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March 26, 1942

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

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Headlines from March 26, 1942

JAPANESE POUNDED; Sea-Air Blows at Wake Wreck Planes, Boats and Hangars MARCUS AIRDROME RAIDED Total U.S. Loss Is 2 Aircraft -- Not a Ship Is Hit by Foe's Batteries and Bombers NAVY FORCE RAIDS WAKE AND MARCUS RETURN VISIT: U.S. BLASTS JAPANESE AT WAKE ISLAND FOE MAKES SERIOUS INROAD IN BURMA

By From a Staff Correspondent

U S naval forces attack Wake and Marcus Islands; destroy mil installations; U S losses slight; Vice Adm Halsey comments; day-by-day eyewitness acct of raids; illus; map

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Notable Births

Erica Jong

1942Erica Jong, American novelist and poet[†]

Erica Jong is an American novelist, satirist, and poet known particularly for her 1973 novel Fear of Flying. The book became famously controversial for its attitudes towards female sexuality and figured prominently in the development of second-wave feminism. The Washington Post said in 2013 that it had sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, while by 2022, The New York Times reported that worldwide sales of the book had increased to over 37 million copies.

Notable Deaths

Jimmy Burke (baseball)

1942Jimmy Burke, American baseball player and manager (born 1874)[†]

James Timothy Burke was an American Major League Baseball third baseman, coach, and manager. He played for the Cleveland Spiders, St. Louis Perfectos, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Stockings, Pittsburgh Pirates, and St. Louis Cardinals.

Carolyn Wells

1942Carolyn Wells, American novelist and poet (born 1862)[†]

Carolyn Wells was an American mystery author and poet.

Historical Events

World War II

1942World War II: The first female prisoners arrive at Auschwitz concentration camp in German-occupied Poland.[†]

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.