Air Force
U.S. Captures Okinawa
On June 21, 1945, US troops captured Okinawa from the Japanese. It was the last major WWII battle in the Pacific and has been called the “typhoon of steel” for the fierce fighting, intense kamikaze attacks, and large number of Allied ships and vehicles that assaulted the island.
Formation of WAAC
On May 15, 1942, the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) was established.
America Issues First Airmail Stamp
On May 13, 1918, the United States issued its first airmail stamp – U.S. #C3.
First American Orbit of Earth
On February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth aboard his Friendship 7 capsule.
Death of Billy Mitchell
On February 19, 1936, Billy Mitchell, often considered the father of the United States Air Force, died in New York City.
Battle to Recapture Corregidor
On February 16, 1945, the first of 7,000 American troops arrived at Corregidor, ready to retake the important Pacific outpost.
Battle of Chipyong-ni Begins
On February 13, 1951, the Battle of Chipyong-ni, sometimes called the “high-water mark” of the Chinese fighting in Korea, began.
Victory at Guadalcanal
On February 9, 1943, the Allies claimed a major victory and marked the end of the Guadalcanal Campaign.
Happy Birthday Clark Gable!
Actor William Clark Gable was born on February 1, 1901, in Cadiz, Ohio.