Today in World War II History—May 31, 1942

Grumman TBF-1 Avenger torpedo bomber with early 1942 markings (US Navy photo)
80 Years Ago—May 31, 1942: US Navy TBF Avenger torpedo bombers are first deployed in Pacific Theater: 6 are dispatched to Midway.
US War Stamp drive ends—the drive raised $7.25 million through sales in drugstores. (Read more: “World War II War Bonds”)
Japanese midget subs enter Sydney Harbor in Australia and sink accommodation vessel HMAS Kuttabul and damage Dutch sub K-IX; 3 midget subs are lost.

Japanese midget submarine raised from Sydney Harbor, Australia, the day after the attack, 1 Jun 1942 (Australian War Memorial: 060696)