President Abraham Lincoln promotes Ulysses S. Grant to Lieutenant General following Grant's masterful victory at the Battles for Chattanooga. By assuming command of the United States Army, Grant became the third Lieutenant General in United States history, following George Washington and Winfield Scott.
American B-29 bombers attack Tokyo, dropping over 2,000 tons of incendiary bombs. The bombing and subsequent firestorms destroy half of Tokyo and kill approximately 100,000 people.
Bell talks to Watson
With a U.S. patent in hand, Alexander Graham Bell successfully operates the telephone with his associate, Thomas A. Watson. Using a liquid transmitter, Bell uttered, "Mr. Watson—Come here—I want to see you", and Watson confirmed the message.
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