Right. For the outbound, just check the bags all the way through -- I did this on US/UA flights via SFO back in January.

For returning, you'll claim your bag in the international area at your first stop in the US. Take it through customs, and drop it at the recheck desk outside customs if you're connecting. (At a few airports you must recheck even if you aren't connecting as there's no way to exit except through the airside secured area -- ATL, for one.)