Miami History
Miami History Podcast
Greater Miami During WWII
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Greater Miami During WWII

This podcast episode discusses the role of South Florida as a training ground for different branches of the US military during World War II. Images from August 15, 1945 during V-J Day celebrations.
Army Air Corp servicemen on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach on August 15, 1945, also known as V-J Day.
Cover: Army Air Corp servicemen on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach on August 15, 1945, also known as V-J Day. Courtesy of Florida State Archives.

This podcast episode describes the transformation of the greater Miami area after the United States entered World War II. The area became the training facility for the armed forces. Downtown Miami was converted into the southern command and training facility for the Navy, and Miami Beach became the training grounds for the Army Air Corp. The focus of the entire metropolitan area was the war effort.

The podcast also details the contribution of the Richmond Air Base, Dinner Key in Coconut Grove and the Miami Airfield to preparing the armed forces for battle overseas. Women played a key role in Miami area as members of the Women’s Army Corp, or WACS. Like so many other cities, downtown Miami was the center of the celebration after the announcement that the Japanese surrendered. This lengthy podcast provides a detailed picture of South Florida during World War II.

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Miami History
Miami History Podcast
The Miami History Podcast will cover topics on the people, places and events that have shaped Miami's 120+ year history as a city. The hosts are Miami historian Dr. Paul S. George and history blogger Casey Piket.