World War II Coverage

Tar Heel Traveler: Harnett County's Silver Star

On Memorial Day, the Tar Heel Traveler revisits the story of a 90-year-old WWII veteran from Harnett County who received the Silver Star for his bravery in action

Lillington boy meets WWII hero, crosses off item on checklist

Nine-year-old Gavin Poteet is a World War II fanatic. He's raising money so he can go to California to celebrate WWII-veteran "Papa Jake" Larson's 100th birthday.

9-year-old Lillington boy hopes to celebrate 100th birthday of WWII-veteran 'Papa Jake' Larson

Gavin Poteet crossed off an item on his bucket list when he got to speak with WWII-legend Jake Larson aka "Papa Jake." Gavin is trying to raise money so he can go to California to celebrate the veteran's 100th birthday.

Delaney Eyermann, WRAL Multiplatform Producer

Raleigh WW II vet celebrated after receiving Congressional Gold Medal to the Ghost Army

A 97-year-old World War II Ghost Army veteran was congratulated for receiving a Congressional Gold Medal to the Ghost Army over the weekend.

WWII vet finally visits brother's grave 70 years later

A war veteran finally got to visit the grave of his brother, more than 70 years after he was killed fighting in World War Two.

Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony on 80th anniversary of the attack

Today is the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Watch live as the nation honors Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Rocky Mount woman, one of the oldest surviving Black women to serve in WWII, dies at 101

A North Carolina hero and one of the oldest living Black women to serve in World War II has died.

One of oldest living Black women to serve in World War II dies at Rocky Mount home

Army Private First Class Arleatha Helton was the last of nine Black women veterans who served during World War II to pass away.

Coming Home: WWII soldier identified and buried 77 years after his death

Coming Home: WWII soldier identified and buried 77 years after his death. Image courtesy of: Sgt. 1st Class Mary Junell, North Carolina National Guard

Sgt. 1st Class Mary Junell, North Carolina National Guard

Remains of NC National Guard veteran killed in World War II return home

The remains of a North Carolina National Guard soldier killed in action during World War II arrived at Raleigh-Durham International Airport on Friday night.

Remains of World War II soldier killed in action returned home to North Carolina

The remains of a World War II soldier killed in action received a hero's reception at Raleigh-Durham International Airport on Friday.

Donna Natosi

98-year-old remembers WWII experience in segregated group of Black fighter pilots

Lieutenant Colonel James Harvey was a member of the group of Black fighter pilots and mechanics who performed valiantly during WWII.

Tuskegee Airmen: 98-year-old WWII veteran remembers life in segregated group of fighter pilots

One of the last surviving members of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen has spent the week in our area. Lieutenant Colonel James Harvey -- who's 98 years old -- is visiting relatives in Fayetteville.

Bryan Mims, WRAL reporter

Oldest WWII vet gets personal parade for 112th birthday

Friends and neighbors threw a proper New Orleans party for Lawrence Brooks, who turned 112 on Sunday.

Community honors 106-year-old World War II veteran with birthday parade

Major William White is one of the longest-living World War II veterans. The Stockton, California community honored him with a parade over the weekend.

Community honors 106-year-old World War II vet with parade

Major William White celebrated his 106th birthday this week.

Never Forget: D-Day June 6, 1944

Sunday marks 77 years the assault that helped bring an end to World War II in Europe.

WWII veteran's 1,000-mile funeral procession spans 6 states, 3 days

A veteran of World War II is being honored with a 1,000-mile long funeral procession that will bury him near his home in Kentucky.

WWII vet honored with 1,000-mile funeral procession

An unclaimed World War II veteran is honored with a 1,000-mile funeral procession from Sarasota, Florida to his Kentucky home.

Garner man, stationed at Pearl Harbor in WWII, celebrates 99th birthday

Leon Howell continues to live life with an upbeat attitude and is looking forward to post-pandemic life.

Ahead of 99th birthday, Garner WWII vet credits long life to love of family and country

Nearly 300 World War Two Veterans in the U.S. are dying each day. That's why every birthday they have is worth noting and celebrating.

Renee Chou, WRAL anchor/reporter

99-year-old Army veteran receives Purple Heart, Bronze Star

More than 76 years after being wounded, 99-year-old Army veteran Marvin Cornett will receive the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart for valorous actions in combat during World War II.

Fayetteville man didn't know father was a Montford Point Marine

Three-quarters of a century after serving in the Marines, a North Carolina veteran is about to receive a prestigious award.

NC man to be honored for groundbreaking role in Marine Corps

Three-quarters of a century after serving in the Marines, a North Carolina veteran is about to receive a prestigious award.

Bryan Mims, WRAL reporter

77 years later, 82nd Airborne veteran to get medals for WWII combat actions

Nearly eight decades after he parachuted into Italy during World War II and was wounded in combat, a veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division will soon receive the recognition he was due for so long.