United States Department of Defense United States Department of Defense

Turning points of World War II

U.S. Marines rest in the field on Guadalcanal, 1942. Navy photo courtesy of National Archives

Vets Gather at Arlington to Mark 70th Anniversary of Guadalcanal

Seventy years after the Aug. 7, 1942 start to what would be a brutal, six-month-long battle over an island in the South Pacific, veterans of Guadalcanal gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to pay respects to their fellow Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen. Fifteen members of the Guadalcanal Campaign Veterans Association gathered in the cemetery's amphitheater for a roll call of those known and to recognize the unknown battle buddies who had passed away over the last year. Story

Special Forces Honor WWII Veterans

To commemorate the 68th anniversary of D-Day U.S. Special Operation Forces conducted a military free fall nearby one of Normandy's most historic attractions. Story

Troops Honor French Village

U.S. Air Force reservists and other U.S. and allied military members paid their respects to the people Picauville, France, as part of a number of ceremonies recognizing the 68th anniversary of the Normandy D-Day invasion. Story

Vets Commemorate Landings

When Eugene Cook jumped into Normandy during the predawn hours of June 6, 1944, he landed several miles from his intended drop zone. Cook, 87, was among the handful of World War II veterans who attended the 68th anniversary of the D-Day landings this week. Story

Veterans, Troops Salute D-Day

U.S. and Allied military veterans of World War II and contemporay warriors attended commemoration events in France, including Operation Overlord, which marks the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944. Story

Airmen Help Preserve Historic Aircraft

Airmen and volunteers from the 19th Air Support Operations Squadron are restoring a World War II-era C-47 Skytrain, which was used in major airborne and glider-borne missions throughout Europe. Story

Paratroopers Jump in Normandy

When U.S. paratroopers jumped onto French soil during World War II, they were greeted with gunfire and bombs. Sixty-eight years later, they were met with cheers and handshakes. Story

Related Links

USS Enterprise Commemorates Battle

The crew of the current aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, CVN 65, commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Midway with a ceremony honoring the crew of the previous USS Enterprise, CV-6, whose air wing played a pivotal role in the Battle of Midway, June 4-7, 1944. Story

Veterans Visit Midway Atoll

Two veterans of the historic Battle of Midway returned to the battle site to observe the 70th anniversary of the conflict that changed the course of World War II in the Pacific. Story

Museum Highlights Historic Battle

Active duty, retired service members and their families commemorated the 70th Anniversary of The Battle of Midway aboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego. Story

Greenert Marks Midway Anniversary

Chief of Naval Operations Navy Adm. Jonathan Greenert delivered remarks at a wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Midway at the Navy Memorial. Story

Battle of Midway Commemoration Honors Role of Navy Intelligence

U.S. Pacific Fleet staff and guests gathered at the command's headquarters June 1 and recognized the critical role of Navy operational intelligence in the Battle of Midway during a ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary. Story

Americans, Australians Commemorate Significant World War II Pacific Battle

U.S. and Australian navy leaders marked the 68th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea, one of the most significant battles of World War II, with a wreath laying ceremony. It was the first naval battle fought solely with aircraft launched from carriers. Story

Japanese-American World War II
Vets Receive Bronze Star Medals

Forty U.S. military veterans who fought as part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during WWII received Bronze Stars for their combat service during a special ceremony in Washington, D.C. Story

Related Links

USS Underwood Hosts Pearl Harbor 70th Anniversary Remembrance

More than 200 veterans and guests gathered aboard USS Underwood Dec. 7, 2011 to honor and remember those who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor 70 years ago. Story

Related Links

Sailors, Veterans, Pay Tribute During 70th Anniversary of Battle of Midway

More Photo Essays

Remembering D-Day June 6, 1944

More Video