This Week in American History

Here is what happened this week in American History.

•June 9. On this day in 1942, the 97th Bombardment Group, part of the VIII Bomber Command, arrives at RAF Polebrook and RAF Grafton Underwood in England. In preparing for the US role in World War II, the Eighth Air Force had been established in Jan. 1942 and activated at Langley Field, Virginia. It was reassigned to Savannah Army Air Base (now Hunter Army Airfield), Georgia in Feb. 1942. Offensive operations begin soon after.

• June 10. Today in 1781, marks the first US military action in Korea as Captain McLane Tilton and over 100 US Marines participate in an attack on Han River forts on Kanghwa Island. Known as the Shinmiyangyo, or Western Disturbance in the Shinmi Year, the action took place because Korean military units fired on US Navy ships in the Han River. In addition, information was being sought regarding the disappearance of the armed merchant vessel, General Sherman. For their part, the Koreans were protecting a route into their country. Over 200 Korean soldiers were killed while just three Americans were killed in action. The General Sherman had been refused permission to trade and thought by the Koreans to be a French warship. The General Sherman ran aground and killed seven Korean civilians via cannon fire. The crew attempted to escape but were caught and killed.

• June 11. In 1935, Inventor Edwin Armstrong offers the first public demonstration of an FM broadcast with this taking place in Alpine, New Jersey. FM, or frequency modulation, would be a tremendous improvement over static-filled AM, or amplitude modulation radio broadcasts.

• June 12. On this day in 1875, during the War of Independence, British General Thomas Gage declares martial law in Massachusetts and offers a pardon to all Americans who will put down their firearms – except for two – Samuel Adams and John Hancock – who had been leaders in America’s quest for independence.

• June 13. Today in 1942, as part of the effort in preparing for America’s entry into World War II, the government opens the Office of War Information and the Office of Strategic Services. The OWI was dissolved August 31, 1945. The OSS was dissolved September 20, 1945, with many of its duties split among other government agencies. The OSS largely morphed into the CIA, which was started January 1946.

• June 14. In 1937, the state of Pennsylvania declares Flag Day as a state holiday. It is the only state to honor the date.

• June 15. On this day in 1978, American Lisa Halaby marries King Hussein or Jordan. She subsequently changes her name to Queen Noor Al-Hussein, which translates as Light of Hussein. Queen Noor is now 70 years old and a widow, with four adult children, three adult step children and multiple grandchildren.

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