World War II History in Wisconsin | BIG History

WWII In Wisconsin, featuring Josh Sanford, Ho Chunk, US Pilot smiling at the camera

World War II History in Wisconsin

Sept. 2, 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II (1939-1945), a global war between the Allies (United States, United Kingdom, Soviet Union, and China) and the Axis Powers (Nazi Germany, Italy, and Japan). Roughly 320,000 Wisconsin soldiers served in the armed forces during the war. More than 8,000 Wisconsin soldiers died and another 13,000 were wounded.

Wisconsin citizens actively participated in the war effort both at home and abroad. Until the war ended, the daily challenges of wartime shortages of food, gasoline, and other essential goods were a part of everyone's life. At the same time, World War II expanded Wisconsin's industrial and agricultural resources, increasing production and employment levels while raising the standard of living and the state's economic security.

The Society has put together a page with stories, images, and artifacts from our World War II collections. These items just scratch the surface of the history of the war in Wisconsin.

Overlooked and Undervalued

History tends to focus on the contributions of white men during the war, overlooking and undervaluing the efforts of the more than 9,000 women and the contributions of Black, American Indian, Asian-American, and Latino-American. While the Society’s collection includes items honoring the service of these underrepresented women and men, it is important to acknowledge that the work to expand this collection to an equitable level continues.

Three African American field artillery soldiers (from Battery F of the 349th Field Artillery, Fort Sill, Oklahoma) crossing a creek on a TD-18 diesel crawler tractor and 155 mm gun. The commanding officer of the 349th was Colonel A.L.P. Sands.

Three African American field artillery soldiers crossing a creek on a TD-18 diesel crawler tractor (TracTracTor) and 155 mm gun. The soldiers were from Battery F of the 349th Field Artillery, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The commanding officer of the 349th was Colonel A.L.P. Sands. View the original source document: WHI 6630