Soldiers sitting and standing on a military tank in a historical black and white photograph.
Cartoon of diverse people, including military veterans, waving from a yellow bus labeled "The Yellow Duce" with a "Normandy" sign.

The Yellow Deuce is a complimentary, curriculum-aligned educational program that provides middle and high school students with immersive, experiential learning tours of the Normandy battlefields. Conducted aboard a classic yellow American school bus, the program is led by experienced educators and historical experts and may include rare, firsthand accounts from some of the last surviving World War II veterans.

Through site-based instruction, primary-source narratives, and guided exploration of key locations tied to the D-Day landings and the broader Allied campaign, students deepen historical understanding while building empathy, critical thinking skills, and civic awareness. Fully aligned with secondary history and social studies standards, The Yellow Deuce offers a rigorous, meaningful learning experience—at no cost to participating schools.

"The Yellow Deuce" in bold yellow text on a black background.

CONNECTING GENERATIONS

INQUIRY TODAY

Explore the pivotal events of World War II through an immersive program that highlights the United States’ role in the liberation of Normandy. Developed in partnership with The Greatest Generations Foundation—founded by World War II veterans—this curriculum-aligned initiative draws on trusted historical expertise to provide students with a rigorous learning experience at no cost. Designed exclusively for school groups, the full-day program takes place aboard a classic American school bus and features educator-led, standards-based activities that honor the sacrifices and enduring legacy of World War II veterans. By removing financial barriers, the program expands equitable access to essential historical learning and fosters a deeper, lasting understanding of this consequential period.

Meet the Storytellers

  • Caricature of an elderly man wearing a military-style hat adorned with various patriotic pins and a suit, against a white background.

    SGT. MELNIKOFF

    THE TRANSLATOR

  • Illustration depicting a person wearing a 29th Infantry Division cap with World War II insignia.

    CAPT. WALKER

    POPS

  • Caricature of an elderly man in a pilot's uniform wearing a hat with medals and "100th Bomb" text.

    SGT. GOODMAN

    SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTOR

  • Caricature of an older man wearing military uniform with medals and a "Pearl Harbor" cap, with glasses and a friendly expression.

    QM GANITCH

    THE SALESMAN

  • Caricature of an older man wearing glasses, a cap with an eagle logo, and a suit with a tie.

    PFC. CIPOLLA

    THE PUBLICAN

  • Caricature of an older person wearing a military veteran cap.

    SGT. HERNANDEZ

    THE DANCER

  • Illustration of an elderly man wearing glasses, a WW2 cap with the text '2nd Armored Division', a white shirt, and suspenders.

    SGT. ALLEN

    THE JOKER

  • Illustration of an elderly man in glasses wearing a decorated cap and a white jacket.

    CPO HEDLEY

    THE SAILOR

  • Caricature of a smiling person in military attire, wearing a helmet with a red cross symbol.

    SGT. MAMPRE

    THE MEDIC

  • Caricature of elderly man in military uniform giving thumbs up.

    PFC. REILLY

    THE IRISH-MAN

  • Illustration of an elderly man wearing sunglasses, a military-themed cap with patches, and a jacket adorned with badges and an insignia.

    S/SGT. MCGINTY

    COURT-MARTIAL

  • Caricature of an elderly man wearing a "World War II Veteran" cap, glasses, suit, and tie, with a pin on his lapel.

    SGT. DUPRE

    THE BAND LEADER

  • Caricature of a smiling person wearing a "World War II Veteran" cap, glasses, and a suit with military decorations.

    PFC. ANGLE

    THE REPLACEMENT

  • Caricature of an older military veteran wearing a decorated uniform and hat, with multiple medals and badges.

    PFC. FOY

    PATTON

  • Illustration of an elderly man wearing glasses and a cap labeled "U.S. Naval Amphibious Forces WW II."

    G/M SCIDA

    THE MAIL MAN

  • Caricature of an older man wearing a black "Iwo Jima Marine" cap and dark jacket, featuring detailed facial features and wrinkles.

    PFC. BLANE

    THE OILMAN

  • Illustrated portrait of an elderly man wearing a baseball cap and a patterned shirt.

    SGT. PETSO

    The QUARTERBACK

  • Illustration of an older man wearing a black baseball cap with USS Samuel Chase AP-26 embroidered on it, a suit, and tie.

    G/M DEVITA

    THE DOORMAN

  • Illustration of an elderly man wearing a decorated cap, featuring badges and insignias, with a serious expression and a plaid shirt.

    SGT. PERRY

    THE MAI TAI

  • Caricature of an elderly man wearing a black "Iwo Jima Survivor" cap and a black shirt, with a slight smile.

    Cpl. HEIM

    THE IRSH SNUG

Tour Talking Points

  • Historical photograph showing soldiers interacting with civilians near a water pump in a European town during WWII. Civilians, including a woman carrying a bucket, an older man, and children, gather around. Soldiers are equipped with helmets and gear. Buildings are visible in the background.

    THE RESISTANCE

    In June 1944, French resistance groups helped the Allies invade Normandy. The Resistance sabotaged German war efforts and gave the Allies intelligence on German defenses.

  • World War II poster featuring a soldier holding a rifle with a bayonet, text "Let's All Fight Buy War Bonds."

    THE PROPAGANDA

    Propaganda played a significant role in accentuating the perceived superiority of the German army, while concurrently portraying the Allied armies as either cowardly and brutal or valiant yet misguided.

  • Vintage recruitment poster featuring women in various uniforms, promoting victory jobs, with the text 'Join Us in a Victory Job.'

    WOMEN IN WAR

    The level of female participation in World War II exceeded that of all previous military conflicts. During times of armed conflict, women from diverse backgrounds engaged in a variety of activities.

  • Rows of white crosses at a military cemetery with American and French flags placed at each grave, lush green grass, and trees in the background.

    THE LEGACY

    The WWII generation not only left a profound legacy of loss of life and devastation, but it also left a lasting legacy of optimism, selflessness, resolve, and ingenuity that would resonate with future generations.