February 25, 1942

Antiaircraft fire over Los Angeles, CA, 24-25 February 1942 (California State Archives)
80 Years Ago—Feb. 25, 1942: “Battle of Los Angeles”: In LA, false reports of enemy planes (actually a rogue weather balloon) lead to firing of antiaircraft guns during the night of February 24-25; 5 civilians die from resulting car accidents or heart attacks.
British Gen. Sir Archibald Wavell is named Commander in Chief, India.
President Roosevelt bans racial discrimination in the defense industry.
Three thousand Japanese residents of San Pedro and Terminal Island, CA, are ordered to leave in 3 days.