During World War II, the song was used to inspire combat-bound troops in the Aleutians Campaign. According to legend, it was played off the deck of a transport carrying American soldiers onto the beach of a Japanese-held island; the troops let out a roar when they heard the song, and eventually captured the island. The term "Fight On" is also used as a battle cry for USC fans. Like many other college fight songs, "Fight On" is used by many high schools throughout the United States, though often with modified lyrics.