Today in World War II History—Sept. 24, 1940 & 1945

Flag of Malta, featuring the George Cross, awarded to Malta during WWII
80 Years Ago—Sept. 24, 1940: King George of England institutes the George Cross and George Medal for civilian valor.
Vichy France launches air raid on British Gibraltar.
Vichy governor of Dakar, French West Africa refuses to surrender to Free French and British; French West Africa will stay loyal to Vichy until November 1942.
75 Years Ago—Sept. 24, 1945: Movie premiere of Mildred Pierce, starring Joan Crawford, who will win an Oscar for her performance.