The first military conscription in the United States occurred during the Civil War, but the military draft process we are familiar with today originated with the Selective Service Act of 1917, passed by Congress on May 18, 1917. Six weeks … Continue reading
Category Archives: World War II
Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays.
December 21, 2012 by Blake Scarbrough | Comments Off
In an effort to bring a little “home” into their holidays, soldiers fighting on foreign shores in 20th-century wars added traditional touches to their celebrations. Please enjoy a slideshow of Christmas and Hanukkah traditions from the front lines.
Navy Muster Rolls, 1939-1949
December 19, 2012 by Laura | Comments Off
World War II Navy Muster Rolls are now being added to Fold3’s World War II Collection. With a full title of “Muster Rolls of U.S. Navy Ships, Stations, and Other Naval Activities, compiled 01/01/1939 – 01/01/1949,” these are reports of … Continue reading
WWII Draft Registration Cards – North Carolina
On Wednesday, October 16, 1940, 25-year-old Beuford Astor Bost stood in line at his local draft board in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, to register for the first peace-time draft in U.S. history. He was one of over 16 million men … Continue reading
The Hesse Crown Jewels Court-Martial Case
It reads like a story taken from a best-selling crime novel, yet it is a true criminal case of a jewel heist staged in a castle in the 1940s, starring U.S. military officers, German royalty, and $2.5 million in treasure. … Continue reading
Season’s Greetings
December 21, 2011 by Blake Scarbrough | 1 Comment
Santa visits orphans in England during World War II. Source: WWII US Air Force Photos There’s no place like home for the holidays. Celebrating at home with loved ones is part of any holiday tradition. Soldiers fighting on foreign shores … Continue reading
The Real Story Behind Hollywood’s “Valkyrie”
July 2, 2009 by Peter | 3 Comments
Operation Valkyrie was a Hitler approved emergency scenario that set up the continuity of government and plan for the military if a general breakdown of civil order should occur, such as the Führer’s death. On July 20, 1944, in an … Continue reading
