World War, 1939-1945

A armed Russian soldier leans against a pillar and watches citizens walking on a street in Berlin, Germany, In the background are buildings damaged by bombing in World War II. Donor: Barney Ricketts.

On a Sunday afternoon, German civilians stroll across a town square in Berlin. In the background are buildings damaged or destroyed by bombing in World War II. Donor: Barney Ricketts.

A street in Berlin, Germany, showing buildings damaged or destroyed by bombing in World War II. Donor: Barney Ricketts.

Snapshot of a sign at the site of the Truman Bridge (floating pontoon) that U. S. Forces established across the Elba River during World War II. The sign reads "Truman Bridge - Gateway to Berlin over the Elbe, Courtesy 83rd Thunderbolt Division." The bridge was completed and first used the day President Truman was sworn in, April 12, 1945. The camera and film were confiscated from a German officer who had been captured on the other side of the river. From: LTC Garland S. Dillon USAR RTD.

Snapshot of movie star Joe E. Brown dining with American servicemen. The event, date, location, and names of the other people are unknown. From: Jack C. Davis.

The Buckner Memorial near Itoman, Okinawa. Lieutenant General Simon Buckner was killed on this spot during the battle of Okinawa. As Commander of the American 10th Army, he was watching the progress of the battle. This memorial has the story engraved in English on one side and Japanese on the other.

Japanese officer signing documents at ceremonies in China marking the surrender of the Japanese to Allied forces. The exact date, location, and identities are unknown. From: Donald L. Jacobs - made available through Lennie Thacker, Commander of VFW Post 1000.

Japanese officer signing surrender documents at ceremonies in China marking the surrender of the Japanese to Allied forces. The exact date, location, and identities of the individuals are unknown. From: Donald L. Jacobs - made available through Lennie Thacker, Commander of VFW Post 1000.

Japanese officer signing surrender documents at ceremonies in China marking the surrender of the Japanese to Allied forces. The exact date, location, identities of the individuals are unknown. From: Donald L. Jacobs - made available through Lennie Thacker, Commander of VFW Post 1000.

American officer signing documents at ceremonies in China marking the surrender of the Japanese to Allied forces. The exact date and location are unknown. From: Donald L. Jacobs - made available through Lennie Thacker, Commander of VFW Post 1000.