1939: The U.S. Navy submarine Squalus sinks off the coast of Maine, drowning 26 of its crew. Another 33 trapped crewmen are rescued from a depth of 243 feet using newly developed heliox air systems; the divers involved later receive the Medal of Honor. Want to learn more about Naval submarines? HistoryNet.com has all your information!
Also today in history, in the U.S. and elsewhere:
1430: Jeanne d'Arc is captured at Compiègne by the Burgundians, who sell her to their English allies. Want to learn more about Jeanne d'Arc? HistoryNet.com will give you everything you want to know.
1618: Two Catholic Lords Regent and their secretary get the bum's rush out the window of Hradcany castle, falling 70 feet but emerging without serious injury (you don't want to know why). With this "Defenestration of Prague," the Thirty Years War begins.
1706: John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough wins the Battle of Ramillies, killing some 17,000 French.
1862: Major General Thomas J. Jackson and his Confederate troops take Fort Royal, Virginia.
1948: Israeli forces retake Ramat Rahel, the gateway to Jerusalem.
