One officer described how his men laid the groundwork for victory by slipping deep into Russian-held territory in the months leading up to the assault.
Billy Earl Kirby was a 23-year-old Army infantryman when he was injured in one of the fiercest battles between American and German forces in World War II.
Russia said it withdrew its forces from the island as a “goodwill gesture.” Ukraine said the Russians fled following a barrage of artillery and missiles.