Death of former President Harry Truman
On December 26, 1972, America’s 33rd president, Harry S. Truman, died.
Military
Latvia’s First Stamps Printed on Maps!
On December 18, 1918, war-torn and recently independent Latvia issued its first stamps, printed on the back of German military maps.
Battle of Tarawa Begins
On November 20, 1943, U.S. troops launched the Battle of Tarawa, the first American offensive in the central Pacific region of World War II.
Birth of Chinese Revolutionary Sun Yat-Sen
Sun Yat-Sen was born on November 12, 1866, in Xiangshan County, Guangdong, China.
Death of Henry Knox
On October 25, 1806, Henry Knox died near Thomaston, Massachusetts (present-day Maine).
U.S. Takes Possession of Puerto Rico
On October 18, 1898, U.S. troops raised the American flag over Puerto Rico, marking the start of US possession of the island.
Burgoyne Surrenders At Saratoga
On October 17, 1777, British General Burgoyne surrendered at Saratoga – one of the major American victories of the American Revolution.
Siege Of Yorktown Begins
On September 28, 1781, American forces launched the last major land battle of the Revolutionary War – the Siege of Yorktown.
Benedict Arnold Commits Treason
On September 21, 1780, American Revolutionary War General Benedict Arnold met with the British as part of a plan to hand over West Point – an act of treason.