Today in World War II History—November 23, 1939 & 1944
US poster featuring Norman Rockwell’s “Freedom from Want,” 1943
80 Years Ago—November 23, 1939: Britain begins rationing bacon and butter.
US celebrates Thanksgiving after President Roosevelt moved the holiday from the last to the second-to-last Thursday to extend the Christmas shopping season—although 22 states retain the original date. (Read more: “Thanksgiving in World War II.”)
Macy’s parade first features Superman balloon.
Adm. William Halsey having Thanksgiving dinner with the crew of battleship USS New Jersey, his flagship, Nov 1944 (US National Archives: 80-G-291498)
75 Years Ago—Nov. 23, 1944: French First Army takes Strasbourg, France.
Chinese-American WASP Hazel Lee is injured in a landing accident at Great Falls, MT; she will die on Nov. 25, the last of 38 WASPs to die on duty.
United States celebrates Thanksgiving.
WASP Hazel Ying Lee reviews her performance after a session in a Link trainer, 1944 (US Air Force photo)
