Red Baron’s Final Victory
On April 20, 1918, the Red Baron shot down his 80th plane, a record for World War I.
Military
Birth of Winfield Scott Hancock
Civil War commander Winfield Scott Hancock was born on February 14, 1824, in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania.
Birth of Omar Bradley
US General Omar Nelson Bradley was born on February 12, 1893, in Clark, Missouri.
Formation of SEATO
On September 8, 1954, eight nations signed the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty, or Manila Pact, creating the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO).
Birth of Meriwether Lewis
Explorer, soldier, and politician Meriwether Lewis was born on August 18, 1774, in Ivy, Albemarle County, Virginia.
Introduction of Kansas Winter Wheat
On August 16, 1874, Hard Winter Wheat, also known as Turkey Red, was first introduced in America.
Allied Invasion of Sicily
On July 10, 1943, the Allies launched their successful invasion of Sicily, dubbed Operation Husky.
Happy Birthday, George Cohan!
The father of American musical comedy, George Michael Cohan was born on July 3, 1878, in Providence, Rhode Island. The son of traveling Vaudeville performers, Cohan joined his parents on stage when he was just a baby. Cohan learned to dance and sing shortly after learning to walk and talk. Along with his parents and sister, the family toured under the name The Four Cohans, with George writing skits and songs in his teens.
Death of Stephen Decatur
On Mach 22, 1820, Naval hero Stephen Decatur was killed in duel at the hands of a former friend.