World War II started in Germany with Hitler’s tirade and mass genocide of Jews and eventually the conflict involved virtually every part of the world from 1939-45. North Carolina played a pivotal role in WWII with after the attack on Pearl Harbor, in 1942, North Carolina had more service members within its borders than any other state. It was also a central training ground for Marines at New River and the Army at Fort Bragg. Below you’ll see 10 photos showing the training many young men went through before going to fight for their country and the greater good.

1. "We fight our country's battles on the land and on the sea."
Alfred T. Palmer
Marine's train with the new amphibian tractors at New River, 1942.
2. Practice makes perfect
Alfred T. Palmer
"When a leatherneck gets a tommy gun lined up, something is due to be hit. Bulwarked by a spare tire, this capable member of a Marine Corps truck convoy goes in for a little practice with a submachine gun as his column halts on a training cruise near New River, North Carolina." 1942
3. Ready for anything.
Alfred T. Palmer
A truck convoy of Marines rolls along a road in New River, 1942.
4. Marine corps submachine gunners.
Alfred T. Palmer
"An efficient gas mask and a deadly Johnson submachine gun are part of the kit of fighting tools carried by this leatherneck in training at New River." 1942
5. Pistol practice
Arthur Rothstein
Sergeant Franklin Williams with his 41st Engineers at pistol practice in Fort Bragg, 1942.

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6. Preparing for the worst
Arthur Rothstein
41st Engineers at Fort Bragg captured during a gas mask drill. 1942
7. Bridging the gap
Arthur Rothstein
41st Engineers at Fort Bragg build a bridge. 1942
8. Special Training
Arthur Rothstein
"Sergeant Williams leading his platoon in charge." 1942 Fort Bragg.
9. Military demonstration
Arthur Rothstein
"Airborne artillery cooperating with parachutists to take over an airfield in a military demonstration." Fort Bragg 1942.
10. Parachutist
Arthur Rothstein
"Parachutist with dynamite in a military demonstration." Fort Bragg 1942.

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