From those who were witness to that "date which will live in infamy" to those who served in the Allied occupational forces following the victories in Europe and Japan in 1945, Images of America: Central Florida's World War II Veterans pays tribute to the courageous men and women who sacrificed and endured through this phenomenally patriotic time in American history. Represented within these pages is just a small number of the vast roll call of patriots who at one time called Florida home. Heroic, humorous, and heart-warming stories are featured through these vintage photographs of the brave men who landed on the beaches of France and on the shore of Iwo Jima, who marched at the Battle of the Bulge and at Anzio, who flew in the Doolittle Raid, and who were engaged at the pivotal Battle of Midway, as well as those who were prisoners of war and protected the home front. Also featured are the women who served as nurses, worked in the factories, encouraged people to purchase war bonds, and who joined the WAC, the WAVES, and the SPARS.;Cover Page -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Dedication -- Table of Contents -- Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- 1. Polk County: By Their Superb Courage and Heroism -- 2. Osceola County: In Defense of Democracy -- 3. Sumter and Lake Counties: Spirit of Self-Sacrifice -- 4. Seminole County: The Need for Freedom -- 5. Orange County: The Greatest Battle Ever Fought -- 6. Volusia County: The Fullness of Being Human -- 7. Marion and Citrus Counties: Duty, Honor, Country -- 8. Alachua County: John 15:13 -- 9. Florida's Gallant Sons and Daughters