1994 World War II

U.S. #2838a-j, issued on June 6, 1994, marked the 50th anniversary of World War II with a commemorative souvenir sheet. Here are the details:

• Stamp Category: Commemorative
• Series: World War II
• Value: 29¢ (Individual stamps), First Class Mail Rate
• First Day of Issue: June 6, 1994
• First Day City: Two main ceremonies in Washington, DC, and St. Mere Egilse, Normandy, with additional smaller events in various cities across the United States
• Quantity Issued: 120,600,000
• Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
• Printing Method: Offset, Intaglio
• Format: Sheetlets of 10 stamps arranged in two strips of 5, with a world map in between
• Perforations: 11.1 (Eureka off-line perforator)
• Tagging: Overall, large block covering stamps and part of selvage

This souvenir sheet was the fourth in a series of five issued over five years to commemorate different aspects of World War II. The stamps were dedicated in two ceremonies on June 6, 1994, in Washington, DC, and St. Mere Egilse, Normandy, with additional events held in various cities across the United States.

Each stamp in the sheet features a significant event or aspect of World War II:

1. Allied Forces Retake New Guinea: Recapturing territory from Japanese forces in New Guinea.
2. P-51 Escort B-17s on Bombing Raids: Depicting the P-51 Mustang fighter escorting B-17 Flying Fortress bombers.
3. Allies in Normandy, D-Day: Commemorating the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.
4. Airborne Units Spearhead Attacks: Highlighting the role of airborne troops in various operations, including D-Day.
5. Submarines Shorten War in Pacific: Recognizing the significant impact of submarines in the Pacific Theater.
6. Allies Free Rome, June 4; Paris, August 25: Celebrating the liberation of Rome and Paris by Allied forces.
7. Troops Clear Saipan Bunkers: Depicting the American military campaign to secure the island of Saipan.
8. Red Ball Express Speeds Vital Supplies: Honoring the Red Ball Express, a vital supply operation during the Allied advance in Europe.
9. Battle for Leyte Gulf: Depicting the largest naval battle of World War II in the Pacific Theater.
10. Bastogne and Battle of the Bulge: Representing the Battle of the Bulge, a major German offensive in Belgium.

These stamps collectively pay tribute to the various theaters of the war, the sacrifices made by Allied forces, and the pivotal events that shaped the outcome of World War II.