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Welcome to our August 6 edition, where we continue our exploration of the pivotal events and inspiring stories of World War II. In this issue, we delve into the acts of heroism, strategic decisions, and personal sacrifices that defined this era. Our mission is to bring these historical moments to life, providing you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the past. Thank you for joining us on this journey of remembrance and discovery, and for your dedication to preserving these important narratives.
Today’s Video: https://youtu.be/tPQg8Wbcx3A
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that a man can undergo” – November 3rd, 1942 - General Erwin Rommel
Skilled Flying
1942: Soviet fighter pilot Mikhail Baranov of the 183rd Air Regiment leading a flight of four Yak-1 aircraft over Stalingrad, Russia ran headlong into a formation of 25 Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters and took them on, shooting down three before running out of ammunition. Then skilfully manoeuvring his aircraft on to the tail of a fourth Bf 109 fighter, he closed in and cut off the fin of the enemy fighter with his propeller, afterwards making a successful forced landing.
Mikhail Baranov
Battle of Vella Gulf
1943: In the Battle of Vella Gulf in the Solomon Islands, United States destroyers USS Dunlap, Craven, Maury, Lang, Sterett, and Stack, acting on intelligence gathered from Magic codebreaking intercepts, laid in wait for four Japanese destroyers on a night mission to bring troops to Munda on New Georgia. USS Dunlap, Craven, and Maury opened the attack by launching twenty-four Mark XV torpedoes in one minute. Japanese destroyers Hagikaze, Arashi, and Kawakaze were destroyed, killing 600 sailors and 900 Japanese Army passengers. Destroyer Shigure had a torpedo pass through her rudder but the ship was able to escape in the darkness.
The U.S. destroyer Sterett
New Age
1945: Hiroshima, Japan was destroyed by the first atomic bomb, "Little Boy". About 70,000 to 80,000 were killed immediately, while about 70,000 were injured.
Mushroom cloud rising over Hiroshima, Japan, 6 Aug 1945. Taken by SSgt George R. 'Bob' Caron, the tail gunner on the B-29 'Enola Gay' using a Fairchild K-20 aerial camera.
Major Loss
1945: Major Dick Bong, with 40 kills to his credit over the Pacific and his country's top scoring fighter ace of the war, and the holder of the Medal of Honor, was killed at the age of 24 when the Lockheed Shooting Star in which he was carrying out test flights stalled on takeoff and crashed in Burbank, California, United States.
Richard Bong in the 1940s
Photo of the Day
Christening ceremonies for the Haskell-class attack transport USS Hocking (the Haskell-class were modified Victory-ships) at CalShip, Los Angeles, California, United States, 6 Aug 1944.
Bonus Photo
'Little Boy' bomb in a bomb pit, ready to be loaded onto B-29 bomber 'Enola Gay', Tinian, Mariana Islands, 6 Aug 1945
As we conclude our August 6 edition, we hope the stories and insights shared have enriched your understanding of World War II and its lasting impact. Your continued support and interest are invaluable in keeping these memories alive. Thank you for joining us in honoring and remembering the past. We look forward to bringing you more compelling narratives in our future issues. Until then, let's reflect on the lessons of history and celebrate the resilience and bravery of those who shaped our world.
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Have a great week :)
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