Watch it here.