Quentin and Jackie Aanenson on the boardwalk at Atlantic City during their honeymoon in 1945.

Source: Quentin and Jackie Aanenson

Quentin and Jackie Aanenson descend the church steps on their wedding day. They exchanged letters regularly while Quentin served overseas piloting a P-47 Thunderbolt.

Source: Quentin and Jackie Aanenson

While the British continued to bomb German cities at night, the Americans decided to take on the much more dangerous task of bombing defense industries by day.

An anti-aircraft battery protects an Allied airfield in Tunisia.

Source: National Archives (208-N-7820-P)

At a B-17 base in North Africa crew members celebrate their 100th mission.

Source: National Archives (208-AA-3A-61)

B-25 bombers roar over an army base in Tunisia, North Africa.

Source: National Archives (208-AA-3A-40)

A squadron leader briefs bomber crews moments before the next mission. England, November 11, 1943.

Source: National Archives (342-AF-26058AC)

Smoke pours from a B-17 after a crash landing at an airfield in England. It had just completed a mission over Rouen, France. July 11, 1944.

Source: National Archives (342-AF-52146AC)

In Hardwick, England, A B-24 Liberator crew of the 93rd Bomb Group prepares for a mission.

Source: National Archives (342-AF-26052AC)

Crewmen unwind in a smoky English pub.

Source: National Archives (342-AF-27717AC)

Johnny Bathurst, a friend of Quentin Aanenson's, in front of "Duffy's Tavern," their hangout at camp.

Source: Quentin Aanenson

Mobile's Dwain Luce, left, with friends Hunter Marstan, Jack Manning and Stuart Waring. Luce, a glider pilot, would see action in Sicily, Italy, Normandy and Holland as part of Operation Market Garden.

Source: Dwain Luce

Mobile's Dwain Luce poses for a snapshot. Luce, a glider pilot, would see action in Sicily, Italy, Normandy and Holland as part of Operation Market Garden.

Source: Dwain Luce

Earl Burke was born in Sacramento on August 18, 1923 and graduated from McClatchy High School. His only sibling, his older brother, Thomas, served in the Army Air Corps, and was killed on a training mission in Puerto Rico in October of 1942. Earl enlisted in the Army a few . . .

Airmen Earl Burke of Sacramento. A ball turret gunner on a B-17, he was wounded while serving with the 8th Air Force in France and Germany.

Source: Earl Burke

Earl Burke beside a B-17 ball turret gun. The Sacramento native would be wounded while serving with the 8th Air Force in France and Germany.

Source: Earl Burke

Sacramento's Earl Burke, front row center, with other airmen of the 8th Air Force.

Source: Earl Burke

Earl Burke in 1942. A ball turret gunner on a B-17, he was wounded while serving with the 8th Air Force in France and Germany.

Source: Earl Burke

Earl Burke in England. 1943. A ball turret gunner on a B-17, he was wounded while serving with the 8th Air Force in France and Germany.

Source: Earl Burke

Earl Burke at Reno Army Air Base. 1942. Photo is Inscribed to his father. A ball turret gunner on a B-17, Earl was wounded while serving with the 8th Air Force in France and Germany.

Source: Earl Burke