Leaders emerged during the turmoil of World War II. They galvanized with their speeches, inspired with their acts of bravery and selflessness, and calmed the chaos during hard times. Every day citizens reshaped the world in which we live. Great leaders were born through their baptisms by fire. Below are some profiles and stories of these remarkable leaders and shapers.
Presidents and Civic Leaders
American produced remarkable leaders during World War II, beginning with President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "date which will live in infamy" and ending with President Harry S. Truman's pivotal decision to drop the bomb.
Shaping Future Leaders
War changes people. For some, their wartime experiences sent them on a path to become future national leaders. John F. Kennedy, who captained a US Navy PT boat in the South Pacific during the war, would go on to become president of the United States.
Homefront Leaders
During World War II, Americans were asked to sacrifice and pitch in to help the war effort. Eleanor Roosevelt, serving as First Lady, led effort and inspired a nation with her tireless efforts. Others embarked on a wartime journey to exercise their civic duty, and shaped the future of the nation.
Military Leaders
Valor. Honor. Courage. Leadership. From Dwight D. Eisenhower to the everyday soldier, marine, airman and seaman, we continue to stand in awe when we hear their stories of their bravery and courage.
People of World War II
Showing results 1-10 of 79
- Type: Article
- Locations: Eisenhower National Historic Site, Gettysburg National Military Park, World War II Memorial
Originally conceived as a national cemetery for the Federal dead after the battle of Gettysburg, Gettysburg National Cemetery is the final resting place of over 500 American service personnel who gave the last full measure during World War II.
- Type: Article
- Locations: Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, Eisenhower National Historic Site, Pearl Harbor National Memorial, War In The Pacific National Historical Park, World War II Memorial
When the United States entered WWII, Dwight D. Eisenhower was the Chief of Staff for the Third Army. Less than four years later, he was a 5-star general who commanded millions of soldiers, sailors, and airmen from a broad Allied coalition. Eisenhower became one of the most influential generals in American history. Learn about Ike's rise to prominence and his wartime service and leadership through this series of articles.
- Type: Article
- Locations: Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, Eisenhower National Historic Site, The White House and President's Park, World War II Memorial
Whether it was celebrating at their Gettysburg farm or enduring Christmases overseas during World War II, the Christmas season was always full of meaning for Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower. Explore their holiday traditions with this series of articles.
- Type: Person
- Locations: Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, Eisenhower National Historic Site, World War I Memorial, World War II Memorial
Field Marshall Bernard Law Montgomery is one of the most celebrated generals of World War II and one of the greatest British Army generals of all time. He was a weekend guest at Eisenhower’s Gettysburg home on May 11-13, 1957, where he and Eisenhower reminisced about their association during WWII and toured the farm, the battlefield, and nearby Camp David.
- Type: Person
- Locations: Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Home Of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site, Roosevelt Campobello International Park, The White House and President's Park
The only US President elected to serve four terms, Franklin Delano Roosevelt led the nation through the Great Depression and World War II.
- Boston National Historical Park
Commander John W. Ailes, III
- Type: Person
- Locations: Boston National Historical Park
John Ailes was the second captain of USS Cassin Young, assuming command in October 1944. Commander Ailes was a talented officer whose aggressiveness and determination helped secure victory for the Allied forces in the Pacific during World War II.
- Type: Person
- Locations: Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Home Of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site
U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Henry Morgenthau Jr was instrumental in financing the New Deal and U.S. participation in World War II. He played an increasing role in foreign policy, and as the highest ranking Jewish official in FDR's administration, he influenced the President's decision to create the War Refugee Board.
- Type: Article
In 1944, 982 Jewish refugees arrived from parts of Southern and Eastern Europe to Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter in Oswego, NY. These were the only refugees the United States took in during the war. This lesson plan explores their story and helps students understand religion, foreign policy, refugee policy and the World War II home front. It is designed to fit into a larger unit on WWII and the Holocaust.
- Gateway National Recreation Area
Loretta Reilly Hoffman
- Type: Article
- Locations: Gateway National Recreation Area
This is the oral history of Loretta Reilly Hoffman. Loretta was a member of the Women's Army Corps stationed at Fort Hancock in 1944.
- Gateway National Recreation Area
Mary Heckendorn
- Type: Article
- Locations: Gateway National Recreation Area
Mary Duff Heckendorn (top left) working at post library orientation map.
Last updated: September 30, 2016