This Week in U.S. Military History, May 3-9
May 3, 1965 [Vietnam War]: The first U.S. Army combat troops arrive in Vietnam.
May 4, 1945 [World War II]: The SS Black Point is the last U.S. merchant marine ship sunk in World War II, off the coast of Rhode Island.
May 4, 1942 [World War II]: Battle of Coral Sea begins.
May 4, 1945 [World War II]: Elements of 101st Airborne Division (the Screaming Eagles) ordered to capture Berchtesgarden, Germany, [Adolf Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest]
May 5, 1917 [World War I]: Eugene Bullard becomes the first African American combat pilot, serving in the French Flying Corps.
May 6, 1942 [World War II]: The U.S. Army Signal Corps’ last radio station in the Philippines, on Corregidor, surrenders to the Japanese.
May 6, 1941 [World War II]: Bob Hope’s first USO show at March Field Air Force Base, California.
May 6, every year, National Military Spouses Day: The most difficult job in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard is being a Military Spouse! Hats off and well-deserved salute to Military Wives and Husbands everywhere!
May 7, 1915 [World War I]: German U-boats sink the British passenger ship Lusitania: the United States expresses outrage at the deaths of 128 Americans aboard.
May 8, 1945 [World War II]: V-E (Victory in Europe) Day. Germany surrenders unconditionally, ending World War II in Europe.
May 9, 1945 [World War II]: Hermann Goering, Reichsmarshal of Germany’s armed forces, is captured by the U.S. Army.
[From “Forever a Soldier,” the Library of Congress Veterans History Project]
This article is brought to you by Blackwell-Frazier Post 142 of the American Legion in Hominy, which reminds all veterans that the Post is still shut down due the Governor’s order and the COVID-19 virus. Some Legion activities will continue such as flags on Main Street for Federal and Military Holidays but only with limited participation or family groups. We are working on a plan for the cemetery flags this month. Meanwhile stay safe everyone, wash your hands, don’t touch your face and maintain a 6ft [double-double dress right dress] interval!