More than 15 million Americans donned uniforms in the period from 1941 to 1945. Thomas Bruscino explores how these soldiers' shared experiences --enduring basic training, living far from home, engaging in combat-- transformed their views of other ethnic groups and religious traditions. He further examines how specific military policies and practices worked to counteract old prejudices, and makes a persuasive case that throwing together men of different regions, ethnicities, religions, and classes not only fostered a greater sense of tolerance but also forged a new American identity.

The America they left behind -- The ethnic army -- Introduction to the Army -- Hours of boredom -- Instants of excitement and terror -- Coming home, taking over -- The new consensus and beyond.