World War II
Roosevelt Signs Lend-Lease Act
On March 11, 1941, Franklin Roosevelt signed the Lend-Lease Act to provide aid to Allied forces in World War II.
Sinking of the SS Dorchester
On February 3, 1943, after the SS Dorchester was sunk, four chaplains sacrificed their lives to protect the other men on their boat.
U.S. Coast Guard Established
On January 28, 1915, the Revenue Cutter Service and United States Life-Saving Service were merged to form the US Coast Guard.
Death of Hollywood Icon Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn was born on May 4, 1929, in Brussels, Belgium.
Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms
On January 6, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt gave his “Four Freedoms” speech while delivering the State of the Union Address.
Marshall Plan Comes to an End
On December 31, 1951, the Marshall Plan expired after providing aid to millions of people in Western Europe.
Birth of Aviator Jimmy Doolittle
James “Jimmy” Doolittle was born on December 14, 1896 in Alameda, California.
Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace”
On December 8, 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered his “Atoms for Peace” speech, introducing his goal of using nuclear power for peace.
“A date which will live in infamy”
On December 7, 1941, Japanese bombers attacked American troops at Pearl Harbor, catapulting the US into World War II.