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World War II
World War II was fought across four continents and thousands of miles of ocean. The lives of millions of military service members and civilians were affected by the events of this war. The lesson plans and walking tours in this module focus on the experiences and individual stories of those who fought abroad or worked on the homefront during the war.

"Indescribable Horror": When Eisenhower Witnessed the Holocaust

How do we serve as responsible witnesses to history? How do we document the truth for posterity? In this activity, students will learn about Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s efforts to document the Holocaust in 1945 and reflect on lessons they can learn from this history. 
 

Walking Tour: African American Military Heroes

Learn about the lives of Tuskegee Airmen, members of the 369th Infantry Infantry Regiment (the “Harlem Hellfighters”), Medal of Honor recipients and more. 
Throughout U.S. history, African Americans have fought bravely for the United States and distinguished themselves in combat. This walking tour includes gravesites and memorials that honor the service of these heroic individuals. 
  • Length: 5 miles
  • Starting point: Section 40 (0.4 miles from Welcome Center)
  • Because this walking tour is quite long, we recommend completing it in smaller sections.

Walking Tours: World War II

These six walking tours share some of the diverse experiences and individual stories of those who fought abroad or worked on the home front during World War II. The main walking tour includes stops across the entire cemetery, while the four cluster tours only include stops in one of the four main sections of the cemetery. The school tour is an abridged version of the main tour.

Walking Tour: Women's Military Service

Women have played key roles in supporting the U.S. military, formally or informally, since the Revolutionary War. At ANC, gravesites and memorials mark numerous milestones in the history of women’s military service. As you explore the cemetery, consider how the stories of women in the military can deepen your understanding of well-known conflicts and societal progress, and think about how many more stories could still be told.
  • Distance: ~4 miles. Shorten your walk by taking the tram: click here for information.
  • Exertion level: High
  • Starting point: Section 35 (.7 miles from Welcome Center)

Lesson Plan: Tuskegee Airmen, World War II

The Tuskegee Airmen have long been honored for their skills, valor and distinguished service despite facing segregation and discrimination.
From 1941 to 1946, nearly 1,000 African American military pilots completed their training in Tuskegee, Alabama. More than 350 of them served overseas during World War II; 84 lost their lives. Students learn about the Tuskegee Airmen and explore their significance in historical and cultural context. Resources include a PowerPoint slide deck and handout.
  • One class period, 15-20 minutes total

Teacher Materials

Student Materials

Lesson Plan: 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, World War II

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, popularly known as the “Six Triple Eight,” was a segregated Black unit of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) during World War II —.and the only non-medical Black women’s unit to serve overseas. Students learn about this important unit and explore its significance in historical context.

Teacher Materials

Student Materials

Lesson Plan: 369th Infantry Regiment

The 369th Infantry Regiment, nicknamed the “Harlem Rattlers” and “Harlem Hellfighters,” had one of the most distinguished records of any unit in the history of the United States Army.
The 369th saw extensive combat in both World War I and World War II. Most of the men in the regiment were African American, although it also included Puerto Ricans. Students learn about the 369th Infantry Regiment and explore its significance in historical and cultural context. Resources include a PowerPoint slide deck and handout.
  • One class period, 15-20 minutes total

Teacher Materials

Student Materials

Lesson Plan: “Buffalo Soldiers”

In 1866, Congress established the U.S. Army’s all-Black 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments and 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments, later known as the “Buffalo Soldiers,” to serve on the western frontier.
Students learn about the Buffalo Soldiers and explore their significance in historical and cultural context. Resources include a PowerPoint slide deck and handout.
  • One class period, 15-20 minutes total

Teacher Materials

Student Materials

Recommended Reading: World War II Perspectives

World War II affected the lives of every American. The firsthand accounts compiled here ― all from individuals buried at Arlington National Cemetery ― include stories of love and loss, hardship and perseverance, and horror and joy. Drawn from oral histories, interviews and personal writings, they provide small slices of the larger story of the United States’ experience in World War II.