World War II Coverage

Franklin County World War II veteran approaches his most emotional mission at 103

This mission will be an emotional one for veteran Joseph Baloah. At 103 years of age, Balogh is still active and on his feet.

Rick Armstrong, WRAL photojournalist

103-year-old Franklin County man prepares for Blue Ridge Honor Flight to DC

Joe Balogh is among a diminishing group of brave men and women who served in that war. Certainly, for Joseph Balogh, it will be an emotional reunion with the remaining WWII veterans.

'I haven't cried in years' WWII vet celebrates 94th birthday

Clint Ridenour entered the military at the young age of 14 to serve in World War II. He later served as an officer at the Greenville Police Department.

WITN

Fact check: Kevin McCarthy says U.S. 'never asked for land' after wars

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said at an Oct. 28 event: "In every single war that America has fought, we have never asked for land afterwards, except for enough to bury the Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice for that freedom we went in for."

Louis Jacobson, PolitiFact reporter

World War II vets reunite in Durham after 76 years of looking for each other

North Carolina natives Millard Denson and Joe Stroud were just 17 when they signed up for the Navy medical corps in 1945. Their children arranged an in-person reunion for the two 96-year-olds at a Durham restaurant.

Laura Leslie, WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief

World War II vets share emotional reunion 76 years later in Durham

North Carolina natives Millard Denson and Joe Stroud were just 17 when they signed up for the Navy medical corps in 1945.

Military identifies remains of NC Tuskegee pilot who vanished in WWII

The US Military has identified the remains of a Tuskegee Airman from North Carolina 79 years after his plane disappeared in Germany during World War II.

Pentagon identifies remains of North Carolina Tuskegee Airman after 79 years

The US Military has identified the remains of a Tuskegee Airman from North Carolina 79 years after his plane disappeared in Germany during World War II.

WRAL Staff

Montford Point Marines, nation's first Black Marines, honored with Congressional Gold Medal

The Montford Point Marines, the nation's first Black Marines, are being honored with the Congressional Gold Medal Friday morning.

Wake Forest man has unique link to 'Oppenheimer' film that depicts story of atomic bomb

The movie 'Oppenheimer' relives the time when American scientists developed the first nuclear bomb, ultimately using it against Japan to end World War II. A Wake Forest man's father was part of that top secret mission.

Zebulon native, WWII vet remembered for faith, family and service

Peyton Howard Massey Jr. survived the "Battle of the Bulge" and enjoyed a distinguished career in horticulture science.

Rick Armstrong, WRAL photojournalist

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.