1942: The U.S. Navy launched reprisal raids in the Marshall Islands against the Japanese, with carrier Enterprise's planes striking at Roi on Kawajalein Atoll, while heavy cruisers Northampton and Salt Lake City bombarded Wotje and heavy cruiser Chester and destroyers hit Taroa.

Simultaneous salvoes being fired from a U.S. cruiser when the American navy went into furious action during the attack on Japanese bases in the Gilbert and Marshal Islands in the Pacific on March 12, 1942. (AP Photo)

Simultaneous salvoes being fired from a U.S. cruiser when the American Navy went into furious action during the attack on Japanese bases in the Gilbert and Marshal Islands in the Pacific on March 12, 1942.

Photo Credit: Cliff Owen/AP

Also today in history, in the U.S. and elsewhere:

1781

: British Lt. Gen. Charles Lord Cornwallis scored a victory in North Carolina during the American Revolution when his troops made it across the Catawba River to surprise and defeat Brig. Gen. William Lee Davidson’s brigade at Cowan’s Ford. The four dead on both sides included Davidson, who was shot in the heart and fell from his horse during the action. That the British robbed Davidson’s corpse was confirmed in 2001 when a British citizen returned his wallet. Read about some of the related events on HistoryNet.com.

1864:

The Second German-Danish War begins.


1865:

Major General William T. Sherman begins his march through South Carolina.

Read about Sherman's March to the Sea on HistoryNet.com

.

Share:
In Other News
Load More