World War II Room
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37th Infantry Division on a bomber strip in Bougainville, Solomon Islands. From Archives/Library collection P 295.
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On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland. Within two days, Great Britain and
France had declared war on Germany. The United States remained neutral until the
Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941. The next day, President
Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his famous "Day of Infamy" speech before the United
States Congress. By the end of the day, the United States had declared war on
Japan. On December 11, Germany, an ally of Japan declared war on the United States.
Approximately 760,000 Ohio men fought for the United States. Included in the
number are approximately 20,000 soldiers who served in the famed 37th Infantry
Division in the Pacific Theater. Included in the Ohio Battle Flag Collection
are ten flags from World War II, which are all affiliated with the 37th Infantry
Division. By the time of World War II, the use of the flag had become more ceremonial
in nature. The flag was no longer carried into battle, but was used in parades,
reviews, medal ceremonies, and was raised over territories taken in battles.
On May 7, 1945, the Allies (United States, Great Britain, France, and Russia)
accepted the unconditional surrender of all German forces. On August 14, the
unconditional surrender of Japan was accepted. On September 2, Emperor Hirohito
signed the instrument of surrender for Japan on board the USS Missouri in Tokyo
Bay, ending the hostilities of World War II.
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Soldiers turning over 37th Infantry Division flags to the state at the statehouse on Nov. 11, 1946. From State Archives series 1142, T 349.
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There are 9 flags of the 37th Infantry Division from World War II in the collection. Flags in the World War II room are displayed in order by regiment number:
Flags of the 37th Infantry Division
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