Allied Heros in Combat- redo

Thursday, March 12, 2009
Allied Heroes in Combat

During World War II many men sacrificed their lives, and while all of them were heroes, certain men and their battalions rose above the rest by changing the course of World War II. Men like Audie Murphy, the soldiers of the 99th pursuit squadron, the 442nd Infantry Regiment, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and General MacArthur were heroes who led The Allies to victory.

One individual, Audie Leon Murphy, was the most decorated soldier in WWII. He single-handedly killed 50 Axis troops while lying wounded on top of a burning tank destroyer. Not only did he kill a small army’s worth of men, he rallied his troops, galvanizing them to take back previously lost territory. By accomplishing this amazing feat, The Allies came much closer to victory. He was given a medal of honor,

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and was awarded over 30 additional medals from Belgium and France. Ironically, Audie Murphy was underage (only sixteen) when he was enlisted in the United States Army.

The pilots of the all black 99th Pursuit Squadron,
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the Tuskegee Airmen made strategic strikes against the German forces throughout Italy, and fought in the North Africa campaign. While the squadron was in Italy it fought to support the U.S. 5th Army. The 99th Pursuit Squadron was the first African American Army Air Force squadron and also received two Distinguished Unit Citations, which were the highest commendations at the time. The squadron’s strategic bombings and raw aerial skills were one of the many reasons why The Allies were able to win key battles throughout Italy.

On land, in the 100th infantry battalion was the 442nd Infantry Regiment which consisted of mostly Japanese-American soldiers from Hawaii. The 442nd Infantry Regiment. It became the most decorated U.S. military unit in history. On one occasion the battalion rescued a missing battalion. The fought bravely against Axis troops and suffered many casualties in the process. This was one of many accomplishments that the battalion made during the war. Many of these second generation Japanese soldiers were fighting while their families were kept in Internment camps in their own country.

General Dwight D “Ike” Eisenhower had a keen mind for military tactics and worked well with people. His success in the North Africa campaign made him a clear choice for the leader of the Allied invasion of France. He constructed Operation Overlord which involved the Allied forces tricking the Germans. Under his plan the Allies stormed beaches like Normandy

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while the German’s were preparing for a pseudo-attack across the English Channel. The successful invasion yielded miles of road into France and ultimately gave the Allies the upper-hand they needed. Because of his successes, Eisenhower went on to become President of the U.S.

General Douglas MacArthur led the war in the Pacific and commanded Allied forces throughout the islands. His great leadership had a profound impact on his soldiers. His ability to strategize was unsurpassed.
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On a personal note, my grandfather was stationed in the Pacific during WWII as a ground soldier. According to my father, my Grandfather always talked about how General MacArthur was a great leader and that the Allies would never have been able to succeed without his raw military skills.

All of these men were was heroes despite their different positions and roles in the war. Without these men The Allies would not have been able to succeed. Their contributions are still praised today in WWII memorials across the country.

Alternate Sources:

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Authors:
Deukkwon and Bryce