In February of 1945, two Marines pay their respects at the grave of Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone who was killed on the first day of fighting on Iwo Jima. 🪦

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Today in 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte escapes from the Mediterranean island of Elba after nine months of exile. Three weeks later, he'll be back on the throne of France. His dramatic return kicks off what's remembered as 'the Hundred Days' leading to his final defeat at Waterloo

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Today in 1933, the U.S. Navy commissions its first purpose-built aircraft carrier, the USS Ranger (CV-4). Capable of carrying up to 86 warplanes, the vessel will go on to take part in the Allied invasion of North Africa as well as operations against German shipping off Norway.

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On this day in 1991, U.S. and Allied warplanes decimate Saddam Hussein's defeated army as it retreats from Kuwait. Hundreds of Iraqis are killed in the air attack and more than 2,000 vehicles are destroyed. The scene of the slaughter becomes known as the "Highway of Death."

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Today in 1991, the Warsaw Pact disbands. Formed in 1955 to counter the perceived threat of NATO, it included seven Eastern Bloc countries plus the USSR. Ironically, the only Pact members ever attacked — Hungary and Czechoslovakia — were invaded by their Soviet "ally."

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On this day in 1941, more than 300,000 workers across the Netherlands stage a nation-wide general strike to protest Nazi atrocities against Dutch Jews. After two-days of demonstrations, the Germans crack down violently.

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On this night in 1942, panic grips California as flak batteries open fire on what are believed to be Japanese bombers overhead. Although officials declare it a false alarm, the incident will be remembered as the Battle of Los Angeles.

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81 years ago today, Pvt. Wilson Watson of the 3rd Marine Division single-handedly kills 60 enemy soldiers, enabling his platoon to advance, and earning him the name "One-Man Regiment of Iwo Jima" 🪖

He would receive the Medal of Honor for his heroism. 🇺🇸

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Seaman 1st Class James Fulton of the US Coast Guard kneels beside the grave of a buddy, a Marine with the 1st Marine Division, who was killed in action in the battle for Peleliu. ⚓️

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From the crest of Mount Suribachi, the Stars & Stripes wave over Iwo Jima after the Marines fought their way inch by inch up its steep lava-encrusted slopes. 🇺🇸

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At a committal service for a fallen Marine on Iwo Jima, 4th Marine Division Chaplain Gage Hotaling concludes the ceremony with the following words:

“You have gallantly given your life on foreign soil in order that others might live. Now we commit your body to the ground.” 🇺🇸

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In February of 1945, Corpsmen carry a wounded Marine on a stretcher to an evacuation boat on the beach at Iwo Jima. 🪖

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81 years ago today, a crew with the 771st Tank Destroyer Battalion rests on a debris-filled street in the shell-torn town of Rheindahlen, Germany. 🪖

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Marines on Iwo Jima take a much deserved break next to a knocked out Japanese gun emplacement in 1945. 🪖

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Today in 1864, the Confederate army opens a POW camp at Andersonville, Georgia. More than 45,000 Union prisoners will be held there in the Civil War's final year. 13,000 will die of disease, starvation & exposure. The camp commandant will later hang for his role in their deaths.

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81 years ago today, soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division march toward Frauwüllesheim, Germany after crossing the Roer River. 🪖

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81 years ago today, medics with the 419th Medical Battalion assist a wounded soldier of the 94th Infantry Division from a jeep at an aid station near Trier, Germany. 🪖

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In February of 1945, Marines display a captured Japanese flag on Iwo Jima. Sgt. James Yncera, pictured on the right, would be killed in action during the fighting in March 1945. 🪖

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In February of 1945, Marines aboard their LVT en route to Iwo Jima. 🪖

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As the battle for Iwo Jima rages on in 1945, a Marine with the 5th Marine Division uses his flamethrower to clear a Japanese bunker 🔥

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81 years ago today, two soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division play cards as they wait for orders to move out of Vettweiß, Germany. 🪖

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