Birth of Charles R. Drew
Doctor and medical researcher Charles R. Drew was born on June 3, 1904, in Washington, DC. During World War II, Drew developed programs and blood mobiles to help the war effort.
World War II
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Birth of Bob Hope
Leslie Townes “Bob” Hope was born on May 29, 1903, in Eltham, London, England. Hope was the most honored entertainer in history, but his greatest legacy was the gift of laughter he brought to millions of American service men and women stationed far from home.
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Birth of Yogi Berra
Lorenzo Pietro “Yogi” Berra was born on May 12, 1925, in St. Louis, Missouri. He is widely considered to be one of baseball’s greatest catchers and best clutch hitters of all time.
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Birth of Jacqueline Cochran
Jacqueline Cochran was born Bessie Lee Pittman on May 11, 1906, in Pensacola, Florida. The first woman to fly faster than the speed of sound, she held more speed, altitude, and distance records than any other pilot, male or female, in the world.
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Birth of Naval Aviation
On May 8, 1911, the US Navy purchased its first airplane. This date is celebrated as the birth of US naval aviation.
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Happy Birthday to Amadeo Giannini
Banker Amadeo Pietro Giannini was born on May 6, 1870, in San Jose, California. Giannini found his success in offering loans to immigrants who were denied elsewhere. He also helped fund projects such as the Golden Gate Bridge and World War II ships.
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National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day
On April 9, 1942, the largest number of US forces was captured at the end of the Battle of Bataan, leading to the Bataan Death March. Today, this date is commemorated as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day.
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“Go For Broke” Day
April 5 is known as “Go For Broke” Day, in honor of the 442nd Infantry Regiment, the most decorated unit for its size in US military history. The regiment was composed entirely of Nisei (children of Japanese immigrants) who volunteered to join the war effort, displaying inspiring valor and loyalty to America.
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Birth of Bradbury Thompson
Award-winning graphic designer J. Bradbury Thompson was born on March 25, 1911, in Topeka, Kansas. Thompson designed more than 100 US postage stamps and influenced countless others, making him one of the most prolific US stamp designers in history.
