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A People at War headerNational Archives and Records Administration
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Introduction
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Prelude to War
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New Roles
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Women Who Served
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The War in the Pacific
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The War in Europe
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Science Pitches In

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The War is Over
American and Russian Troops Meet at the Elbe
509th Composite Group
Surrender
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Throughout the spring of 1945, American forces continued to push the German Army eastward. It was only a matter of time before they made contact with the Russian army. The first meeting, documented in morning report entries, took place on the banks of the Elbe River near the town of Strehla on April 25, 1945 (see map).

American and Russian soldiers embrace on the banks of  the Elbe River, April 25, 1945

 

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