Special Sub-Topic: Wacky WWII Tidbits Click Here To Play: Wacky WWII Tidbits

What was the name of Hitler's private railroad car?

Amerika. Each senior member of the Nazi leadership had a personal rail car. Goering named his "Asien" (Asia), while Himmler just named his after himself.

Court martials were rare in the U.S. armed forced during WWII.

f. About 60 a day took place for everything from falling asleep on duty to murder.

What did the 45th Infantry, New Mexico National Guard, wear as their shoulder insignia at the start of the war?

Gold Swastika. The unit was made up of many Native Americans, as well as being from a state with a proud Indian heritage. As a result, the unit had what is an old Indian symbol, the swastika, as their insignia. After the start of the war, the State Department realized there was a problem, and a Thunderbird was adopted as the new insignia.

What color eyes was an American Ace pilot apt to have?

Blue/Green. Two thirds of all aces (American) had blue or green eyes. They also tended to be a little shorter than average, and later in life had more daughters than sons. Useless, but interesting.

What was the cause of most civilian deaths during the attack on Pearl Harbor?

Anti-aircraft fire. Falling rounds from 50 calibers used as anti-aircraft fire came crashing back down to earth with enough force to kill, or wound those below. Many sailors simply started firing up at the sky, hoping to hit something. Some did, but most of the rounds became hazardous to those below.

Out of every thousand U.S. servicemen in Europe, 49 had a sexually transmitted disease.

t. Not bad, considering 325 out of a thousand had V.D. in Vietnam.

What nation had the most expensive military decoration?

Soviet Union. The Soviet Union had the Soviet Order of Victory. It had 135 diamonds on a 2 inch platinum star, and hand crafted blue and red enamel. It was given to Generals, including Eisenhower.

Tuba is a homemade whiskey that was very popular on ships. What was it made from?

Rice and Raisins. It was distilled illegally below deck. However, many captains turned a blind eye to it. Admiral Halsey is said to have known about it, and even enjoyed a sip now and then.

Bombing was never precise! What was the first casualty during the German push for the Russian city of Leningrad?

The only elephant in the zoo. The only loss to Mother Russia that first day was the elephant in the city zoo. A direct hit on its pen was the best the Germans could do. It is not clear if they were aiming for the poor creature, and to date no one has taken credit for the kill.

What year was the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade canceled and the floats rubber donated to the war cause?

1942. Total collected: 650,000 lbs.