Last Updated on May 15, 2025 by Colby Droscher
World War II reshaped the course of history, touching nearly every corner of the globe and leaving lasting scars on generations. Most images from the time were captured in black and white, giving the past a distant, almost abstract feel. But with the help of modern colorization techniques, those same moments now feel personal.
These aren’t just images of war, they’re glimpses into the lives of individuals caught in the middle of something much bigger than themselves. With every detail brought into sharper focus, we see the exhaustion, determination, and quiet courage shown by their expressions. These colorized photos help bridge the gap between past and present, reminding us that behind every historic event are real people with stories and struggles. Here are 20 colorized photos from World War 2.
1. B-25 bombers flying over Mount Vesuvius in Italy
Flying over an erupting volcano is the most macho thing I’ve ever seen.
2. WWII Soldier from the Wiltshire Regiment
The regiment holds its roots in the 62nd Regiment of Foot, which was raised in 1756.
3. Honoring the 442nd Regiment after rescuing “The Lost Battalion”
The 442nd Regiment was a combat team that was composed almost entirely of second-generation American soldiers of Japanese ancestry, who fought in World War II.
4. This woman is comforting a child in an underground tunnel, 1945
This photo was taken during the bombing of London.
5. An American Airborne Soldier during WWII
The airborne patch is one of the coolest patches out there.
6. British paratroopers during WWII
Imagine taking a job where you have to jump out of a plane into a warzone.
7. Putting out a Martin 187 Baltimore Attack-Bomber
They crash-landed in Africa on December 21, 1942.
8. 6th Lancers of the British Indian Army in WWII
This photo was taken during their deployment in Italy.
9. Sikh Wehrmacht volunteers
Imagine volunteering your time for such a deadly cause.
10. Soviet combat medic, 1941
She was only 19 at the start of the war.
11. American GI Ican Parrott, 1945
Parrott was the Sergeant of the 83rd Infantry Division.
12. Two sailors celebrating the end of the war, 1945
I can’t imagine the party that happened in 1945 after the war ended.
13. Richard Bong, 1944
Bong won the Medal of Honor and was the top-scoring American flying ace in WWII.
14. Japan Surrendering, 1945
They surrendered aboard the U.S.S. Missouri.
15. American and Soviet troops in Griebo, Saxony, 1945
As you can tell by their faces, they’re celebrating the end of the war.
16. Soldiers being searched after the Battle of Normandy, 1944
These soldiers fought for Germany, but were from Poland.
17. Keeping lookout with his dog
Kids as young as 14 were helping out in countries that didn’t have a large military presence.
18. Protect the dogs at all costs
I hope they had enough gas masks for all of our furry friends.
19. WASP Pilot from WWII
WASP stands for Women Air Force Service Pilots.
20. German Cavalry in action
It’s incredible to think that we still used horses for war in the 1940s.
Want to see more vintage military photos?
Check out these 20 Military Photos From The Forties, or take a look at 16 Military Photos From the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). If you want to see some of the Navy’s stealth ships, take a look at 17 Military Photos of Stealth Ships Too Sneaky For Their Own Good.
