I had just finished up Nurse’s training the day before. That night, all us women went out and had a gay ole time. We went to bed around 2 a.m. and were.

I had just finished up Nurse’s training the day before. That night, all us women went out and had a gay ole time. We went to bed around 2 a.m. and were awakened by air raid sirens. No one knew what was going on. Was it a drill or was it for real this time? That question was answered for all of us when the first bomb was dropped.

That day will never be forgotten by anyone. It planted a very deep hate and a yearning for revenge.

Pearl Harbor is bombed.

The newspapers Spreading the word.

We declared war on December 11, 1941. I received an order to leave immediately for Europe to tend to our soldiers on the front. A boat was reserved strictly for nurses and we left on the 13th. What a trip!!

We arrived in Rome, Italy on December 25. None of us were prepared for what we were about to see. There were so many lives to save. Unfortunately, many of the soldiers died before we could get to them.

The United States declares war.

My fellow nurses and I preparing to leave.

The boat which we sailed on to Rome.

Throughout our twelve day trip we feared we would not make it to Rome. There were various reports and warnings plaguing all ships crossing the Atlantic. The Germans had many U-boats, called wolf packs, hunting the water. The U-boats began attacking and sank nearly 175 ships. We prayed we would make it through The Battle of the Atlantic!!

Boats being attacked in The

Battle of the Atlantic.

U-boat report.

Some of the more experienced nurses are being transferred to Paris. We continue to follow the soldiers, as there is a greater need for us there. The wounds are said to be far to intense for inexperienced nurses to handle. I am not sure what is in store for us but I am certain the war at sea is intensifying.

The hospital I was stationed at.

A fellow nurse tending to a wounded soldier.

Badges we wore as nurses.

We can tell there is a major battle going on because of all the planes flying overhead. The number of casualties are growing in great numbers. We are rushed from person to person, getting little to no time to rest. I can not help but feel sorry for these soldier’s and their loved ones at home. They are lucky they are not here to witness such sadness!

Midway and the soldiers stationed there.

Air warfare.

I was given a letter by one of my dying patients. It was a letter from his brother fighting at The Battle of Stalingrad. It was sad to hear of other wars taking place around the world. Though it is comforting to know we are not the only ones facing hard times.

Arnold, We are battling the cold weather and have stopped the Germans advance. We have completely cut off the German soldiers, they are invariably filthy and louse ridden. Their weary shoulders sag from one defense position to another. The icy winds aid to both their and our exhaustion and starvation. Times are hard my brother. Be safe! Your Brother, George

A poster used for recruiting soldiers.

Today I received news of the invasion of D-Day. The British joined us in our quest. So many men were sent on shore to fight. I got a letter in the mail telling me my older brother was to be part of this massive invasion. I can only pray he will make it through this battle safely.

Dear Evelyn, I hate to put an even greater damper on your situation, but I have been called out. I am being shipped to Normandy. Soldiers are needed and I take pride in the chance to fight for my country. Mother is scared for both you and I, please write her soon and give her comfort. Save many lives! With love, Timothy

Recruiting soldiers.

D-Day invasion makes headlines.

My dear friend is facing very hard times near The Battle of Bulge. I feel her pain, but am glad our casualties are not as high as theirs. This war is full of death and I soon hope to rejoice in its end!

My Dear Friend Evelyn, The Battle of Bulge is taking its toll on us here. It is to be the largest battle in Western Europe during World War II. Some 600,000 GIs were involved and there are over 80,000 casualties. Our hospitals are overflowing, the stench is overwhelming, and our bandages are running out. There is only so much we can do. I hope you are fairing better than I. Take care and write soon! Always, Margret Plumpet

Soldiers fighting in The Battle of Bulge.

Talk has been floating amongst the soldiers of a new type of warfare being used by the Japanese at the Battle of Leyte Gulf. “Kamikazes” they call them are used as suicide planes. They crash into our ships to inflict the maximum amount of damage. This new tactic is frightening! However, the soldiers aren’t phased. They tell us not to worry, that the American force virtually destroyed the Japanese navy during the battle.

A photograph of a Kamikaze captured.

News has arrived that the American forces continue to suffer. 25,000 died in the Battle of Iwo Jima. From my dealing with these soldiers, I know, we know as nurses, that these soldiers fight with their hearts and nothing more. These soldiers sacrifice the ultimate price for our country! Thank you!

The United States awarded 27 Medals of Honor for the actions of Iwo Jima.

A photo of servicemen raising the United States flag on Mt. Surabachi. It symbolized the struggles and sacrifices of American troops.

The war has ended!! Today is a day to celebrate! Rejoice and be glad that we no longer have to suffer along with the soldiers and their wounds.

The United States has dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The blast was so intense that its heat annihilated the city’s center and its residents in an instant. This bloody war may be coming to an end…

We have dropped yet another bomb on Nagasaki, only three days after the first.

The Atomic bomb and its destruction.

Atomic bomb makes US headlines.

Information on the battles: The Prentice Hall, America Pathways to the Present, Modern American History text book. Copyright 2007.

Pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/glennkempff/3086453959/ slide 9 http://www.flickr.com/photos/glennkempff/3067922888/ slide 9 http://www.flickr.com/photos/divemasterking2000/342729940/ slide 4 http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/USA-P-Strategy/ slide 4 http://www.flickr.com/photos/dougcoulter/4446346529/ slide 3 http://www.flickr.com/photos/damopabe/3097614713/ slide 5 http://www.dinosoria.com/tragedie/pearl_harbor_03.jpg slide 2 http://library.bloomu.edu/Archives/Navy/v5index.htm slide 8 http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/images/medal-of-honor.jpg slide 11 http://www.marines.mil/unit/divpa/PublishingImages/iwojima1.jpg slide 11 http://static.open.salon.com/files/hiroshima1222245155.jpg slide 12 http://alethonews.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/hiroshima_wideweb__430x323.jpg slide 12 http://med-dept.com/images/utah_hosp.gif slide 6 http://www.flickr.com/photos/23403775@N03/2236065436/ slide 6 http://www.researcheratlarge.com/Pacific/NA50/DutchHarbor07.jpg slide 6 http://cache2.asset-cache.net/xc/50866327.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=E41C9FE5C4AA0A14ED8B68A5136BB21CD350E

6C273320E6684EEF8EE084F5BAEB01E70F2B3269972 slide 5

http://www.bevrijdingintercultureel.nl/eng/illsutraties/nyassa.jpg slide 3 http://www.nametags4u.com/imgs/badge_imgs/usafnurse_sr_silver.gif slide 5 http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m66/scotto01/WWII/CV-9_Essex-kamakazi1.gif slide 10

Articles: http://www.the-peoples-forum.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=3361 slide 3 http://www.etsu.edu/coe/uschool/facstaff/goehring/The_attic_box_World_war_two.htm slide 2 http://images.military.com/pics/091505_DDay-2Large.jpg slide 8 http://www.janetmcnaughton.ca/submarinenf08.jpg slide 4 http://imglib.lbl.gov/ImgLib/COLLECTIONS/BERKELEY-LAB/images/XBB_817-6924.lowres.jpeg slide 12

Posters: http://www.flickr.com/photos/drbexl-/4298140709/ slide 7 http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?144494-WWI-WW2-Propaganda-posters-from-your-country slide 8