Birth of Oveta Culp Hobby
Oveta Culp Hobby was born on January 19, 1905, in Killeen, Texas.
Army
The Pentagon
On January 15, 1943, construction on the Pentagon, the world’s largest office building, was completed.
Birth of Everett Dirksen
Statesman Everett McKinley Dirksen was born on January 4, 1896, in Pekin, Illinois.
NORAD Tracks Santa
On December 24, 1955, NORAD’s predecessor tracked Santa Claus for the first time.
First National Thanksgiving
On December 18, 1777, the United States celebrated its first national Thanksgiving. The celebration was in reaction to the recent victory at the Battle of Saratoga.
Happy Birthday Alvin York
World War I hero Alvin Cullum York was born on December 13, 1887, in Pall Mall, Tennessee.
Death of Red Cloud
Oglala Lakota Indian warrior Red Cloud died on December 10, 1909.
Honorable Discharge
On November 29, 1944, the War Department officially adopted the honorable discharge emblem.
Battle of Chosin Reservoir
On November 27, 1950, the Korean War Battle of Chosin Reservoir began – a fighting withdrawal in the bitter cold.