Today in World War II History—January 27, 1943
Friday, January 27, 2023 by Sarah Sundin

Steel pennies, 1943 (Sarah Sundin collection)
80 Years Ago—Jan. 27, 1943: First American mission over Germany: US Eighth Air Force, led by the 306th Bombardment Group, bombs Wilhelmshaven.
Lt. Ronald Reagan begins work with the First Motion Picture Unit to make films to improve morale.
US begins production of steel pennies; 1.1 billion steel pennies will be produced in 1943, saving copper for 1.25 million artillery shells.