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U.S. Military History
May 5, 1866
The village of Waterloo, NY holds the first Memorial Day commemoration in the United States.
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Military History
May 6, 1937
In Lakehurst, New Jersey, the German airship the Hindenburg – the pride of Nazi Germany - burst into flames upon landing killing 36 passengers and crew.
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World War II European Theater
May 7, 1945
German General Alfred Jodl signs the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces.
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The Iraq War
May 8, 2005
In Western Iraq, Operation Matador rages in the city of Al Qaim and the nearby towns to clear the area of insurgents and interdict the ‘ratlines’ bringing weapons in from Syria.
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U.S. Military History
May 9, 1916
General John Pershing leads an Army expedition into Mexico to try and capture or kill the Mexican bandit Pancho Villa.
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The Civil War
May 10, 1865
Jefferson Davis, fallen president of the Confederate States, is captured with his wife in Georgia.
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U.S. Military History
May 11, 1846
The United States congress declares war on Mexico at the request of President James Polk.
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The Cold War
May 12, 1949
The Soviet Union lifts its 11 month blockade of West Berlin ending one of the first serious crises of the Cold War.
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The Civil War
May 13, 1865
The last battle of the Civil War, fought in Texas, ends in a Confederate victory. Soon after they hear the confederates surrendered.
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The Cold War
May 14, 1955
The Soviet Union and seven of its European satellite states meet in Warsaw Poland and sign the Warsaw Pact, giving the Soviet Army control over member states armies.
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U.S. Military History
May 15, 1756
The Seven Years War, also known as the French and Indian War, officially begins when England declares war on France.
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Vietnam War
May 16, 1965
First US gunfire support in Vietnam War from the USS Tucker.
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U.S. Military History
May 17, 1885
For the second time in two years, the Apache Chief Geronimo breaks out of an Arizona reservation spreading panic among Arizona settlers.
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U.S. Military History
May 18, 1942
New York ended all night baseball games until the end of World War II.
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Afghanistan War
May 19, 2002
In Afghanistan, Operation Mountain Lion began in an attempt to seal off the border.
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Afghanistan War
May 19, 2002
In Afghanistan, Operation Mountain Lion began in an attempt to seal off the border.
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The Civil War
May 20, 1864
The Civil War campaign of Spotsylvania, Virginia end with over 10,000 dead or wounded.
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World War II European Theater
May 21, 1940
Hitler’s Nazi Forces surround the British at Dunkirk, prompting their retreat across the English Channel.
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World War II European Theater
May 22, 1930
Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini sign the ‘Pact of Steel’, forming the Axis Powers in Europe.
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U.S. Military History
May 23, 1988
The V-22 Osprey – the world’s first tilt rotor aircraft – makes its debut during a ceremony in Arlington, Texas.
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U.S. Military History
May 24, 1607
Captain Christopher and 105 followers founded the colony of Jamestown on the mouth of the James River in Virginia.
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U.S. History
May 25, 1961
President John F. Kennedy challenged the United States to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade.
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World War II Pacific Theater
May 26, 1945
On Okinawa, US bombers and artillery attack Japanese forces as they retreat from the Shuri line.
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U.S. Military History
May 27, 1972
Meeting in Moscow, American President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Leonid Brezhnev meet in Moscow and sign the SALT Treaty.
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The Vietnam War
May 28, 1969
After a ferocious fight, the famed 101st Airborne Divison abandon Ap Bia Mountain, also known as Hamburger Hill.
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The Cold War
May 29, 1988
President Reagan leaves for Moscow to begin the fourth summit in three years with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
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U.S. Military History
May 30, 1868
By proclamation of General Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, the first major Memorial Day observance is held to honor those who died in defense of their country.
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U.S. Military History
May 31, 1997
Rosie the Riveter, World War II icon whose real name is Rosie Will Monroe dies at the age of 76.
