Daily Archives: January 8, 2025

American forces began landing on the shores of Lingayen Gulf 80 years ago this hour (Jan 9 1945)


Video: 'American Forces led by General MacArthur land at the Lingayen Gulf and advance to...HD Stock Footage'

(Tuesday, January 9, 1945, 9:30 a.m. local time; during the Invasion of Lingayen Gulf, part of the Pacific Theatre of World War II) — About 68,000 men under General Walter Krueger of the U.S. 6th Army began landing today on the shores of Lingayen Gulf in the Philippines as the Battle of Luzon got underway, resulting in an Allied victory over Imperial Japanese forces.

Drunken Murry Wilson crashes Beach Boys session 60 years ago this hour (Jan 8 1965)


Video: 'The Beach Boys - Help Me Rhonda Recording Sessions (1965, W/Murray Wilson)'

(Friday, January 8, 1965, 1:00-4:00 p.m. PST) — As The Beach Boys entered the studio to begin recording what will become their second number one hit, “Help Me Rhonda,” a drunken Murry Wilson (the father of Beach Boys Brian, Carl and Dennis) arrived and proceeded to commandeer the session with psychodrama, scat singing and weepy, abusive melodrama.

Hitler authorizes limited German withdrawal from Ardennes 80 years ago today (Jan 8 1945)


Video: 'The Battle of the Bulge: World War II's Deadliest Battle' (Jan. 8, 1945, at 53:40)

(Monday, January 8, 1945; during the Battle of the Bulge on the Western Front of World War II) — Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler today authorized the withdrawal of troops from the village of Houffalize about ten miles from Bastogne, signalling the beginning of the German retreat from the Ardennes.

‘If slaves make good soldiers our whole theory of slavery is wrong’ 160 years ago today (Jan 8 1865)

(Sunday, January 8, 1865; during the American Civil War) — In response to the Confederacy’s efforts to enlist African-American slaves as soldiers in the closing days of the American Civil War, Major General Howell Cobb famously wrote today in a letter sent to Confederate Secretary of War James A. Seddon: “if slaves make good soldiers our whole theory of slavery is wrong.”

Andrew Jackson leads American forces in Battle of New Orleans 210 years ago this hour (Jan 8 1815)


Video: 'War of 1812: Battle of New Orleans' (3 videos)

(Sunday, January 8, 1815, 6:20 a.m. local time; during the War of 1812) — U.S. forces led by Gen. Andrew Jackson defeated the British today in the Battle of New Orleans, resulting in the complete withdraw of British forces from Louisiana.

The battle turned out to be the last major engagement of the War of 1812, taking place after the United States and Britain had already signed a peace treaty due to the slowness of communications at the time.

Rock music icon Elvis Presley born in Tupelo, Mississippi 90 years ago this hour (Jan 8 1935)


Video: 'Elvis Presley: Rock 'n' Roll Legend | Mini Bio | BIO'

(Tuesday, January 8, 1935, 4:35 a.m. CST) — Rock-and-roll legend Elvis Aaron Presley, regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, was born today in Tupelo, Mississippi. Continue reading Rock music icon Elvis Presley born in Tupelo, Mississippi 90 years ago this hour (Jan 8 1935)