SEPTEMBER 29, 1913

122nd Anniversary of the establishment of the American Veterans of Foreign Service

Today marks the 122nd anniversary of the establishment of the American Veterans of Foreign Service, later renamed the Veterans of Foreign Wars, by Veterans returning home from the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection. The Veterans of Foreign Wars serve as a voice for American Veterans across the U.S. From the time of its creation in 1913, members of the organization have worked towards a vision where all Veterans are treated with respect, receive benefits for their service and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their families have made for our country. Many of their noteworthy achievements include the passage of the World War Veterans Adjusted Compensation Act in 1924, the establishment of the National Home for Veterans’ Orphans in 1925 and the passage of an act that granted service members fighting in World War II immediate life insurance coverage. In 1944 and 2008, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion were instrumental in the passage of two GI Bills of Rights. Today, the Veterans of Foreign Wars has nearly 1.5 million members who continue to work together to support and fight for one another.

SEPTEMBER 26, 1918

U.S. troops aboard French-built Renault tanks head for the front in the Argonne Forest

The Battle of Argonne Forest in France, also known as the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, began on September 26, 1918, and was a turning point in WWI in favor of Allied forces. Allied French Supreme Commander Ferdinand Foch put U.S. General John J. Pershing in command of the offensive.

The Battle of Argonne Forest was one of the first engagements of Pershing’s American Expeditionary Force (AEF). As part of a series of Allied attacks known as the Hundred Days Offensive, this was the largest and bloodiest operation of World War I and was the largest frontline commitment of troops in WWI by the U.S. Army. Stretching across the entire Western front, it was the final Allied offensive that caused the Germans to agree to an armistice. The battle lasted until November 11, 1918, which is now known as Armistice Day and marked the end of WWI.

SEPTEMBER 15, 1950

Operation Chromite begins

In September of 1950, the United States and United Nations found themselves embroiled in a war between the communist-supported Democratic People’s Republic of (North) Korea, and the western supported Republic of (South) Korea. Seoul, the capital of South Korea, had fallen in June, forcing the South Korean soldiers to retreat and regroup with their western allies at the Pusan Perimeter. After regrouping with their allies, the South Korean and United Nations forces – commanded by U. S. General Douglas MacArthur – halted the North Korean advance. 

With the North Korean advance halted, MacArthur decided the time was right to enact his unconventional plan designed to break North Korean supply lines and reclaim Seoul. This plan, codenamed Operation Chromite, involved an amphibious landing of American troops at Inchon, a port located on the west coast behind enemy lines. However, Inchon was not an ideal amphibious landing zone because of strong tides and a narrow channel. Despite initial hesitation from other American military leaders, Operation Chromite was approved and preparation began for the invasion. On September 15, the 1^st Marine Division, with the aid of Admiral Arthur D. Struble’s fleet of 230 ships, landed in and seized Inchon. The Marines from the north and the Allied forces from the south worked together to cut off North Korean supply lines and force them back past the 38^th parallel dividing North and South Korea. Today, on the 71^st anniversary of Operation Chromite, we remember and honor the soldiers who risked their lives landing at Inchon port. 

SEPTEMBER 10, 1813

U.S. Navy defeats the British at the Battle of Lake Erie

Commodore Oliver H. Perry is also known as the “Hero of Lake Erie,” for commanding American forces in one of the largest naval victories of the war in Put-In-Bay, Ohio, at the Battle of Lake Erie. Perry is remembered for his battle flag, which read, “Don’t Give Up The Ship,” as well as his note to Gen. William Henry Harrison which read, “We have met the enemy and they are ours.” Perry was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his exceptional service during this time.

Perry’s leadership was one of nine successful Lake Erie military campaign victories; the Battle of Lake Erie was the pivotal win for the West. The lake remained under control of the U.S. for the remainder of the war, allowing the U.S. to recover Detroit, Michigan, and go on to win the Battle of the Thames.

SEPTEMBER 2, 1945

VJ (Victory Over Japan) Day

At 9 a.m. in Tokyo, the official Japanese surrender was signed, bringing an end to World War II. More than 250 Allied warships sat anchored in Tokyo Bay during the 23-minute ceremony. Twelve signatures lined the bottom of the document, representing the United States, Japan, China, the United Kingdom, the USSR, Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands and New Zealand.

AUGUST 23, 1994

Eugene Bullard posthumously commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force

On August 23, 1994, Eugene Jacques Bullard, the first and only African American fighter pilot who served during World War I was posthumously granted the rank of second lieutenant by the U.S. Air Force. Bullard was born in Columbus, Georgia, on October 9, 1895, where he saw and experienced the inhumane treatment of African Americans in America. After witnessing his father almost being murdered by a lynch mob at age 11, Bullard ran away from home in search of a place where he would not be judged for the color of his skin. After traveling with a group of English Romani called the “Stanley Clan,” he realized his best chance for a better life was traveling to Europe. In 1912, he stowed away on the Marta Russ, a German merchant vessel heading back to Europe. Bullard settled in Paris, France where he felt he truly belonged. Only a year later in 1914, his new home would be thrust into the first modern war – World War I.

Bullard joined the French Foreign Legion and fought at the Battle of Verdun at only 19 years old. After becoming injured while relaying a message to a French officer, he was awarded the Croix De Guerre. In 1916, Bullard joined the Aéronautique Militaire and received his pilot’s license. As a pilot for France, he  flew in at least 20 missions reportedly with a Rhesus Monkey named “Jimmy.” When the United States entered World War I in 1917, Bullard felt a deep calling to fight for the nation where he was born and tried to join the U.S. Air Force. He was rejected on the official grounds that pilots had to be officers holding the rank of first lieutenant. After being rejected by the U.S. Air Force, Bullard rejoined the Aéronautique Militaire and later joined the 170th Infantry Regiment until 1919. He would go on to serve as a spy in World War II for the French Resistance. However, after being wounded, Bullard fled to the U.S. and settled in New York where he remained until his death in 1961. On September 14, 1994, he was posthumously commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. A display case in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, honors him. Today, we remember and honor Eugene Bullard’s life and service.

AUGUST 17, 1962

A young man was killed trying to escape into West Berlin

Peter Fechter was a bricklayer who assisted in building the Berlin Wall. At 19 years of age, Fechtor and Helmut Kulbeik attempted to flee East Germany. However, Fechter was shot in the pelvis while climbing the wall. He laid in the street suffering for almost an hour receiving no aid or medical assistance, and later died from his injuries. Fechter’s death was one of the most famous deaths at the Berlin Wall, and sparked outrage in Europe. 

AUGUST 13, 1918

Opha Mae Johnson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps

Opha May Johnson was 40 when she became the first woman ever sworn into the U.S. Marines Corps. Born in Kokomo, Indiana, on May 4, 1878, and raised in Washington, D.C., she graduated second in her class from Wood’s Commercial Business College. Before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps, she worked for 14 years in a civil service role at the Interstate Commerce Department. On August 13, 1918, Johnson happened to be at the front of the line with another 305 women who enlisted that day. Johnson was a clerk at the U.S. Marine Corps Headquarters in Arlington.

Today, we honor Opha and all of the brave women who followed her example by enlisting in the Marine Corp.

AUGUST 3, 1958

The first nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus, passes under the North Pole

Operation Sunshine, completed on August 3, 1958, saw the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine complete a submerged voyage of the North Pole. The USS Nautilus was submerged 1,830 miles under the polar ice caps and faced a dangerous mission. Above 85 degrees North, both magnetic and gyrocompasses stop functioning properly and the submarine’s crew navigate blindly.

The Nautilus, named after the famed ship from Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, was commanded by Vice Admiral Eugene Parks “Dennis” Wilkinson. A member of the U.S. Navy, Vice Admiral Wilkinson set many of the Navy Nuclear protocols into use that are still followed today. The USS Nautilus was decommissioned in 1980, became a national historic landmark in 1982, and is now being used as a museum.

JULY 29, 1775

Founding of the United States Army Chaplain Corps

On July 29, 1775 during the Revolutionary War, the United States Army Chaplain Corps was officially founded with one chaplain serving in a regiment of the Continental Army. With the motto of Pro Deo Et Patria, or For God and Country, the Army Chaplains Corps have served as spiritual advisors to both soldiers and their families for 246 years, making them one of the oldest branches in the United States Army. Their role is to improve morale by taking care of the spiritual, moral, and sometimes physical needs of all members of their regiment. In 2021, the United States Army has chaplains representing the six most prevalent religious groups including Protestants, Roman Catholics, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists and followers of Hinduism. However, chaplains also strive to serve soldiers and their families from nonreligious backgrounds by being a confidant for any moral or ethical struggles and offering advice when needed. Today, more than 2,500 Army chaplains serve in active duty and reserves.

While the role of a chaplain is that of a noncombatant, many have risked and given their lives to help fellow soldiers. One well known story of the bravery of Army chaplains is that of the Four or Immortal Chaplains. These four chaplains – Reformed minister Lieutenant Clark V. Poling, Methodist minister Lieutenant George L. Fox, Father Lieutenant John P. Washington of the Roman Catholic Church and Rabbi Lieutenant Alexander D. Goode – served aboard the U.S.A.T Dorchester during World War II. When the Dorchester was struck by a torpedo, the four chaplains worked together to help their fellow soldiers. They gave up their own life jackets to other soldiers, and as the ship sank, the four chaplains linked arms and sang hymns together accepting their own deaths. Their actions helped save many men aboard the U.S.A.T. Dorchester; for their bravery and sacrifice, they were posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Cross. To date, more than 300 Army chaplains have given their lives in service to the United States and the gods they worship. On the anniversary of the founding of the Army Chaplain Corps, we remember their stories and honor their service.