World War II
Allies Storm Normandy on D-Day
On June 6, 1944, some 155,000 Allied troops stormed the shores of Normandy on D-Day, the start of Operation Overlord.
Kentucky Becomes 15th State
On June 1, 1792, Kentucky was admitted as America’s 15th state.
First Successful Single-Rotor Helicopter Flight
On May 24, 1940, Igor Sikorsky successfully flew the first single-rotor helicopter.
Victory in Europe Day
On May 8, 1945, Americans celebrated Germany’s defeat with the first Victory in Europe Day.
Battle of the Coral Sea Begins
On May 4, 1942, the World War II Battle of the Coral Sea began. It was the first fight between aircraft carriers; in fact, the ships weren’t even in sight of each other.
Death of President Eisenhower
Born October 14, 1890, in Denison, Texas, Dwight David Eisenhower was the third of seven sons. He was named David Dwight originally, but his mother later reversed the order of his first and middle names to avoid confusion with his father.
Formation of Tuskegee Airmen
On March 19, 1941, the War Department ordered the creation of the the 99th Pursuit Squadron, better known as the Tuskegee Airmen.