Image of America: Central Florida's World War II Veterans portrays the courageous people of Central Florida who fought for freedom. From those who were witness to that "date which will live in infamy" to those who served in the Allied occupational forces following the victories in Europe and Japan in 1945, Images of America: Central Florida's World War II Veterans pays tribute to the courageous men and women who sacrificed and endured through this phenomenally patriotic time in American history. Represented within these pages is just a small number of the vast roll call of patriots who at one time called Florida home. Heroic, humorous, and heart-warming stories are featured through these vintage photographs of the brave men who landed on the beaches of France and on the shore of Iwo Jima, who marched at the Battle of the Bulge and at Anzio, who flew in the Doolittle Raid, and who were engaged at the pivotal Battle of Midway, as well as those who were prisoners of war and protected the home front. Also featured are the women who served as nurses, worked in the factories, encouraged people to purchase war bonds, and who joined the WAC, the WAVES, and the SPARS.

Presents an overview of World War Two with an emphasis on the experiences of the men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces, including the Navy, Army, Army Air Force, and Marine Corps.

The instant classic that changed the way we saw World War II and an entire generation of Americans, from the beloved journalist whose own iconic career has lasted more than fifty years. In this magnificent testament to a nation and her people, Tom Brokaw brings to life the extraordinary stories of a generation that gave new meaning to courage, sacrifice, and honor. From military heroes to community leaders to ordinary citizens, he profiles men and women who served their country with valor, then came home and transformed it: Senator Daniel Inouye, decorated at the front, fighting prejudice at home; Martha Settle Putney, one of the first black women to serve in the newly formed WACs; Charles Van Gorder, a doctor who set up a MASH-like medical facility in the middle of battle, then opened a small clinic in his hometown; Navy pilot and future president George H. W. Bush, assigned to read the mail of the enlisted men under him, who says that in doing so he “learned about life”; and many other laudable Americans. To this generation that gave so much and asked so little, Brokaw offers eloquent tribute in true stories of everyday heroes in extraordinary times. Praise for The Greatest Generation “Moving . . . a tribute to the members of the World War II generation to whom we Americans and the world owe so much.”—The New York Times Book Review “Full of wonderful, wrenching tales of a generation of heroes. Tom Brokaw reminds us what we are capable of as a people. An inspiring read for those who wish their spirits lifted.”—Colin L. Powell “Offers welcome inspiration . . . It is impossible to read even a few of these accounts and not be touched by the book’s overarching message: We who followed this generation have lived in the midst of greatness.”—The Washington Times “Entirely compelling.”—The Wall Street Journal

This highly anticipated follow-up to Rutherford County in World War II continues to illustrate the tremendous contributions of a brave community to the World War II effort. Rutherford County residents participated in almost every major campaign of the war, including Pearl Harbor, the air offensive in Europe, and D-Day, and those on the home front did all they could to support the troops. These patriotic photographs-many of which were collected by the authors during personal interviews with local veterans and other dedicated residents-memorialize this proud county's service and commitment to the war effort.