DISCOVERING
PRESERVING
SHARING
World War II:
Stories Behind the Fight
Richard A. Murphy - your WWII historian
Richard is a historian and educator dedicated to discovering, preserving, and sharing the experiences of those who lived through and fought in WWII.
He has a master’s degree in WWII Studies and a graduate certificate in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, both from Arizona State University.
As an Army combat veteran, former police officer, and retiree from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Richard dedicated his career to the American public and those who have kept us free.
Now he endeavors to uncover the human side of WWII and its lasting impact on its veterans and us, with particular emphasis on what the war was like for those who fought it and those who suffered and died in the Holocaust.
Based on his education and research, he has authored numerous academic papers, histories, information sheets, and presentations that highlight untold stories and contextualize the history of the war and the Holocaust in ways that are understood by historians and non-historians alike.
He also works with individuals and families to create the WWII histories of their loved ones and gives talks about these subjects, and others, to public and private groups both large and small.
.jpg)
U.S. Army & Air Corps
Following the Selective Service Act of 1940, the U.S. Army swelled from just 190,000 active-duty personnel to more than eight million by the end of the war. These soldiers served everywhere in all capacities, to include as aircrew members - the Air Force was not its own until 1947. Discovering and preserving their stories benefits their families and students of the war. What they went through has tremendous impact on their families and society to this day.
European Theater
The European Theater of Operations (ETO) was the primary area of combat between the Allied and Axis powers. From the Battle of Britain and the D-Day landings to the eventual surrender of Germany following Hitler's death, its history includes some of the most famous events of WWII. However, the often lesser-known stories of civilians and combatants alike continue to shed light on the impact of the war and offer lessons for all of us.
The Holocaust
The systematic murder of six million Jews and millions of other victims by the Nazi regime is the most pivotal event in human history. Its scale and severity demanded the establishment of a new crime under international law: genocide. While some horrors of the camps and stories of survival are often well-known, the lead-up to the Holocaust is not, neither are the ongoing downstream effects on soldiers, victims, and the families of both.
Family Research
Curious about a loved one's WWII experience?
Richard combines information from family members, primary source documents, and various archives to find and validate key facts to tell the unknown stories of what US GIs did during the war.
Event Exhibits
Does your group need a table or a booth?
The exhibit will tell stories of WWII through
the eyes of those who were in it and on the
home front using photos, artifacts, souvenirs,
and sources related to your theme.
Speaking Engagements
Does your team want to know more about WWII?
Richard works with school groups, libraries, and community organizations to share and talk about WWII with a focus on people. Content can be tailored to all age groups, interest levels, and topics.
Special Projects
Do you have a specific question about WWII?
Richard can help find the answer and/or
develop information to meet a specific need.
This includes deciphering military documents,
identifying artifacts, and helping them find a home.
