World War II
Happy Birthday Henry “Hap” Arnold
General of the Air Force Henry “Hap” Arnold was born on June 25, 1886, in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. He was an early supporter of military air power, and later became the Air Force’s first five-star general.
Birth of James Montgomery Flagg
Noted artist and illustrator James Montgomery Flagg was born on June 18, 1877, in Pelham Manor, New York. He painted dozens of memorable posters, book covers, magazine covers, and more, with the most notable being his interpretation of Uncle Sam.
Birth of George H.W. Bush
George Herbert Walker Bush was born on June 12, 1924, in Milton, Massachusetts. As America’s 41st president, he led the US through conflicts in Panama and Iraq, helped bring about the end of the Soviet Union, and negotiated treaties to reduce the number of global nuclear weapons. At home, Bush fought against rising drug use and cracked down on the drug trade.
Allies Free Rome
On June 4, 1944, Allied troops entered Rome, Italy, freeing it from German control. This marked the start of the final phase of WWII, during which American bombers would be able to hit targets in Eastern Germany for the first time.
Birth of Charles R. Drew
Doctor and medical researcher Charles R. Drew was born on June 3, 1904, in Washington, DC. During World War II, Drew developed programs and blood mobiles to help the war effort.
Birth of Bob Hope
Leslie Townes “Bob” Hope was born on May 29, 1903, in Eltham, London, England. Hope was the most honored entertainer in history, but his greatest legacy was the gift of laughter he brought to millions of American service men and women stationed far from home.
Birth of Yogi Berra
Lorenzo Pietro “Yogi” Berra was born on May 12, 1925, in St. Louis, Missouri. He is widely considered to be one of baseball’s greatest catchers and best clutch hitters of all time.
Birth of Jacqueline Cochran
Jacqueline Cochran was born Bessie Lee Pittman on May 11, 1906, in Pensacola, Florida. The first woman to fly faster than the speed of sound, she held more speed, altitude, and distance records than any other pilot, male or female, in the world.
Birth of Naval Aviation
On May 8, 1911, the US Navy purchased its first airplane. This date is celebrated as the birth of US naval aviation.