World War II

The blockbuster "Oppenheimer" has renewed interest in the history of U.S. efforts to create atomic weapons during World War II. President Harry S. Truman, a native of the Kansas City area, never doubted his decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.

A new book from NPR's Steve Drummond looks at how the Truman Committee, run by a relatively unknown U.S. Sen. Harry Truman, investigated wartime corruption, changed the country's efforts in World War II and ultimately helped launch Truman into the president's office.

Pfc. Willy F. James Jr. was among seven African American troops unjustly denied the country’s highest military award for valor during World War II. Veterans and service members at James' memorial shared their thoughts on his legacy.

There is significant radioactive contamination at an elementary school in suburban St. Louis where nuclear weapons were produced during World War II, according to a new report.

A new biography on Truman shows that despite being shunned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the then vice-president would go on to have a successful presidency of his own.

A World War II veteran will be making his third jump along with his Vietnam veteran son.

Where pollsters got it right and wrong this election year, and father and son who served share in the World War I Museum's Veteran's Day remembrance.

In this episode, Carlo Maria Giulini becomes Principal Guest Conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a glorious period for both conductor and orchestra. We will hear a marvelous recording of his that was never even supposed to happen.

“I figured if I got it, I got it. I’ll do the best I can. And if I can get through it, great. And if I don’t, well, I’ve led a full life.”

Max Deweese, a 99-year-old veteran of World War II, has received two Purple Heart medals. He can add the new coronavirus to his list of challenges bested.

Segment 1: What we know about COVID-19, and what we don'tA lot is unknown about the novel coronavirus currently circulating the globe, giving rise to…

Segment 1: He came to Kansas City as the youngest concertmaster in the country in the 1950s; he died this year, leaving a poweful legacy behind.Before…