This Day in History, by Tara Ross

May 30, 20243 min read

This Day in History: Robert Foley's Medal of Honor

On this day in 1941, a hero is born. Robert F. Foley originally thought he’d be a basketball star. After all, he had 15 offers to play...

This Day in History: WWII’s “Forgotten Battle” in Alaska

tara

May 29, 20243 min read

This Day in History: WWII’s “Forgotten Battle” in Alaska

On this day in 1943, Japanese launch a banzai charge during the Battle of Attu. That battle would soon end with an American victory! The...

tara

May 28, 20243 min read

The Federalist Papers: No. 85

On this day in 1788, the last Federalist Paper is published. Thanks to all of you who have persevered with me through the entire series....

This Day in History: Donald Ross, hero of Pearl Harbor

tara

May 27, 20243 min read

This Day in History: Donald Ross, hero of Pearl Harbor

On this day in 1992, a hero passes away. Donald K. Ross was the first sailor to receive a Medal of Honor during World War II. At the time...

This Day in History: USS Squalus is rescued

tara

May 23, 20243 min read

This Day in History: USS Squalus is rescued

On this day in 1939, the crew of the USS Squalus is rescued. The day before, the submarine had sunk to a shocking depth: 240 feet. The...

This Day in History: A Rush to Rescue USS Squalus

tara

May 23, 20243 min read

This Day in History: A Rush to Rescue USS Squalus

On this day in 1939, a Sargo-class submarine sinks during a deep dive. No submarine crew had ever been rescued once they’d sunk below 20...

This Day in History: Washington refuses the title of “King.” Again.

tara

May 22, 20243 min read

This Day in History: Washington refuses the title of “King.” Again.

On this day in 1782, George Washington responds to a shocking suggestion. Should ex-soldiers form a new state on the frontier? And should...

tara

May 21, 20243 min read

The Federalist Papers: No. 84

At about this time in 1788, Alexander Hamilton (a.k.a. Publius) writes Federalist Paper No. 84. His essay would later appear in a bound...

This Day in History: Agrippa Hull, little-known American Patriot

tara

May 20, 20243 min read

This Day in History: Agrippa Hull, little-known American Patriot

On this day in 1848, Agrippa Hull passes away. He’s been called “one of the most remarkable and unnoticed African Americans of the...

This Day in History: Frankie Molnar's bravery in Vietnam

tara

May 20, 20243 min read

This Day in History: Frankie Molnar's bravery in Vietnam

On this day in 1967, a hero engages in an action that would earn him the Medal of Honor. Perhaps Frankie Molnar was destined to be a...

This Day in History: WW II’s most famous bomber, Memphis Belle

tara

May 17, 20243 min read

This Day in History: WW II’s most famous bomber, Memphis Belle

On this day in 1943, a B-17 Flying Fortress completes its 25th combat mission without losing a member of its crew. Memphis Belle would...

This Day in History: Andrew Johnson's impeachment

tara

May 16, 20243 min read

This Day in History: Andrew Johnson's impeachment

On this day in 1868, votes are taken in President Andrew Johnson’s impeachment trial. Thirty-five Senators voted to convict, one vote shy...

tara

May 15, 20243 min read

This Day in History: First U.S. Airmail

On this day in 1918, the first official U.S. airmail flight departs from Washington, D.C. Such a flight is ordinary today, but in the...

This Day in History: LCpl Mike Stewart's bravery in Vietnam

tara

May 13, 20243 min read

This Day in History: LCpl Mike Stewart's bravery in Vietnam

On this day in 1967, a hero engages in an action that would earn him the second-highest military decoration for sailors and Marines: the...

tara

May 13, 20243 min read

The Federalist Papers: No. 83

At about this time in 1788, Alexander Hamilton (a.k.a. Publius) writes Federalist Paper No. 83. His essay would later appear in a bound...

This Day in History: David Winder's selflessness in Vietnam

tara

May 13, 20242 min read

This Day in History: David Winder's selflessness in Vietnam

On this day in 1970, a hero engages in an action that would earn him the Medal of Honor. Perhaps some would consider Pfc. David Winder an...

This Day in History: A Widow Sacrifices Her Home for the Patriot Cause

tara

May 12, 20242 min read

This Day in History: A Widow Sacrifices Her Home for the Patriot Cause

On this day in 1781, a female hero makes a little-known sacrifice for the Patriot cause. A widow, Rebecca Motte, gave Brigadier General...

This Day in History: First Lady Harriet Lane

tara

May 9, 20243 min read

This Day in History: First Lady Harriet Lane

On this day in 1830, Harriet Lane is born. The young Pennsylvanian would go on to act as First Lady for her uncle, James Buchanan. She...

This Day in History: John Stark, the “Hero of Bennington”

tara

May 8, 20243 min read

This Day in History: John Stark, the “Hero of Bennington”

On this day in 1822, a Revolutionary War hero passes away. John Stark is perhaps best known for coining the motto, “Live Free or Die!”...

This Day in History: George Washington’s inaugural ball

tara

May 7, 20242 min read

This Day in History: George Washington’s inaugural ball

On this day in 1789, the first inaugural ball is held. It wasn’t quite what we think of as a presidential ball, but it was a celebration,...

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