Real Life Rambos of WWII

Of all the distinguished fighters who served in World War II, the 99th Pursuit Squadron (better known as the Tuskegee Airmen) distinguished themselves through valiant acts of bravery. Through 15000 sorties on 1500 missions, the regiment is credited with the destruction of over 100 German Luftwaffe aircraft, the sinking of the Italian cruiser TA-23, and the bombing of many railroad lines and fuel dumps. The entirely African American regiment, known favorably as "Redtail Angels" to Allies and deemed as the notorious "Black Birdmen" by the Germans, was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for escorting high explosive weaponry to a German factory and crushing all German opposition in their way (such as 11 Me-262 jets). By the end of the war, the 99th was one of the most decorated squadrons, with 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 14 Purple Hearts, and 744 Air Medals.

Heroism also arose from the most unexpected places, including the Japanese Americans who were prosecuted only for their heritage. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team consisted solely of Nisei (2nd generation American-born Japanese Americans), and pitted their forces against the Germans and the country of their ancestors, Japan. They participated in many major battles of the North African campaign and the Italian campaign during the waning days of the war, including the grand assault on Monte Cassino during the push toward Rome. The 442nd returned to heavy combat, seizing Monte Belvedere and Carrera in April 8th and 10th of 1945. With a 314% casualty rate and over 9000 Purple Hearts awarded to this unit, the 442nd has gone down in history as the most wounded unit in American History.

These two groups are only a sample of the innumerable great soldiers that fought and died during the war. Their stories will be part of the legacy of posterity that will never be forgotten.

By Victor and Brandon