First American Orbit of Earth
On February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth aboard his Friendship 7 capsule.
On February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth aboard his Friendship 7 capsule.
On January 30, 1968, the North Vietnamese Army launched a surprise attack on South Vietnam during the Tet (New Year) holiday truce. The offensive was largely considered a failure for the North Vietnamese as they didn’t meet any of their objectives.
On January 17, 1991, the United States led coalition of 42 countries in Operation Desert Storm, the aerial bombardment of Iraq in the Gulf War. It was the largest air campaign since World War II.
The forerunner of the United States Marines was established on November 10, 1775, in the midst of the American Revolutionary War. The Marines have fought in every major US-involved war since, making over 300 landings on foreign shores.
American composer and conductor John Philip Sousa was born on November 6, 1854, in Washington, DC. As the composer of several notable marches, including the “Stars and Stripes Forever” and official Marines march, he’s been called “The March King.”
On October 18, 1997, the Women in Military Service for America Memorial (WIMSA) was officially dedicated in Arlington County, Virginia. This stamp was issued at the memorial’s dedication ceremony.
On July 21, 1944, US troops landed on Guam, initiating a three-week battle to recapture the island. Today, the people of Guam celebrate July 21 as Liberation Day.
On July 9, 1944, American troops claimed victory after a three-week battle on Saipan. Having broken through the Japanese defenses, this enabled the US to launch strategic bombing campaigns.
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.