Before they were Presidents -
During World War II, George Bush became a decorated naval pilot who flew torpedo bombers. In 1944, he was shot down over the island of Chi Chi Jima and rescued.
Pictured here is Navy Pilot George Bush in a VT-51 “Avenger,” 1944; and World War II aircraft and ships.
Source: bushlibrary.tamu.edu
Draft of letter from Harry S. Truman to Eleanor Roosevelt, 05/17/1948
Truman explains his general low regard for most conscientious objectors in this draft to Eleanor Roosevelt. However he makes special mention of one, more than likely Desmond Doss, featured earlier this week. (Although Doss was an Army medic, not a Navy Corpsman.)
Source: research.archives.gov
President Harry S. Truman seated at a desk, smiling at an assistant, at the time of his announcement of the end of World War II in Europe., 05/08/1945
(Coincidentally, also Truman’s 61st birthday.)
Source: research.archives.gov
General Eisenhower informs me that the forces of Germany have surrendered to the United Nations. The flags of freedom fly over all Europe.
President Harry S. Truman, radio address. May 8, 1945
On President Truman’s 61st birthday he announced the surrender of Germany and Victory in Europe, V-E Day.
Source: trumanlibrary.org
“The mission of this Allied Force was fulfilled at 0241, local time, May 7th, 1945.
EISENHOWER”
Top secret document sent by General Eisenhower to his superior officers to inform them that his mission was fulfilled - Germany was defeated and the war in Europe was over.
-from the Eisenhower Library
The Unconditional Surrender of German
On May 7, 1945, the European conflict of World War II ended when Germany signed an unconditional surrender at Allied headquarters in Rheims, France.
In this photo, Colonel General Gustaf Jodl, German Chief of Staff signs the documents of unconditional surrender, under which all remaining forces of German Army are bound to lay down their arms.
On Jodl’s left is General Admiral Von Friedeburg of the German Navy, on his right is Major Wilhelm Oxenius of the German General Staff.
-from the FDR Library
May 7, 1945 - Celebrating Germany’s Surrender:
Jubilant American soldier hugs motherly English woman and victory smiles light the faces of happy service men and civilians at Piccadilly Circus, London, celebrating Germany’s unconditional surrender. England, May 7, 1945.
Source: research.archives.gov
On this day, Albert Einstein was born.
Here is the famous letter written by Einstein to President Franklin D. Roosevelt that is credited with launching what would eventually become known as the Manhattan Project.
This letter was a collaboration between Einstein, physicist Leo Szilard, and economist Alexander Sachs, who had been an administrator of the National Recovery Administration and Roosevelt adviser. Sachs personally delivered the letter to Roosevelt on October 11, 1939. The outbreak of World War II on September 1, 1939 had delayed the delivery.
Source: research.archives.gov
Marines raising the flag atop Mount Suribachi during the battle for Iwo Jima, February 23, 1945.
Source: research.archives.gov
The world’s first canned beer is sold on this day - January 24, 1935
How’s that for a historic anniversary? You can thank Krueger’s Beer in Richmond, Virginia for making it happen with a first run of 2000 cans.
This photo from the FDR Library shows soldiers receiving World War II beer rations:
Sgt. Henry Klein sells T/4 Ralph Lohman his ration of American beer. Seven cans were rationed in Sept. but future deliveries were uncertain.
Birthday cheers for Canned Beer!
-From the FDR Library’s Public Domain Photographs
Source: research.archives.gov
