Today in World War II History—Oct. 9, 1940 & 1945

USS Ocelot aground in Buckner Bay, Okinawa, with her stern severed by USS Nestor after Typhoon Louise ravaged that port 9 October 1945. Nestor’s bow is in the center of this photo. (US Naval History & Heritage Command)
80 Years Ago—Oct. 9, 1940: Luftwaffe bomb pierces dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, destroying the high altar.
Germans begin occupying Romanian oil fields.
President Roosevelt releases policy allowing Blacks to serve as officers for Black military units; Army begins to recruit Black nurses and doctors to care for Black patients only.
75 Years Ago—Oct. 9, 1945: Typhoon Louise hits Okinawa, killing 36 and destroying hundreds of US ships.