Today in World War II History—September 5, 1939 & 1944

Douglas A-26C of the US 386th Bomb Group, Boxted, England, September 1944 (USAF photo)
80 Years Ago—September 5, 1939: President Roosevelt declares US neutrality and upholds ban on export of weapons.
US Navy establishes the Neutrality Patrol to monitor military operations in the western hemisphere and declares a Neutrality Zone 300 miles off the US East Coast.

Patch of the US Ninth Army, WWII
75 Years Ago—Sept. 5, 1944: US Ninth Army is activated in France under Lt. Gen. William Simpson and enters combat.
With Soviet troops on the Bulgarian border, the USSR declares war on Bulgaria, and Bulgaria breaks relations with Germany.
First use of Douglas A-26 Invader light bomber by US Ninth Air Force in England.