Today in the Second World War

The 24th of February

Hidden History
February 24, 2024

As we revisit February 24 in World War II, we're reminded of the strategic battles, acts of valor, and decisive moments that marked this day. It's an opportunity to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who faced extraordinary challenges, shaping the course of history. Through today's stories, we aim to keep the legacy of their bravery alive, inspiring us to remember and learn from the past. Let's carry these lessons forward, acknowledging the impact of this day on our collective history.

“Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well-trained, well-equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely” – Addressed to Allied soldiers on June 6th, 1944 - General Dwight D. Eisenhower

Civilian Tragedy

1942: Passenger ship Struma, powerless with broken-down engines, drifted in the Black Sea after being abandoned by Turkish authorities on the previous day. In the morning, Soviet submarine SC-213 sank Struma with one torpedo, killing 768 of 769 Romanian Jewish refugees aboard.

Struma

Photo of the Day

A TBD-1 Devastator bomber flew over Wake Island during the American attack of 24 Feb 1942; note thick smoke in lower center

As we wrap up our exploration of February 24's pivotal moments in World War II, we hope that the stories of resilience, strategy, and heroism have provided you with a deeper appreciation for the complexities of history and the human spirit. These reflections on past courage and sacrifice serve as a reminder of the enduring lessons we can draw from those times. Thank you for joining us in today’s commemoration. Let the narratives of this day inspire us to move forward with a greater sense of understanding and responsibility towards our shared history. We look forward to continuing this journey with you, uncovering more chapters of the past that still influence our present and future.

If you ever have any recommendations feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]

Have a great weekend :)

Recommended Books:

At Dawn We Slept by Gordon W. Prange

Revisit the definitive book on Pearl Harbor in advance of the 78th anniversary (December 7, 2019) of the "date which will live in infamy".

Judgement at Tokyo by Gary J. Bass

A landmark, magisterial history of the trial of Japan’s leaders as war criminals—the largely overlooked Asian counterpart to Nuremberg.

The Things Our Fathers Saw by Matthew A. Rozell

How soon we forget. Or perhaps, we were never told. That is understandable, given what they saw. But, it happened.

Operation: Snare Drum: A WWII Submarine Adventure Novel by Scott W. Cook

December 7, 1941 - America is attacked by the Japanese and dragged into a worldwide struggle for power unlike anything ever seen on Earth.

Pacific Sniper: A World War II Thriller by David Healey

In December 1941, the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor plunges the United States into war. Fresh from the hardscrabble mountains of Appalachia, Deacon Cole joins the fight against Imperial Japan.

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