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January 17, 1942

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Headlines from January 17, 1942

NELSON RECEIVES OVER-ALL POWERS; KNUDSEN, ARMY JOB; Roosevelt Gives Production Chief Unprecedented Rule Over Nation's War Effort OPM HEAD TO RUSH ARMS Will Be a Lieutenant General Directing Output -- Both on New War Production Board NELSON RECEIVES OVER-ALL POWERS

By W.h. Lawrencespecial To the New York Times

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 -- President Roosevelt delegated to Donald M. Nelson today full power to mobilize American industry, labor and government for an all-out war production effort, and shifted William S. Knudsen to the War Department, where, as Director of Production with the rank of lieutenant general, he will expedite arms output in the field

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Notable Births

Muhammad Ali

1942Muhammad Ali, American boxer and activist (died 2016)[†]

Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer and social activist. A global cultural icon, widely known by the nickname "the Greatest", he is often regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. He held the Ring magazine heavyweight title from 1964 to 1970, was the undisputed champion from 1974 to 1978, and was the WBA and Ring heavyweight champion from 1978 to 1979. In 1999, he was named Sportsman of the Century by Sports Illustrated and the Sports Personality of the Century by the BBC.

Ita Buttrose

1942Ita Buttrose, Australian journalist and author[†]

Ita Clare Buttrose is an Australian television and radio personality, author and former magazine editor, publishing executive, newspaper journalist and television network executive chairperson.

Ulf Hoelscher

1942Ulf Hoelscher, German violinist and educator[†]

Ulf Hoelscher is a German violinist.

1942Nigel McCulloch, English bishop[†]

Nigel Simeon McCulloch, is an Anglican cleric who held high offices from 1978 until he retired as Bishop of Manchester in 2013.

Notable Deaths

Walter von Reichenau

1942Walther von Reichenau, German field marshal (born 1884)[†]

Walter Karl Gustav August Ernst von Reichenau was a German Generalfeldmarschall in the Heer (Army) of Nazi Germany during World War II. He was nicknamed "The Bull". Reichenau commanded the 6th Army, during the invasions of Belgium and France. During Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union, he continued to command the 6th Army as part of Army Group South as it captured Ukraine and advanced deep into the USSR.