The purpose of the study was to identify trauma symptoms experienced by diverse World War II combat veterans as well as coping strategies that the veterans found to be helpful for healing and adapting to civilian life and the later years. The research was conducted as a qualitative study using the grounded theory tradition of inquiry. In addition to transcribed interviews, the researcher utilized field notes, focus group process recordings, autobiographic videotapes, memoirs, journals kept by the veterans, personal correspondence, photos, war documents, memoing, and historical documentaries to detail the theory. Systematic coding procedures were used in the data analysis, culminating in a series of theoretical propositions and a conditional matrix. Attempts to restore feelings of humanization to counter dehumanizing war experiences were ongoing throughout the life course. For some respondents, the racism that they encountered in the military was more traumatic than combat. Though ethnic minority veterans comprised 7% of all World War II veterans, their experiences were often dramatically different from those of white veterans. In addition to combat stressors, many of these men faced additional hardships such as overt and covert discrimination; internment of their families; and being asked to use their native language, which was forbidden in government schools, for security purposes during the war. While several of the respondents began talking openly about their war experiences shortly after the war, most did not do so until their later years. Most of the men who repatriated were healing in a different way. Anxious to move on with their lives, they channeled their energy into humanizing activities that provided feelings of control such as finding work, pursuing an education, raising a family, and engaging in hobbies. Faced with the death of loved ones and comrades, deteriorating health, and their own mortality, many of the veterans developed a late-life mission in their advanced years to "preserve the memory" as well as to humanize and immortalize their fallen comrades and shipmates. Through activities such as giving talks about their war experiences and participating in oral history projects, the respondents continue to serve as contributing members of society while furthering their own emotional healing. The men have a strong desire to leave a legacy for their families and to make known the racism/ethnic discrimination that transpired during the war. Findings from the study underline the importance of including an inquiry about military service in all client assessments, male and female. Social workers may be successful in establishing a trusting and understanding relationship with a veteran in which issues that have been repressed and avoided can be gradually disclosed in a safe environment. Regardless of age, help may be needed in determining eligibility for health and social services as well as compensation claims. Follow-ups and advocacy to ensure that entitlements are processed and granted are also part of the practitioner's role. Participation in reunions and other gatherings of the client's military group should be encouraged when feasible.