Today in World War II History—June 19, 1944

Battle of the Philippine Sea, 19 Jun 1944, photographed from light cruiser USS Birmingham (US National Archives)

Broached landing craft during the Normandy storm, probably at Omaha Beach, 21 June 1944; USS LST-543 in background (US National Archives)
75 Years Ago—June 19, 1944: The Battle of the Philippine Sea begins—US Fifth Fleet sinks three Japanese aircraft carriers, and the Japanese lose over 450 aircraft in the “Great Marianas Turkey Shoot.”
In a great storm off Normandy, Allied Mulberry harbor A is wrecked, Mulberry harbor B is damaged, and hundreds of vessels are grounded, hampering the Allied build-up.
Free French secure Elba.