WWII Dog Tags

WWIIDogTags.com proudly brings history to life with museum-quality reproduction World War II dog tags, custom notched tags, authentic-style chains, historic military-inspired pieces, and WWII militaria created for reenactors, collectors, museums, film productions, and anyone looking to honor the soldiers of the Greatest Generation. Built around historically researched formats and period-correct presentation, these products deliver the kind of detail that helps transform a costume, display, or production into something truly memorable.

As seen in Shadows of Morocco, WWIIDogTags.com’s products added an unmistakable layer of authenticity to the world of the film. Actress Katherine Forsythe is thrilled to be involved in promoting and endorsing these remarkable pieces, celebrating the craftsmanship, history, and storytelling power behind every tag. For Katherine, they are more than props — they are small but powerful links to the people, sacrifice, and legacy of the World War II generation.
Katherine Forsythe

This Memorial Day: Remembering those who gave all and asked nothing in return.

-eday

Audie Murphy lived a life that often seems almost unreal in its combination of bravery, discipline, and quiet humility. Before entering Hollywood, he was already one of the most highly decorated American soldiers of World War II, receiving the Medal of Honor for extraordinary courage in combat under extreme conditions.
What is less widely known is that Murphy was originally rejected for military service because of his small build and underweight frame. Rather than accept that outcome, he persisted until he was finally allowed to enlist in the United States Army. That determination became a defining part of his character—steady, focused, and deeply personal rather than performative.
During the war, he became known for exceptional composure and bravery in the field, often acting under conditions that demanded both instinct and discipline. His reputation was built not on seeking recognition, but on consistently fulfilling duty in situations where hesitation could have been fatal.
After the war, Murphy moved into acting, frequently portraying the kind of soldier-hero he had been in real life. However, behind that screen image, he carried the psychological weight of his wartime experiences. He struggled privately with what is now understood as post-traumatic stress at a time when such conditions were rarely acknowledged or discussed.
Rather than remain silent, Audie Murphy eventually spoke openly about those struggles, helping bring early awareness to the emotional impact of combat on veterans. His willingness to address it publicly stood out in an era when stoicism was often expected to mean silence.
What defines his legacy most strongly is the contrast between his modest demeanor and the extraordinary life he lived. He did not appear to seek myth or attention, but instead carried his experiences with a quiet sense of responsibility that remained consistent throughout his life.
In the end, Audie Murphy is remembered not only as a decorated soldier or a Hollywood actor, but as someone whose life reflected a deeper kind of courage—one that is often quiet, deeply human, and not always visible at first glance.

From the Archives: 45th Division News Vol. VI No. 34 "Just like mother makes... almost. Howard Kitamura and Paul Shanahan prepare C rations." May 31, 1951.

The Voice of the American G.I.

"NO MAN IN THIS WAR HAS SO WELL TOLD THE STORY OF THE AMERICAN FIGHTING MAN AS THE AMERICAN FIGHTING MAN WANTED IT TOLD." ~President Harry S. Truman

As a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and war correspondent, Ernie Pyle told powerful stories about everyday American G.I.s. His mission was to portray war from the soldiers' eyes. By sharing the harsh realities of war, he introduced the world to the profound brotherhood between servicemen. At his peak, Pyle's columns were published in approximately 400 daily and 300 weekly newspapers.

Beginning in 1940, Pyle redefined wartime reporting. He covered the Battle of Britain, then traveled extensively through North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and France to document the experiences of American G.I.s. He didn't merely visit units—he became part of them, sharing their trials and tribulations. He went weeks without bathing, washed his feet in a steel helmet, and slept on the ground.

In 1944, Pyle proposed that soldiers receive "combat pay" like airmen receive "flight pay." Congress passed the "Ernie Pyle Bill," authorizing 50% extra pay for combat service. He won the Pulitzer Prize in 1944, and his columns were collected into books, including one that became the movie The Story of G.I. Joe.

On April 18, 1945, Pyle was killed by Japanese machine-gun fire on Ie Shima near Okinawa. In 2018, August 3rd was designated National Ernie Pyle Day by the U.S. Senate.

Caption: Ernie Pyle, "Fighting Hearts", 50 pages: A war report about U.S. soldiers and their role overseas. [Collection of the Museum of the American G.I.)