PT-109, the Patrol Torpedo boat commanded by Lieutenant John F. Kennedy, sinks after colliding with the Japanese destroyer Amagiri. Kennedy swam with his crew to an abandoned island, refusing to surrender to the Japanese.
President Warren G. Harding dies in San Francisco of suspected heart failure. Harding became ill during his trip of the western United States and had just arrived from visiting Alaska.
In a letter to FDR, Albert Einstein urges U.S. atomic action. More »
Enjoy our work? Help us keep going.
Now in its 75th year, American Heritage relies on contributions from readers like you to survive. You can support this magazine of trusted historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it by donating today.
