On February 23, 1942, millions of Americans were gathered around their radios listening to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s fireside chat. At almost the same moment — 7:15 p.m. Pacific time — a Japanese submarine surfaced one mile off the California coast and began shelling an oil field near Santa Barbara. The war had just arrived on the American mainland.
On February 22, 1855, Governor James Pollock put his signature on a document that changed Pennsylvania’s future. It created The Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania — the seed of what would eventually become Penn State — and set in motion a struggle to fulfill the promise of the Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1862.
On February 21, 1916, one of the longest battles on the Western Front began at Verdun. The nearly 10-month battle ended in a French victory, but at a high cost of lives on both sides.
On February 20, 1931, Congress approved the San-Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge project, setting in motion construction of a permanent crossing that would reshape travel across San Francisco Bay. That decision launched one of the most complex bridge systems ever attempted in the United States and created a transportation link that millions would rely on every year.
On February 19, 1943, the Battle of Kasserine Pass began, marking the first major clash between American and German forces in North Africa. The fight quickly tested the strength, training, and leadership of US troops as they faced experienced Axis armored units in the rugged mountains of Tunisia.
On February 19, 1943, the Battle of Kasserine Pass began, marking the first major clash between American and German forces in North Africa. The fight quickly tested the strength, training, and leadership of US troops as they faced experienced Axis armored units in the rugged mountains of Tunisia.
US General Omar Nelson Bradley was born on February 12, 1893, in the small town of Clark, Missouri—far from the battlefields where he would one day command millions. Known as the “GI’s General,” Bradley rose from humble beginnings to become one of America’s most trusted military leaders of World War II.
On January 26, 1945, Audie Murphy single-handedly held off an entire company of German soldiers at the Colmar Pocket in France. His incredible courage under fire not only saved his unit from destruction but also earned him the Medal of Honor, making him a lasting symbol of American heroism in World War II.
On January 17, 1944, the Allies launched a brutal struggle in Italy that would test their endurance and reshape the course of the war in Europe. The Battle of Monte Cassino became one of World War II’s longest and bloodiest campaigns, marked by sacrifice, controversy, and hard-won victory.
William Edward Burghardt Du Bois was born on February 23, 1868, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. A founding member of the NAACP, he was a leading civil rights activist.
On February 23, 1976, the USPS issued its first 50-stamp se-tenant. The format proved popular over the years, featuring flora, fauna, and other state symbols.
On February 23, 1857, a group of 13 architects met in New York City and discussed founding an organization to “promote the scientific and practical perfection of its members.” That organization became the American Institute of Architects.
On February 23, 1905, the Rotary Club was founded in Chicago, Illinois. Since then, its grown into an international service organization spreading goodwill and understanding around the world.
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