Veteran Robert L. Rothe describes the various places he traveled throughout his time served in World War II as well as the love of his life he met while on a 14-day leave. Rothe served in the war between the years of 1943 to 1946. View more veterans' stories at the Veterans History Project and see more interviews conducted by the Illinois Veteran's History Project.

“I would sing, I would do some exercises, I would tell myself jokes…just to keep occupied and not feel like I was going nuts"

Robert Weinberg, a former captain of the U.S. Army Air Force from 1942-1945 talks about his World War II experiences while stationed in Italy. He describes the time he was captured by Hitler Youth after his plane was shot down. He was then imprisoned by German forces in the Stalag Luft III prisoner of war camp where “it was dark…They made their bread with half sawdust & pieces of wood in it…" View more veterans' stories at the Veterans History Project and see more interviews conducted by the Missouri Veterans History Project.

Grace Irene Myers-Baker was an officer during World War II and she describes meeting Harry Truman’s wife, Bess, when Truman was vice-president. Myers-Baker served in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) division for the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Washington, D.C. View more veterans’ stories at the Veterans History Project and see more interviews conducted by the Illinois Veteran’s History Project.

Jeanne Bokina Christie was a member of the American Red Cross group, the "Donut Dollies," a group of young females sent to Vietnam to help boost the morale of U.S. troops with recreational programs. Christie talks about trying to cheer up soldiers with games and jokes: "We were there for the American G.I." She talks about soldiers receiving Dear John letters–letters from significant others with the intent to end a relationship–which would devastate them, causing some to kill themselves. View more veterans' stories at the Veterans History Project and see more interviews conducted by the Central Connecticut State University.