World War II (1939 – 1945)

World War II was fought by the majority of the world’s countries, and was fought in virtually all corners of the globe. The great powers were divided into two alliances: the Allies (including United States, United Kingdom, Soviet Union and China,) and the Axis (including Nazi Germany, Kingdom of Italy and Empire of Japan). The war was fought in many theatres, chiefly the Atlantic and Pacific, lasting over six years. Along with scores of battlefield causalities due to advances in warfare weaponry, WWII also shed light on the heinous acts perpetrated during the Holocaust and saw the first usage of nuclear bombs — marking it as the deadliest military conflict in recorded history (with some records totaling 85 million fatalities). Ultimately, the Allies triumphed; leading to the annihilation of Nazi Germany and the dissolution of the Italian and Japanese empires.

Gil Blum, WWII Veteran, Age 88

Gil Blum | Technical Sergeant (First Class), U.S. Army, 4th Calvary Reconnaissance Regiment | Served in Scotland, England, Germany, France, Belgium, The Netherlands and Austria during WWII | Received the following medals for his service: WWII Victory Medal, Central Europe Campaign Star, Rhineland Campaign Star, EAME Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal.

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