All-American, a B-17F almost severed in half by a collision over Tunisia. The pilot compensated for the lost and damaged controls and brought the plane home. Miraculously, even the tail gunner survived. (US Air Force photo)
75 Years Ago—July 3, 1943: New song in Top Ten: “Comin’ in on a Wing and a Prayer,” based on stories of US bomber crews in North Africa.
US War Bond poster promoting the Tuskegee Airmen, WWII
75 Years Ago—July 2, 1943: Allies begin bombing of Sicilian airfields to drive German fighter planes to mainland Italy before the upcoming invasion of Sicily.
First of the Tuskegee Airmen (African-American fighter pilots) shoots down an enemy plane—Lt. Charles Hall in a P-40.
Recruiting poster for US Cadet Nurse Corps, WWII
75 Years Ago—July 1, 1943: Congress changes WAAC (Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps) to WAC (Women’s Army Corps) effective 9/30/43.
Congress creates US Cadet Nurse Corps, which provides a free nursing education in exchange for military service.
First All-American Girls Professional Baseball League All-Star Game is played.
First night game played at Wrigley Field in Chicago, using temporary lights.
Recruiting poster for US Women’s Army Corps, WWII
To commemorate the coming 65th anniversary of D-Day, I will be starting something new on my blog. In addition to my usual weekly posts, every day I will make a short post entitled “Today in World War II History,” which will highlight events that happened 65 years ago. On September 1, which will mark the 70th anniversary of the start of World War II, I will add entries from 70 years ago.
I hope you enjoy this!
“Sundin’s craft is inimitable, and her literary finesse radiates from every page.”—Booklist starred review for The Sound of Light