Today in World War II History—October 25, 1939 & 1944

Japanese special attack (kamikaze) A6M Zero fighter diving on escort carrier USS White Plains, 25 October 1944 (US government photo)

80 Years Ago—October 25, 1939: The Man Who Came to Dinner premieres on Broadway, runs for 739 performances.

First plane lands at new Munich-Riem Airport in Munich, Germany.

75 Years Ago—Oct. 25, 1944: In the Battle of Leyte Gulf, US loses 2 escort carriers, 2 destroyers, and 1 destroyer escort; Japanese lose 4 carriers, 2 battleships, 5 cruisers, and 5 destroyers.

First main kamikaze attacks occur in the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

On the ground at Leyte, Japanese take advantage of naval diversion and attack US ground troops.

Singer and socialite Florence Foster Jenkins, famous for her lack of singing ability, performs at Carnegie Hall to a sold-out crowd.