Glossary

Boeing’s B-29 Superfortress was the most sophisticated  bomber to fly during World War II. During the war in the Pacific Theater, the long-range, propeller-driven B-29 delivered  the first nuclear weapons used in combat.

A tactically and administratively self-sufficient unit. Typically composed of four to six  companies and commanded by a Lieutenant  Colonel. Usually includes three rifle companies and one heavy weapons company. Identified by 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Battalion. Consistent with all regiments. Armored or air cavalry  units of equivalent size are called squadrons.

A general encounter  between armies, ships of war, or aircraft.

A significantly large military unit able to operate independently or semi-independently. Normally  commanded by a Colonel or sometimes  by a Brigadier General.

A commissioned officer serving as a deputy commander  to a Major General commanding a  division-sized unit. A one-star general officer rank, directly below a Major  General and above a Colonel.

Also, Bronze Star Medal. A military decoration awarded to any person who, after  December 6, 1941, while serving in any capacity with the US Armed Forces,  distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service,  not involving aerial flights. The fourth-highest Army decoration.

Originally a derogatory term used to denote Japanese  Americans from Hawaii; eventually used to refer to Japanese Americans in  general. Theorized to be a corruption of “buta-head,” stemming from the  Japanese word for pig (“buta”), for “pig-headed,” or a reference to Japanese Buddhist  priests who shaved their heads.