World War II was the largest and most violent armed conflict in
the history of mankind. However, the half century that now separates
us from that conflict has exacted its toll on our collective knowledge.
While World War II continues to absorb the interest of military scholars
and historians, as well as its veterans, a generation of Americans
has grown to maturity largely unaware of the political, social, and military
implications of a war that, more than any other, united us as a
people with a common purpose.
Highly relevant today, World War II has much to teach us, not
only about the profession of arms, but also about military preparedness,
global strategy, and combined operations in the coalition war
against fascism. To commemorate the nation’s 50th anniversary of
World War II, the U.S. Army has published a variety of materials to
help educate Americans about that momentous experience. These
works provide great opportunities to learn about and renew pride in
an Army that fought so magnificently in what has been called “the
mighty endeavor.”
World War II was waged on land, on sea, and in the air over several
diverse theaters of operation for approximately six years. The following
essay is one of a series of campaign studies highlighting those struggles
that, with their accompanying suggestions for further reading, are
designed to introduce you to one of the Army’s significant military feats
from that war.
This brochure was prepared in the U.S. Army Center of Military
History by George L. MacGarrigle. I hope this absorbing account of
that period will enhance your appreciation of American achievements
during World War II.