National Education Center
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| B-29 | Boeing’s B-29 Superfortress was the most sophisticated bomber to fly during World War II. During the war in the Pacific Theater, the long-range, propeller-driven B-29 delivered the first nuclear weapons used in combat. |
| Battalion | A tactically and administratively self-sufficient unit. Typically composed of four to six companies and commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel. Usually includes three rifle companies and one heavy weapons company. Identified by 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Battalion. Consistent with all regiments. Armored or air cavalry units of equivalent size are called squadrons. |
| Battle | A general encounter between armies, ships of war, or aircraft. |
| Brigade | A significantly large military unit able to operate independently or semi-independently. Normally commanded by a Colonel or sometimes by a Brigadier General. |
| Brigadier General | A commissioned officer serving as a deputy commander to a Major General commanding a division-sized unit. A one-star general officer rank, directly below a Major General and above a Colonel. |
| Bronze Star | Also, Bronze Star Medal. A military decoration awarded to any person who, after December 6, 1941, while serving in any capacity with the US Armed Forces, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving aerial flights. The fourth-highest Army decoration. |
| Buddhahead | Originally a derogatory term used to denote Japanese Americans from Hawaii; eventually used to refer to Japanese Americans in general. Theorized to be a corruption of “buta-head,” stemming from the Japanese word for pig (“buta”), for “pig-headed,” or a reference to Japanese Buddhist priests who shaved their heads. |