First Flight of the P-51 Mustang
On October 26, 1940, the P-51 Mustang completed its first flight. It went on to take down more enemy planes than any other fighter in Europe and was the United Nations’ main fighter plane during the Korean War.
Korean War
Birth of Arleigh Burke
US Navy Admiral Arleigh Burke was born on October 19, 1901, in Boulder, Colorado. He Served with distinction during WWII and went on to serve an unprecedented three terms as chief of Naval Operations.
Birth of President Eisenhower
Dwight Eisenhower was born October 14, 1890, in Denison, Texas. After serving as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in WWII, he was elected America’s 34th president.
Birth of Chesty Puller
Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller was born on June 26, 1898, in West Point, Virginia. The most decorated Marine in US history, Puller stands as a symbol of esprit de corps.
Distinguished Servicemen Series
On May 3, 2000, the USPS issued the first stamps in the Distinguished Servicemen Series. These stamps were intended as a tribute to all servicemen, not just the soldiers they pictured.
U.S. Troops Committed to Korean War
On June 27, 1950, President Harry Truman announced that America would send troops to aid South Korea. It marked the start of US involvement in a conflict that to date hasn’t formally ended because no peace treaty has been signed.
Veterans Day
On November 11, 1954, America first observed Veterans Day, previously known as Armistice Day. Initially a day set aside to honor the veterans of World War I, it was expanded in 1954 to pay tribute to all veterans.
Founding of the Marine Corps Reserves
On August 29, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Naval Appropriations Act of 1916, establishing the Marine Corps Reserve.
Founding of NATO
On August 24, 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty came into force, officially establishing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The purpose of NATO was to maintain a unified military force to defend against Soviet invasion.