I don't have any specific info on the rules and regulations involved in your case, but the situation sounds so messed up on their end, i'd be shocked if they got it right, lol. If you don't get a solid answer tomorrow, if I were you, i'd go to the department of labor and speak to them in *person* - I know that's a pita, but it's also likely to be the fastest way you're ever going to get anywhere with them.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.