Category Archives: 1940s

Democrats nominate Senator Truman for vice president 70 years ago tonight (July 21 1944)


Video: 'Democratic Convention Chicago 1944' (VP nomination at 1:32)

(Friday, July 21, 1944, evening CWT; during World War II) — Senator Harry S. Truman of Missouri was nominated tonight as the Democratic candidate for Vice President in the fifth and final session of the twenty-eighth national convention of the party, defeating incumbent Vice President Henry Wallace 1,031-105 after votes shifted on the second ballot. Continue reading Democrats nominate Senator Truman for vice president 70 years ago tonight (July 21 1944)

American forces land on Guam 70 years ago today (July 21 1944)


Video: 'THE BATTLE OF GUAM: WORLD WAR II - Military History (documentary)' (July 21, 1944, at 7:20)

(Friday, July 21, 1944, 8:29 a.m. ChST; during the Battle of Guam, part of the Pacific War of World War II) — United States assault troops and sea forces began today the long awaited invasion of the big island of Guam and have established good beachheads against light opposition, although resistance increased in some sectors as the Americans drove inland. Continue reading American forces land on Guam 70 years ago today (July 21 1944)

Tojo out as Japanese premier, war minister 70 years ago today (July 18 1944)

(Tuesday, July 18, 1944; during the Pacific War of World War II) — Nine days after the fall of Saipan, Hideki Tojo resigned today as the 40th Prime Minister of Japan and Minister of War because of a series of setbacks suffered by his country in the war, effective July 22, 1944.

320 sailors and civilians killed in Port Chicago disaster 70 years ago this hour (July 17 1944)


Video: 'The Great Port Chicago Explosion'

(Monday, July 17, 1944, 10:20 p.m. PWT; during World War II) — 320 men, two-thirds of them African-Americans, were killed tonight when a pair of ammunition ships exploded at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in Port Chicago, California. Another 390 people were injured.

American forces secure Saipan as last Japanese defenses fall 70 years ago this hour (July 9 1944)


Video: 'Documentary World War 2 II in Colour The Second World War color' (final Allied assault on Saipan at 1:33:34)

(Sunday, July 9, 1944, 4:15 p.m. ChST; during the Battle of Saipan, part of World War IIPacific War) — The Allied conquest of Saipan Island in Japan’s inner defense line was completed this afternoon, clearing the way for direct strikes to the Japanese mainland by U.S. B-29 bombers. Continue reading American forces secure Saipan as last Japanese defenses fall 70 years ago this hour (July 9 1944)

168 people killed in Hartford circus fire 70 years ago this hour (July 6 1944)


Video: 'Hartford Circus Fire book trailer Final Edit'

(Thursday, July 6, 1944, at about 2:00 p.m. EWT) — An estimated 168 people died today in a fire that broke out during a performance in the main tent of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Hartford, Connecticut. Among the survivors was future actor Charles Nelson Reilly, then age 13.

U.S. Marine on Saipan describes ‘ugly, rotten, dirty business’ 70 years ago today (July 4 1944)


Video: 'Documentary World War 2 II in Colour The Second World War color' (July 4, 1944, at 1:27:14)

(Tuesday, July 4, 1944; during the Battle of Saipan, part of World War IIPacific War) — A U.S. Marine fighting the Japanese for control of Saipan wrote home today, describing the “unforgettable experience” as an “ugly, rotten, dirty business.”

Soviets liberate Minsk during Operation Bagration 70 years ago today (July 3 1944)


Video: 'Soviet Storm: World War II — In The East. ep. 11. Operation Bagration. StarMedia. 2011' (July 3, 1944, at 23:37)

(Monday, July 3, 1944; during Operation Bagration, part of the Eastern Front of World War II) — Soviet forces recaptured Minsk from the Germans today.

Bretton Woods Conference to insure post-war financial order opens 70 years ago today (July 1 1944)


Video: '1944 Bretton Woods International Monetary Conference'

(Saturday, July 1, 1944; during World War II) — Delegates from 44 countries began meeting at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, today where they agreed to establish the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Americans capture most of Cherbourg 70 years ago today (June 26 1944)


Video: 'The World At War: Morning 5/5' (June 19-26, 1944, at 0:00)

(Monday, June 26, 1944; during the Battle of Cherbourg on the Western Front of World War II) — Most of Cherbourg, except the port, was occupied today by U.S. 7th Corps (part of U.S. 1st Army). The fortified port, which was considered vital to the campaign in Western Europe, surrendered on June 29, 1944.