On this day

August 18, 1940

Revisit the news, notable people, and historical moments connected to this date.

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Headlines from August 18, 1940

Notable Births

Adam Makowicz

1940Adam Makowicz, Polish-Canadian pianist and composer[†]

Adam Makowicz is a Polish pianist and composer living in Toronto. He performs jazz and classical piano pieces, as well as his own compositions.

Gil Whitney

1940Gil Whitney, American journalist (died 1982)[†]

Gilman "Gil" Whitney (1940-1982) was an American television personality in Dayton, Ohio, who worked primarily at WHIO television and radio until his death in 1982. He was posthumously inducted into the Dayton Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2005.

Notable Deaths

Walter Chrysler

1940Walter Chrysler, American businessman, founded Chrysler (born 1875)[†]

Walter Percy Chrysler was an American industrial pioneer in the automotive industry, automotive industry executive, and the founder and namesake of American Chrysler Corporation.

Historical Events

World War II

1940World War II: The Hardest Day air battle, part of the Battle of Britain, takes place. At that point, it is the largest aerial engagement in history with heavy losses sustained on both sides.[†]

World War II or the Second World War was a global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies and the Axis powers. Nearly all of the world's countries participated, with many nations mobilising all resources in pursuit of total war. Tanks and aircraft played major roles, enabling the strategic bombing of cities and delivery of the first and only nuclear weapons ever used in war. World War II is the deadliest conflict in history, causing the death of 70 to 85 million people, more than half of whom were civilians. Millions died in genocides, including the Holocaust, and by massacres, starvation, and disease. After the Allied victory, Germany, Austria, Japan, and Korea were occupied, and German and Japanese leaders were tried for war crimes.