Today in World War II History—May 15, 1943

Fire caused by errant bats from the experimental bat bomb, Carlsbad Army Air Base, NM, 15 May 1943 (US Army Air Force photo)
80 Years Ago—May 15, 1943: Germans launch fifth offensive against Tito’s Partisans in Yugoslavia.
US Army ends experiment in using “bat bombs” as bats burn down newly constructed, unoccupied Carlsbad Army Air Base, NM; plan was for bats carrying incendiary bombs to be dropped over Japan, where they would roost under eaves and destroy buildings.
American Broadcasting System is founded by Edward J. Noble to enable purchase of the NBC Blue Network; will be renamed American Broadcasting Company (ABC).