Today in World War II History—Aug. 30, 1940 & 1945
Gen. Douglas MacArthur arriving at Atsugi Airfield near Tokyo, 30 Aug 1945, with Maj. General Joseph Swing, Lt. Gen. Richard Sutherland, and Gen. Robert Eichelberger (US National Archives: USA C-1732)
80 Years Ago—Aug. 30, 1940: Vichy France signs Matsuoka-Henry Pact allowing Japan to station troops in French Indochina and to use airfields, ports, and railroads (ratified 9/22/40).
US flag raising at Yokosuka Navy Base, Japan, 30 Aug 1945 (National Museum of the United States Navy: 80-G-490431)
75 Years Ago—Aug. 30, 1945: Yokosuka Naval Base outside Tokyo is officially turned over to the US.
Gen. Douglas MacArthur arrives in Japan and makes Yokosuka the Supreme Allied Command Headquarters.
The US flag that flew over the US Capitol on Dec. 7, 1941 (Pearl Harbor Day) is flown over Tokyo.
British task force enters Hong Kong to establish law and order.
French commissioner convinces Laotian King Sisavang Vong to retract declaration of independence.
A Hudson Super Six coupe rolls off Detroit assembly line, the first postwar car.
