WWII

WWII D-Day: Holbrook Bradley and the 29th Division

WWII D-Day: Holbrook Bradley and the 29th Division

17 photos

Sun research librarian Paul McCardell writes about photographer and foreign war correspondent Holbrook Bradley, who was embedded with the 29th Infantry Division during World War II. Bradley followed the 29th Division from its training days and across Europe until Germany’s surrender. Here’s a look at some of Bradley’s photographs from 1943-1945.
More →

From the Vault: Japan publicly surrenders, ending WWII

From the Vault: Japan publicly surrenders, ending WWII

11 Photos

We interrupt this broadcast for a special bulletin …”

This was what a war-weary world had been waiting for ever since Japanese aircraft appeared over Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, launching the attack that brought the nation into World War II.

In the wake of the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in early August, Japan’s military leaders vowed to continue fighting on while the country’s six-member Supreme Council debated surrendering.

It was Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki who finally took the surrender issue to Emperor Hirohito, who declared that “continuing the war means destruction for the nation and a prolongation of bloodshed and cruelty in the world. …. We must bear the unbearable. I swallow my tears and give my sanction to the proposal to accept the Allied proclamation.”

The Japanese emperor announced on radio on Aug. 14, 1945, that his country would accept the surrender terms.

Excerpt from Baltimore Sun article published on August 13, 2005 by Fred Rasmussen

More →

“Movie Memphis Belle” to fly Baltimore skies

“Movie Memphis Belle” to fly Baltimore skies

18 Photos

By Algerina Perna

The “Movie Memphis Belle,” a Boeing B-17 restored WWII bomber, is a living museum that flies around the country offering tours and flights to those interested in taking a trip through history. From August 30-31, the plane will be at Martin State Airport in Baltimore. In 1989, the bomber was hired for filming the English movie, “Memphis Belle,” released in 1990, hence the name, “Movie Memphis Belle.”

More →

70th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy

70th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy

21 Photos

On June 6, 1944 the United States along with the other allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, France. It was the beginning of a battle that would eventually turn the tide of World War II against Nazi Germany. This year marks the 70th anniversary of that landmark action during which thousands of soldiers lost their lives in defense of freedom.

More →