Get new blog posts sent directly to your email inbox!

Today in World War II History

Read Today's Article

Today in World War II History—May 17, 1944

Friday, May 17, 2024 by Sarah Sundin
P-51B Mustang "Old Crow" of the US 357th Fighter Group in invasion stripes for D-day (Imperial War Museum, Roger Freeman Collection: FRE 3121)

P-51B Mustang “Old Crow” of the US 357th Fighter Group in invasion stripes for D-day (Imperial War Museum, Roger Freeman Collection: FRE 3121)

80 Years Ago—May 17, 1944: Countdown to D-day: Allied Expeditionary Air Force approves “invasion stripes” for Allied aircraft for D-day, not announced yet to maintain security (black & white stripes to prevent friendly fire).

Chinese troops and Merrill’s Marauders (US guerillas) take Myitkyina airfield, the only hard-surfaced field in northern Burma.

US 879th Engineer Aviation Battalion arrives at Myitkyina Airfield by gliders and opens airstrip that night.

Chinese crew of a 105-mm howitzer at Myitkyina, Burma, May 1944 (US Army Center of Military History)

Chinese crew of a 105-mm howitzer at Myitkyina, Burma, May 1944 (US Army Center of Military History)

Share

Comments are closed.

“Another riveting World War II romance.”
—Publishers Weekly review for Mists over the Channel Islands
NOW AVAILABLE!

A Free Gift for You

Make It Do - The US Home Front in World War II

When you subscribe to my monthly enewsletter, you’ll also receive “Make It Do – The US Home Front in World War II,” a collection of my popular blog posts. As a subscriber, you’ll also be the first to learn about my upcoming novels.