Today in World War II History—July 26, 1941
Sunday, July 26, 2026 by Sarah Sundin
Douglas MacArthur at the induction ceremony of Philippine Army Air Corps, Zablan Field, Camp Murphy, Rizal, Philippine Islands, 15 Aug 1941 (US National Archives: SC 128885)
85 Years Ago—July 26, 1941: In response to the Japanese occupation of French Indochina, President Roosevelt requires approval of all sales to Japan (including oil; US supplies 80% of Japan’s oil) and closes Panama Canal to Japanese shipping.
US & Britain freeze Japanese assets.
Gen. Douglas MacArthur is recalled to service and placed in charge of US Armed Forces Far East (US & Filipino troops).
Movie premiere of British thriller “Pimpernel” Smith, starring Leslie Howard.
