How to Use Soldier Stories in the Classroom
Why Teach History Through Soldier Stories?
Soldier-centered history helps students:
- Understand why wars mattered to individuals—not just nations
- Examine leadership, duty, and moral decision-making under pressure
- Connect battlefield experiences to social change on the home front
- Practice historical empathy using letters, photographs, and oral history
How to Use Our Soldier Stories in the Classroom
- Primary Source Analysis
Many soldier stories include:
- Letters home
- Service records
- Training or deployment details
- Leadership & Ethics Discussions
Introduce challenges such as:
- Responsibility for lives under impossible conditions
- Balancing orders, innovation, and care for the wounded
- Decision-making under pressure
- Understand why war feels confusing and unresolved to those who fight it
- Explore leadership under conditions of political constraint and uncertainty
- Examine the human cost of a war
- Compare Cold War–era service with World War II and Vietnam
- Connecting the Front Lines to the Home Front
Use soldier stories to explore:
- Immigration and ethnic identity in the Army
- Industrial labor, women’s roles, and rationing
- Public opinion shaped by wartime messaging
- Extreme Conditions & Soldier Resilience
From brutal winters to rugged terrain, war service demanded:
- Physical endurance
- Psychological resilience
- Unit cohesion under constant pressure
Video Resources for History Instruction
The Army Heritage Center Foundation YouTube channel includes soldier-focused videos that work especially well for:
- Short classroom viewings
- Homework or flipped-classroom assignments
- Discussion starters
Curriculum Connections
These resources align well with:
- S. History
- Civics & Government
- Leadership and ethics courses
- Military history and ROTC programs
They support standards emphasizing:
- Use of primary sources
- Cause-and-effect analysis
- Historical interpretation and perspective-taking
- Analyzing primary and secondary sources
- Understanding geopolitical cause and effect
- Evaluating leadership decisions in historical context
Introduction: The First Gulf War Through Soldiers’ Voices
Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm marked a defining moment in late 20th-century American military history. From 1990–1991, hundreds of thousands of U.S. Army soldiers deployed to the Persian Gulf to deter Iraqi aggression and liberate Kuwait. These operations showcased technological innovation, rapid force projection, and coalition warfare led by the United States and allied nations.
At the Military Heritage Foundation, doing business as the Army Heritage Center Foundation (AHCF), we preserve the first-person stories of those who served — from front-line combat to engineering, logistics, and support roles. These narratives enrich our understanding of war’s human dimension for veterans, educators, students, and researchers alike.
Understanding Desert Shield & Desert Storm
- Operation Desert Shield (August 1990–January 1991) began with the U.S. military buildup in Saudi Arabia in response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.
- Operation Desert Storm (January 17–February 28, 1991) was the combat phase — a massive air and ground campaign that liberated Kuwait and reshaped modern warfare doctrine.
The U.S. Army played a central role in maneuvering armored forces, securing territory, and sustaining logistical support, illustrating the breadth of soldiers’ experiences beyond the battlefield.
Featured Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm Soldier Stories from AHCF’s Collection
On the AHCF Soldier Stories page, several narratives relate to the Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm era. These stories showcase a range of Army experiences, from front-line combat to specialized support roles.
Key Desert Shield / Desert Storm War Soldier Stories
- Sergeant Jesus Gonzalez – A soldier story about Objective Cobra from one of AHCF’s Boots on the ground honorees.
- Captain Jose Delgado – A soldier story about Objective Cobra from one of AHCF’s Boots on the ground honorees.
- Colonel Frank Hancock – A story about leadership and trusting your soldiers during Objective Cobra.
- General Richard Cody – Master army aviator and commander
These stories are developed from archival collections at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center and supported by AHCF donors and partners.
Video and Multimedia Resources for Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm Soldier Stories and Oral Histories
Visual and oral history content enriches understanding and accessibility. Below are featured video resources from our YouTube page you can embed or link that relate directly to the Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm Soldier experience:
Desert Redleg: Artillery Warfare in the First Gulf War with COL(R) L. Scott Lingamfelter
When Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990, triggering the First Gulf War, a coalition of 35 countries led by the United States responded with Operation Desert Storm, which culminated in a 100 hour coordinated air strike and ground assault that repelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait. An 8 day barrage of artillery fire made this seemingly rapid offensive possible.
A veteran and former redleg (field artilleryman) of the 1st Infantry Division Artillery (the “Big Red One”), Col. L. Scott Lingamfelter, recounts the logistical and strategic decisions that led to a coalition victory, provides a boots-on-the-ground perspective on the artillery bombardment, and attempts to answer the question of whether the United States “got the job done” in its first sustained Middle Eastern conflict.
On February 23rd, 2021, the Army Heritage Center Foundation held a public event – The Eve of Battle: Operation Desert Storm’s 30th Anniversary Commemoration. From 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM (corresponding to 3:30 AM to 4:30 AM, February 24, Riyadh time), we heard reminiscences from Gulf War Veterans, General Franks reflect on the war, and paused to mark the precise moment that ground operations to liberate Kuwait began.
Desert Storm Retrospective with COL Frank Hancock, USA Retired
Colonel (Ret.) Frank Hancock graduated from the United States Military Academy, at West Point, NY in 1972. Upon graduation, Hancock was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Infantry. Colonel Hancock served thirty years in the Army and finished his Army career as the Chairman of the Department of Military Strategy, Plans and Operations at the US Army War College. In 1990, during Desert Shield and Desert Storm he commanded an Infantry Battalion in the 101st Air Assault Division.
Primary Source and Oral History Resources
For researchers, teachers, and students looking for primary documents and deeper narratives:
National Archives – Veterans Oral Histories
A series of oral history interviews with veteran National Archives employees about their time in the service.
Interview with Rick Atkinson, author of Crusade: The Untold Story of the Persian Gulf War.
Americans in War Time Experience: Voices of Freedom
The Voices of Freedom YouTube channel provides veterans of wartime and those serving on the home front an opportunity to record and preserve their stories. Stories are captured on video and a copy provided to the veteran. Each veteran who participates also receives their own personalized page on our website.
Using These Soldier Stories for Teaching & Learning
For Teachers
- Use first-person narratives to teach about the Gulf War era, military strategy, and coalition operations.
- Pair videos with classroom discussion prompts on topics like technology in modern warfare and soldier life in deployment.
For Students
- Analyze how diverse Army roles contributed to mission success.
- Compare oral histories with official histories to understand individual vs. institutional perspectives.
For Researchers
- Supplement AHCF content with official oral histories and military history interviews from government and archival sources (Army Center of Military History, National Archives).
- Examine the evolution of warfare doctrine, logistics, and U.S. Army force structure during the Gulf War era.
Contextual Resources & Further Reading
- Military history overviews of Desert Shield/Storm operation timelines and strategy.
- Oral history archives such as those hosted by the U.S. Army Center of Military History and other veteran oral history projects.
Conclusion: Remembering and Understanding Through Soldier Stories
The story of Desert Shield and Desert Storm goes beyond strategy and campaign dates: it lives in the words of the soldiers who served. By capturing and sharing these personal narratives, AHCF honors their service and provides rich educational materials for all audiences.
Introduction: Why Vietnam Soldier Stories Matter
The Vietnam War was one of the most complex, transformative, and personally profound conflicts in American and Army history. For the 2.7 million U.S. service members who served “in country,” each veteran’s experience was unique — shaped by geography, unit role, combat, and daily life in a far-away land filled with dense jungle, heat, and uncertainty.
At the Military Heritage Foundation, doing business as the Army Heritage Center Foundation (AHCF), we have a mandate to preserve and share these lived experiences. Through first-person accounts, archival materials, and curated multimedia, we connect veterans, history educators, students, and researchers with the human stories behind historical events.
The Army Heritage Center Foundation (armyheritage.org), is a charitable organization separate from the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center. As a private, nonprofit, non-Federal entity, AHCF is not affiliated with the Department of Defense and has no governmental status.
Featured Vietnam Soldier Stories from AHCF’s Collection
On the AHCF Soldier Stories page, several narratives relate to the Vietnam era. These stories showcase a range of Army experiences, from front-line combat to specialized support roles.
Key Vietnam War Soldier Stories
- Resilience: U.S. Soldiers in Vietnam – Personal accounts from soldiers in Vietnam.
- Lieutenant Colonel Marguerite Tussey – Vietnam Combat Nurse
- Lonnie Frampton: We Were Never Here – A story of Army service in communications and Radio Research in Vietnam.
- 2nd Lieutenant George Pappas – The struggles and resilience of being a prisoner of war.
- COL Walter “Joe” Marm Jr. – The Battle of Ia Drang – A first-hand account of leadership and combat in one of the Army’s major early engagements.
- Hearts and Minds: SGT Joe Boslet – Vietnam – MACV – A story of service within Military Assistance Command, Vietnam.
- Colonel Benjamin Purcell: 5 Years in Hell – Vietnam – POW – A dramatic survival and leadership story.
- Dennis O’Connor: Saving Lives with Supplies – Vietnam War – Logistics and the critical daily work behind the frontline.
These stories are developed from archival collections at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center and supported by AHCF donors and partners.
Video and Multimedia Resources for Vietnam War Soldier Stories and Oral Histories
Visual and oral history content enriches understanding and accessibility. Below are featured video resources from our YouTube page you can embed or link that relate directly to the Vietnam Soldier experience:
A Dove Amongst Eagles with Linda Patterson and COL (R) Frank Hancock
In 1968, in response to her brother’s letter from Vietnam, Linda began an effort to link her city to her brother’s unit, the 327th Infantry Regiment. Over time, she developed a National program, America Supporting Americans, that connects communities and their citizens to military units. Today she serves the Founder and President of the organization.
COL (R) Frank Hancock commanded the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Just prior to his unit’s deployment to Saudi Arabia, Linda Patterson gave him a call. Throughout the deployment and after, his Soldiers benefited from Linda’s efforts to connect the battalion with her city of San Mateo.
Abandoned in Hell: The Fight For Vietnam’s Firebase Kate – Captain Bill “Hawk” Albracht, U.S.A. Ret.
After five days of North Vietnamese Army human wave attacks and almost constant fire & steel incoming, the word came to the defenders of Firebase Kate that they would not be reinforced and resupply looked doubtful. Critically low on ammo & water and outnumbered three dozen to one, the decision was made to attempt a night break-out through enemy lines. They prayed for a miracle and air support. They got one.
Taking Fire! Memoir of an Aerial Scout in Vietnam with COL (R) David L. Porter
As a first lieutenant in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, U.S. Army pilot David Porter was section leader in an Aerial Scout platoon in Vietnam. Their mission was to conduct reconnaissance in OH-6 aircraft (Light Observation Helicopter or “Loach”) near the Cambodian border. Finding and engaging the enemy at low altitude in coordination with an AH-1 Cobra gunship circling above, these units developed a remarkable method of fighting the Viet Cong: Hunter-Killer Operations. The tactic had great local success but died with the war. Few today are aware of the hazards these pilots faced during times of intense combat. Porter’s vivid memoir recounts the internal workings of a legendary air cavalry troop, in-the-cockpit combat actions, and the men who were key players on this perilous battleground.
The Blackhorse in Vietnam: The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam and Cambodia, 1966–1972
When the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment arrived in South Vietnam, in September 1966, the unit faced a number of challenges: The enemy—Viet Cong (VC) and North Vietnamese Army (NVA); but also the terrain and weather. The lack of doctrine and tactics for the employment of armored cavalry in a counterinsurgency was equally challenging—especially during the pre-deployment training and initial combat operations.
Our speaker, Donald Snedeker, discusses how the unit responded to these challenges and became the most lethal brigade-sized unit in Vietnam.
Medal of Honor Lessons of Core Values – COL Joe Marm, USA Ret. on Sacrifice
Walter Marm is a native of the Pittsburgh area and served in the U.S. Army for 30 years, retiring as a Colonel in 1995. He joined the Army in 1964 after graduating from Duquesne University and deployed to Vietnam as a Platoon leader in Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division in September 1965. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle of Ia Drang in November of 1965, when he single-handedly destroyed an enemy machine-gun position and several of its defenders, suffering severe wounds in the process. Marm survived his wounds and was subsequently promoted to first lieutenant; on December 19, 1966, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. After recovering from wounds sustained during the battle, he requested to return to Vietnam and served a second tour in 1969. The story of the battle and his unit’s actions in it were portrayed in the book and movie We Were Soldiers. COL Marm has taught at the Ranger School and the U.S. Military Academy and holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Georgia. He is also a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College and served in the Pentagon and the 25th Infantry Division and commanded the 2nd battalion, 2nd Infantry Training Brigade and 157th Separate Infantry Brigade (Mechanized). Colonel Marm is the 2015 Recipient of the Army Heritage Center Foundation’s Living Legend Award and lives in North Carolina with his wife.
Why Hanoi Won the Vietnam War by Dr. Pierre Asselin
This presentation explores how the Vietnamese communist David succeeded in defeating the American Goliath. Specifically, it addresses key strategies and tactics used by policymakers in Hanoi to outsmart and ultimately outplay their counterparts in Washington and bring about the reunification of Vietnam under their own exclusive control.
Pierre Asselin is the author of A Bitter Peace: Washington, Hanoi, and the Making of the Paris Agreement (2002), Hanoi’s Road to the Vietnam War, 1954-1965 (2013), and Vietnam’s American War: A History (2018). He is co-editor with Lien-Hang Nguyen of The Cambridge History of the Vietnam War, Volume III: Endings (forthcoming).
COL (R) Keith Nightingale presents Just Another Day in Vietnam
COL Nightingale discusses a major action that occurred in June 1967 while he served as an advisor to the elite 52nd Vietnamese Ranger Battalion. That month, the Battalion was drawn into a fight with a main force Viet Cong (VC) regiment. The action was planned at the highest level of the North Vietnamese government— its objective was to isolate an elite South Vietnamese unit and annihilate it in order to destroy southern morale. The action marked a beginning of a new strategic direction, the first of many similar efforts. COL Nightingale’s narrative is drawn from many sources to include Soldiers of the 52nd Vietnamese Ranger Battalion that were captured and later released.
Joe Galloway – on Books and Movies
Lesson Learned: My experience researching and writing three best-selling books. Plus: How Hollywood made two feature films telling the story about my friends and me.
Combat Leadership Webinar with Joe Galloway
A closeup look at the combat leadership of Generals Hal Moore, Barry McCaffrey, and Norman Schwarzkopf.
The Vietnam War Re Examined – with COL Harry Rothmann, USA Retired
COL (R) Harry Rothmann discusses the ongoing reevaluation of the Vietnam War based on U.S. and North Vietnamese archival resources that are now becoming available.
Harry Rothmann is a 1967 graduate the United States Military Academy at West Point. He is a retired Army Colonel who served in infantry, airborne, and ranger units for over 29 years. He led an infantry platoon and company in combat in Vietnam; commanded an air assault battalion in the 101st Airborne Division; served on the Army and Joint Staffs in the Pentagon; and was a teacher at West Point and the National War College. Harry holds a MA in History from the University of North Carolina and a MA in National Security Studies from the Naval War College. He is also the author of two books: None Will Surpass: A Story of the Four Decade Service and Sacrifice of the West Point Class of 1967 and Warriors and Fools: How America’s Leaders Lost the Vietnam War and Why It Still Matters.
Primary Source and Oral History Resources
For researchers, teachers, and students looking for primary documents and deeper narratives:
Library of Congress – Vietnam Veteran Stories
A collection of first hand narratives by Vietnam War veterans, capturing memories from Saigon to Khe Sanh.
Millions of scanned documents, photos, oral histories, and sound recordings documenting the American Vietnam experience, useful for class assignments and academic research.
PBS Learning Media – Soldier Accounts
A U.S. veteran recounts Vietnam battle experiences, ideal for classroom discussion and study.
Using These Soldier Stories for Teaching & Learning
For Teachers:
- Incorporate soldier stories as primary source interpretations in lesson plans on war, civic duty, or 20th-century history.
- Match videos and personal narratives with curricular themes such as combat experience, homefront reactions, and postwar veterans’ lives.
For Students:
- Use first-hand accounts to write essays, develop presentations, or compare perspectives across ranks and roles.
- Analyze multimedia sources alongside archived documents to understand how soldiers’ stories shape collective memory.
For Researchers:
- Pair AHCF narratives with archival research from the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center collections and national repositories for deep contextual studies.
Closing: Preserving Memory, Inspiring Understanding
Through storytelling, archival preservation, and educational engagement, the Army Heritage Center Foundation ensures that the voices of Vietnam War soldiers continue to educate, inspire, and inform future generations. Each narrative — whether frontline combat, supply support, or long years as a POW — contributes to a fuller, more humane history of America’s Army.
Introduction: Using Soldier Stories to Explore the Korean War
Often called “The Forgotten War,” the Korean War (1950–1953) was anything but insignificant. It was the first major armed conflict of the Cold War, shaped modern U.S. military doctrine, and set the pattern for limited wars that would follow in Vietnam and beyond.
The Army Heritage Center Foundation’s Soldier Stories program helps teachers bring the Korean War into sharper focus through the lived experiences of American soldiers—men and women who fought in extreme conditions, navigated unclear political objectives, and returned home to a country that often struggled to understand their service.
Featured Korean War Soldier Stories from AHCF’s Collection
On the AHCF Soldier Stories page, many narratives relate to the Korean War era. These stories showcase a range of Army experiences, from front-line combat to specialized support roles:
Korean War Soldier Stories
- Brigadier General James Herbert – Leadership during the Korean War.
- First Lieutenant Jack Davis Smawley – Served in both World War II and the Korean War.
- Staff Sergeant Richard Turner – A soldier in Charlie Company, 23rd Regimental Combat Team, 2nd Division
- Lieutenant Colonel Hannah Marguerite Tussey – Army nurse whose World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War service included frontline surgical support, later influencing wider Army medical practices.
- Private First Class Willie J. Eaglin – A soldier who loved his country.
- Colonel Robert Black – Fought in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Each story highlights different aspects of Army life — from frontline combat to frontline medicine and the environmental challenges of global deployment. These stories are developed from archival collections at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center and supported by AHCF donors and partners.
Video and Multimedia Resources for Korean War Soldier Stories and Histories
Visual and oral history content brings Korean War soldier experiences to life and complements written narratives on AHCF’s YouTube channel.
Attack at Chosin: The Chinese Second Offensive in Korea with Dr. Xiao-Bing Li
Based on Chinese sources, Li explores the relatively neglected Chinese battle story, which provides some insights into the internal weakness and behavior of those who fought against the UN forces in Korea. The battle of Chosin had tested the limits of Chinese military power and exposed the huge gap between the PLA and U.S. armed forces.
Tragedy and Triumph: Escape from Chosin with Dr. Michael Lynch
The Chosin Reservoir is etched on the heart of every Marine, and the Chosin Few sit beside Task Force Faith In the pantheon of military heroes. Much is known about the epic Struggle in November in December 1950 that saw a United Nations Command nearing final victory, only to be reversed by a Chinese counterattack on a colossal scale. the story of the soldiers and Marines battling the elements as well as the enemy is the stuff of legend. Less is known, however, about the near miraculous withdrawal and successful evacuation. MG Edward “‘Ned” M. Almond managed to evacuate X Corps and its 100,000 American and Korean Soldiers and Marines, as well as 100,000 civilian refugees from Hungnam.
Using These Soldier Stories for Teaching & Learning
For Teachers:
- Integrate Soldier Stories into lesson plans on the Korean War or homefront support.
- Use video content followed by guided questions on strategy, morale, or technological change.
For Students:
- Compare multiple first-person accounts to identify common themes (courage, hardship, adaptation).
- Write research essays based on a Soldier’s narrative from your site.
For Researchers:
- Use AHCF Soldier Stories as a starting point and supplement with archival materials from the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center or other repositories.
Introduction: Why Personal Stories from World War II Matter
World War II was a defining chapter in American and global history. For the millions of U.S. Army Soldiers who served across Europe, the Pacific, North Africa, and beyond, the war was experienced through intense combat, personal sacrifice, logistical innovation, and enduring resilience. At the Military Heritage Foundation, doing business as the Army Heritage Center Foundation (AHCF), preserving and sharing the first-person stories of these Soldiers helps connect veterans, educators, students, and researchers with the human dimension of history.
These authentic accounts — whether through documents, diaries, or oral histories — enrich understanding of how World War II shaped both individuals and nations.
Featured World War II Soldier Stories from AHCF’s Collection
On the AHCF Soldier Stories page, many narratives relate to the World War II era. These stories showcase a range of Army experiences, from front-line combat to specialized support roles.
World War II Soldier Stories
- Technical Sergeant Richard Weaver – A narrative of the Battle of the Bulge.
- Lieutenant Colonel Hannah Marguerite Tussey – Army nurse whose World War II service included frontline surgical support, later influencing wider Army medical practices.
- Captain Dorothy Beavers Pecora – Served in Europe as a nurse in General Patton’s Third Army, providing surgical and triage care under challenging conditions, including during the Battle of the Bulge.
- Staff Sergeant John Minick – A soldier story from Hürtgen Forest.
- Anna Nydes – A WAC at Nuremberg.
- First Lieutenant Jack Davis Smawley – Served in both World War II and the Korean War.
- Henry Ferri – Storming the beaches on D-Day.
- Lionel Pinn – A Native American soldier goes to war.
- Liberators: The U.S. Army and the Concentration Camps of World War II
- Staff Sergeant Richard L. McBride – A soldier story from the European theater.
- How Comanche Heritage Helped Win the War: Charles J. Chibitty and the Code Talkers
- Willard Dominick – Diary excerpts and original artwork depicting life and combat across the Pacific Theater (Guadalcanal, Solomons, Luzon), offering vivid insight into a Soldier’s daily experience.
- Designing for Victory 1914-1945 – Posters from the collection of the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center.
- Defending the Long Road to Freedom: Benjamin Oliver Davis
- Malaria in World War II – A thematic story about how disease affected Soldiers in the South Pacific and how the Army adapted prevention and treatment in harsh environments.
Each story highlights different aspects of Army life — from frontline combat to frontline medicine and the environmental challenges of global deployment. These stories are developed from archival collections at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center and supported by AHCF donors and partners.
Video and Multimedia Resources for World War II Soldier Stories and Oral Histories
Visual and oral history content brings World War II soldier experiences to life and complements written narratives on AHCF’s YouTube channel.
Gavin at War: The World War II Diary of Lieutenant General James M. Gavin
Lieutenant General James Gavin is one of the best-known military leaders of WWII. Often referred to as “Jumpin’ Jim,” he began the war as the commander of the 505th Parachute Combat Team. His unit spearheaded the American assault on Sicily in July 1943. On D-Day Gavin served as the Assistant Division Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division. By the Fall of 1944, Gavin advanced to command the Division and by the end of the year commanded US forces in Berlin. Throughout this time, he kept a wartime diary.
Chloe Gavin Beatty and COL(R) Keith Nightingale will bring to life LTG Gavin’s wartime experiences, discuss his leadership style and highlight his skills as a technical innovator and as a superb training of airborne Soldier. Their conversation should cause the audience to think about how Gavin might advise leaders of Soldiers today.
Sharpen Your Bayonets: LTG John Wilson “Iron Mike” O’Daniel, 3rd Infantry Division Commander in WWII
John Wilson “Iron Mike” O’Daniel was one of the U.S. Army’s great fighting generals of the 20th century. He began his military career with the Delaware Militia in 1914, served on the Mexican border in 1916, received a Distinguished Service Cross in World War I, was Mark Clark’s man for hard jobs in the early days of World War II, and commanded the storied 3rd Infantry Division from Anzio to the end of the war in Europe, ending the war in Salzburg after liberating Munich, and Hitler’s Berghof and Eagle’s Nest on the Obersalzberg, Bavaria, Germany. “Iron Mike “commanded I Corps in Korea 1951–1952 and ended his career as the Chief of the Military Assistance Advisory Group in Vietnam in the early days of American involvement there.
LTC Tim Stoy paints a vivid picture of this great American warrior who played an important role in World War II and became an ardent anti-Communist crusader after duty in Moscow as Military Attaché 1948–1950.
At First Light: A True WWII Story of a Hero, His Bravery, and an Amazing Horse by Walt Larimore, MD
Dr. Walt Larimore will chronicle the story of Phil Larimore who grew up in the 1930s in Memphis, Tennessee. Sent by his parents to a military academy, after Pearl Harbor, Phil realizes he is destined for war. He enlists and three weeks before his eighteenth birthday, he becomes the youngest candidate to ever graduate from Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning, Georgia. Serving with the 3rd Infantry Division, He lands at the Anzio beachhead in February 1944 and fights his way up the Italian boot, into Southern France and across the Rhine River into Germany. His experiences in the last weeks of the war are most compelling.
An emotional tale of courage, daring, and heroism, At First Light will remind you of the indomitable human spirit that lives in all of us.
War of Supply: World War II Allied Logistics in the Mediterranean with David Dworak
David Dworak breaks down the nuances of strategic operations for each of the great Mediterranean military campaigns between 1942 and the conclusion of World War II in Europe on May 8, 1945. Dworak discusses how the vast administrative bureaucracy developed by the Allies waged a literal “war of matériel” that gave them a distinct, strategic advantage over the Axis powers. From North Africa to Southern France, their continued efforts and innovation developed the framework that helped create and maintain the theater of war and, ultimately, paved the path to victory.
Henry Ferri – Storming the Beaches of Normandy
On June 6, 1944, Henry Ferri was on board an LCI headed for the Omaha Beach when the ship hit a mine and started to sink. Against the odds, despite heavy fire from German machine guns and 88 millimeter guns, Henry made his way to shore, fought through intense resistance to exit the beach up the Coleville Draw, and lived to tell the tale. Here, in his own words, is his story.
Black Soldiers of the 92nd Infantry Division in Italy with Professor Robert Jefferson
The 92nd Infantry (“Buffalo”) Division was the last segregated (all-black) U.S. Army division and the only black division to fight in World War II in Europe. Many of the references to the division in earlier histories reflected generally unfavorable evaluations on their performance in battle. Professor Jefferson’s talk will review his analysis of numerous records and interviews and will be framing the experiences of the 92nd Infantry Division in the context of their encounters with Italian partisans.
Loss and Redemption at St. Vith: The 7th Armored Division in the Battle of the Bulge
Loss and Redemption at St Vith closes a gap in the historiography of the Battle of the Bulge recounting the story of the 7th Armored Division’s defense of St Vith. Forced to withdraw on 22 December 1944 the “Lucky Seventh” reconstituted and retook St Vith 23 January 1945. Unlike most histories of the Battle of the Bulge this narrative examines the campaign through the lens of a single division and accounting for the reconstitution of the Division in combat.
The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line with MG(R) Mari K. Eder
The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line takes you inside the lives and experiences of 15 unknown women heroes from the Greatest Generation, the women who served, fought, struggled, and made things happen during WWII―in and out of uniform, for theirs is a legacy destined to embolden generations of women to come.
Facing the Mountain with Daniel James Brown
The journey of four Japanese-American families and their sons, who volunteered for 442nd Regimental Combat Team and were deployed to France, Germany, and Italy.
Fallen Tigers: The Fate of America’s Missing Airmen in China during World War II with Dan Jackson
Historian Daniel Jackson, himself a combat-tested pilot, sheds light on the stories of downed aviators who attempted to evade capture by the Japanese in their bid to return to Allied territory. In gripping detail, he reveals that the heroism of these airmen was equaled, and often exceeded, by the Chinese soldiers and civilians who risked their lives to return them safely to American hands.
A Combat Engineer With Patton’s Army with Lois Lembo and Leon Reed
This presentation is based on a book, A Combat Engineer with Patton’s Army: The Fight Across Europe With the 80th “Blue Ridge” Division in World War II. The book is heavily based on engineer records and the letters home written by Sergeant Frank Lembo, a squad leader in the 305th Engineer Combat Battalion. The book describes the engineers’ work in contested river crossings of the Moselle, Seille, and Sauer rivers and the fighting of the 80th Division that the 305th supported, including the relief of Bastogne. It also gives first hand insights into the life of the front-line GI.
Danger 79er: Life and Times of Lieutenant General James F. Hollingsworth with Dr. James H. Willbanks
Lt. Gen. James F. Hollingsworth was a three-time recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross along with four Silver Stars, six Purple Hearts, and a host of additional medals and commendations.
Hollingsworth entered the US Army as a second lieutenant upon graduation from the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A&M University). In World War II, while leading tanks in Gen. George S. Patton’s Third Army, Hollingsworth encountered dug-in German defenders. He lined up his thirty-four tanks and issued a command rarely heard in modern warfare: Charge! Patton later recognized Hollingsworth as one of the two best armored battalion commanders in the war.
Twenty years later, Hollingsworth served in Vietnam, where he became identified by the radio call-sign of “Danger 79er,” a designation that remained for the duration of his career. He later served in South Korea commanding I Corps (ROK/US) Group, the largest combined field army in the world. Even after retirement from active duty, Hollingsworth continued to serve as a military adviser during the Cold War.
The Tuskegee Airmen with BG (Ret.) Leon Johnson, USAF Ret.
In spite of adversity and limited opportunities, African Americans have played a significant role in U.S. military history. They were denied military leadership roles and skilled training because many believed they lacked the intelligence, skill, courage and patriotism for such an endeavor. Before 1940, African Americans were barred from flying for the U.S. military. Civil rights organizations and the black press exerted pressure that resulted in the U.S. Army Air Corps forming a segregated African-American aviation training program based in Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1941. They became known as the Tuskegee Airmen because of where much of their training occurred. This presentation will give background on who they were and what the accomplished both during and after WW II. It will conclude by connecting the topic of diversity from WW II to current world events
On Nov 26, 1943, the HMT Rohna was attacked and sunk while transporting troops in the Mediterranean. 1,138 men were killed of which 1,015 were U.S. personnel. The attack was the largest loss of U.S. troops at sea due to enemy action in a single incident. However, the War Department was slow to release the true cause of the sinking. Not until 1967 was a more complete history of the event revealed.
Jason Markiewitz and Michael Walsh present the events surrounding the attack and the sinking and their organization’s continuing effort to bring this story to the public.
Sacrifice Remembered: Posthumous Awards of the Purple Heart in WWII with David Schwind
A military medal is simply a piece of metal attached to a colored piece of cloth. Its significance is much more important. A medal is tangible proof of someone’s courage – sometimes at the cost of their life. David Schwind examines the posthumous awarding of the Purple Heart, our Nation’s oldest award, and some of the recipients of the award who “gave their all” during WWII.
Medal of Honor – Lessons of Core Values – Courage with Corporal Hershel “Woody” Williams
At the time this video was recorded, Corporal Hershel (Woody) Williams was one of the two still living Medal of Honor recipients from World War II. In addition, he is the only surviving Marine to have received the Medal of Honor during World War II, and was the only surviving Medal of Honor recipient from the Pacific theater of the war.
The Port of Chicago Explosion – July 1944 – with Dr. Alexander Nemerov
In July 1944, an ammunition ship exploded while being loaded in Port Chicago, California, killing some 332 people. Two-thirds of those killed were black. Survivors tasked with returning to their duties less than a month later refused to carry out the orders. Fifty men were put on trial and convicted of mutiny and sentenced to up to 15 years of hard labor. These men were finally exonerated in 2019.
The Ritchie Boys with Bernard Lubran
It was the perfect revenge. They fled Nazi persecution and came to America, where they entered the U.S. Army during World War II. Because they knew the language and culture of the enemy better than anyone, they were sent to a Maryland military intelligence training center called Camp Ritchie (now Fort Ritchie) and taught to interrogate or wage psychological warfare against the Nazis. History knows them as the Ritchie Boys.
Bernard Lubran, an authority on The Ritchie Boys and the son of a Ritchie Boy, will give us an extraordinary insight into this important part of WWII history with roots in Maryland. He is the President of the Friends of Camp Ritchie, an educational non-profit organization whose purpose is to educate the public about the importance of Camp Ritchie, MD, and the soldiers who trained there during World War II, and helps Ritchie Boy family members share stories, photos, and memories.
The U.S. Army and Atomic War with Professor Brian Linn, Texas A&M University
In the wake of the Korean War the U.S. Army transformed itself to wage atomic war against the Soviet Union. In an unprecedented transformation initiative it changed its force structure, doctrine, and equipment. At the same time, the Army underwent its greatest social transformation: integrating African-Americans; dependent on conscripts and reserve officers, and assuming responsibility for the moral, education;, and physical development of American males. Almost forgotten today, the Atomic Army can provide important lessons as today’s Army faces the challenges of the 21st Century.
Letters Home with Mary Owen and Catherine Ladnier
Write, write, write. So said General John J. Pershing to Americans on the home-front during World War I. The General urged Americans to write long, cheerful letters, telling not of great events but the little things at home. “Our boys” want long, cheerful letters. News from home. News from home. Letters were the lifeline for the servicemen and women during World War II. We will explore first hand the letters Soldiers wrote to two women back on the home-front.
Join Mary Owen and Catherine Ladnier as they share the letters received by their mothers from Soldiers serving over there. Mary Owen’s mother, actress Donna Reed, was America’s sweetheart. Eva Lee Brown, Catherine’s mother, was the devoted sister of a brave soldier. Both women kept the home fires burning.
The End of the War in Europe Webinar with Dr. Brooke Blades
Dr. Brooke Blades discusses the events leading up to the end of World War II in Europe and Germany’s surrender.
Atomic Bomb Lecture with Dr. Conrad Crane
Atomic Bomb lecture with Dr. Conrad Crane, Chief of the Historical Services Division at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center.
The airborne operations of the American 17th and British 6th Airborne Divisions during the Second World War are actions that many people know little or nothing about today. Dr. Brooke Blades discusses efforts of these two divisions that began in March 1945 and their subsequent efforts during the first week of April. Photographs and maps are used to illustrate aspects of the landings on March 24, 1945 and subsequent events.
Dr Brooke Blades is an archaeologist and historian whose research has included examinations of World War II sites in France, Belgium, Holland, and Luxembourg. An interest in Normandy first emerged during a visit in 1986 and has expanded beyond an initial focus on documenting the landscape of Omaha Beach. He has lectured frequently on the Normandy Campaign and is the author of the Americans on D-Day & in Normandy. His new book The Americans from the Ardennes to VE Day was published by Pen and Sword Ltd in 2020.
Contextual Themes for Educators & Researchers
World War II Soldier stories span a broad range of experiences. Use these thematic highlights to structure educational content:
- Combat Experiences and Major Campaigns
Stories like the Battle of the Bulge and Pacific operations exemplify Soldiers’ bravery and tactical challenges. Pair these with unit histories and Soldier accounts for deeper engagement.
- Daily Life & Non-Combat Challenges
The impact of disease, logistics, and long deployments shaped Soldier morale and capability — as seen in stories like Malaria in World War II.
- Medicine & Support Roles
Army nurses like Captain Dorothy Beavers Pecora and Lieutenant Colonel Hannah Marguerite Tussey provided critical medical support under fire, illustrating the indispensable role of Army Medical Corps personnel.
- First-Person Documents & Diaries
Primary sources such as Willard Dominick’s diary entries give students direct access to thoughts, emotions, and experiences from the front lines.
Using These Soldier Stories for Teaching & Learning
For Teachers:
- Integrate Soldier Stories into lesson plans on World War II campaigns or homefront support.
- Use video content followed by guided questions on strategy, morale, or technological change.
For Students:
- Compare multiple first-person accounts to identify common themes (courage, hardship, adaptation).
- Write research essays based on a Soldier’s narrative from your site.
For Researchers:
- Use AHCF Soldier Stories as a starting point and supplement with archival materials from the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center or other repositories.
Conclusion: Remembering World War II through Soldier Voices
World War II shaped a generation of Soldiers whose personal stories reflect courage, sacrifice, and service. By preserving and sharing these narratives, the Army Heritage Center Foundation ensures that future generations — from veterans to students — can learn from and honor the lived experiences of those who served.
Introduction: Why World War I Soldier Stories Are Important
World War I marked the United States’ emergence as a global military power—and for millions of American soldiers, it was their first experience of industrialized, modern warfare. The Army Heritage Center Foundation’s Soldier Stories program offers teachers a powerful way to bring this pivotal conflict into the classroom through real people, primary sources, and firsthand perspectives.
Using our Soldier Stories archive and video content on YouTube, educators can move beyond dates and battles to explore how World War I reshaped American identity, military leadership, and civilian life at home.
Featured World War I Soldier Stories from AHCF’s Collection
On the AHCF Soldier Stories page, many narratives relate to the World War I era. These stories showcase a range of Army experiences, from front-line combat to specialized support roles:
World War I Soldier Stories
- Eddie Rickenbacker – Ace combat pilot during World War I.
- Laura May Nell – A World War I nurse.
- Howard Munder – A bugler with the 28th Infantry Division
- Paul H. Totten – Fighting in Russia during World War I.
- Donald Kyler – Enlisted at sixteen years old to serve in the Army in 1917.
Each story highlights different aspects of Army life — from frontline combat to frontline medicine and the environmental challenges of global deployment. These stories are developed from archival collections at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center and supported by AHCF donors and partners.
Video and Multimedia Resources for World War I Soldier Stories and Histories
Visual and oral history content brings World War II soldier experiences to life and complements written narratives on AHCF’s YouTube channel.
Blood, Guts, and Grease: George S. Patton in World War I with Jon Mikolashek
Professor Jon Mikolashek follows Patton’s trajectory, from the creation of the Tank Corps and the Light Tank School, to Patton’s eventual successes and injuries during the Battle of Saint Mihiel, the attack into Pannes, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
The experience Patton gained in World War I was seminal in his evolvement as a leader and laid the groundwork for not only his own personal future triumphs but also for the success of the entire U.S. Army armored forces in World War II.
The First Code Talkers: Native American Communicators in World War I with Professor William Meadows
Many Americans have heard about the Navajo code talkers in World War II. But, as Dr. Meadows will discuss code talking originated in World War I among Native soldiers whose extraordinary service resulted, at long last, in U.S. citizenship for all Native Americans. They hailed from the Choctaw, Oklahoma Cherokee, Comanche, Osage, and Sioux nations, as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee and Ho-Chunk. These veterans have yet to receive congressional recognition.
Forging the Grand Alliance: The British and American Armies, 1917-1941 with Dr. Tyler Bamford
On June 8, 1917, American General John J. Pershing arrived in the British port of Liverpool amid great fanfare. His arrival in the vanguard of the American Expeditionary Forces marked the first time that American soldiers had set foot in Europe as belligerents. Although the American combat experience in World War I was brief, the time that the American and British armies spent as associate powers laid the groundwork for a mutually beneficial defense relationship in the interwar period. Both nations’ leaders grew frustrated with each other following the Armistice and the Treaty of Versailles, however, officers in both armies drew upon their positive wartime experiences to ensure that their forces viewed each other as prospective allies should a future global conflict arise. In the two decades after World War I, personal contacts initiated by individual officers and information exchanges between these two armies improved relations and encouraged cooperation in a number of areas. The resulting cordiality among the majority of the officers in both armies manifested itself in their socializing, personal diaries, war plans, reports, and professional publications. Long before President Franklin Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill took steps toward forming the Anglo-American alliance during World War II, their nations’ armies laid the military foundation for the special relationship through their own defense diplomacy.
ARMY NURSES OF WWI- Service Beyond Expectations
More than 21,000 women enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War I to serve as uniformed nurses. Nearly half of them served in overseas locations. Their little known story is presented through the writings of two of these brave women, Elizabeth Lewis and Emma Elizabeth Weaver. The Army Heritage Center Foundation developed this 53 minute video to be used for educational purposes and in classrooms.
Using These Soldier Stories for Teaching & Learning
For Teachers:
- Integrate Soldier Stories into lesson plans on World War I campaigns or homefront support.
- Use video content followed by guided questions on strategy, morale, or technological change.
For Students:
- Compare multiple first-person accounts to identify common themes (courage, hardship, adaptation).
- Write research essays based on a Soldier’s narrative from your site.
For Researchers:
- Use AHCF Soldier Stories as a starting point and supplement with archival materials from the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center or other repositories.