The penultimate year of World War II, 1944 was largely defined by the ongoing conflict in Europe. With soldiers on the frontlines and Americans at home doing their part to contribute to the war effort, folks still managed to make the best of these tough times, having fun — and taking photos — in the meantime.
From college dorms to D-Day, here are 10 photos of what the world looked like in 1944.
1
Meet Me at the Movie Theater
Judy Garland and her young co-star Margaret O'Brien as seen during ‘Meet Me In Saint Louis,’ one of the year’s highest grossing films.
2
D-Day
American soldiers arrive in Normandy, France during Operation Neptune, better known as D-Day.
3
An Eruption for the Ages
Mt. Vesuvius as seen during its most recent eruption in March 1944.
4
College Years
“Tri-Deltas in the dorm, U of TX, 1944.”
5
War Efforts
“A female Lockheed employee works on a P-38 Lightning, Burbank, CA, 1944."
6
Liberation Celebration
“Eindhoven in original colors after the liberation, 18 September 1944.”
7
Family Photos
“My Mom and her first husband 1944. Within a year she would be a widow, single mom and seventeen years old living in New York City.”
8
Bad Girls, Bad Girls, What You Gonna Do?
“San Diego mugshot, 1944.”
9
Glamour, She Wrote
”Angela Lansbury, 1944.”
10
Pre-Presidential Pride
Future president John F. Kennedy receives the Navy and Marine Corps medal for Gallantry in Action, June 1944.