1942

Facts and Events That Happened in This Year

Dec 22

Adolf Hitler signed the order to develop the V-2 rocket as a weapon during World War II.

Dec 2

The world's first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction happened in Chicago Pile-1 at the University of Chicago. It was overseen by Enrico Fermi.

Oct 22

The American drama movie 'Now, Voyager' premiered in New York City, US.

Sep 11

The popular children's book 'Five on a Treasure Island' featuring the 'Famous Five,' written by Enid Blyton, was published.

Jul 22

300,000 Jews from a ghetto in Warsaw were deported and executed by Nazi rule.

Jun 22

The United States Congress formally recognized the Pledge of Allegiance and added it to the Federal Flag Code.

Jun 12

Anne Frank received her famous diary.

May 31

Imperial Japan began a series of submarine attacks on Sydney.

May 30

The first 1,000 Royal Air force bomber raid dropped 38 thousand tons of bombs on Cologne, Germany.

May 22

Mexico declared war on Nazi-Germany and Japan.

May 14

The US Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) was formed.

May 4

United States civilians received ration books for the first time.

Apr 23

German bombers attacked the English city of Exeter, beginning the Baedeker Blitz.

Apr 15

The island of Malta was awarded the George Cross by King George VI of England.

Mar 14

Anne Miller became the first American patient to be treated with penicillin.

Mar 13

The US army enlisted its first female colonel, Julia Flikke.

Mar 8

The Dutch East Indies colony surrendered the island of Java to Imperial Japanese forces.

Feb 11

The comic book 'Archie' was first published.

Feb 9

Daylight Saving started in the US.

Feb 1

Voice of America, the US' official external radio and television service, began broadcasting.

Jan 13

Industrialist Henry Ford's method to construct auto bodies from plastic was patented.

Jan 6

Pan American Airlines completed its first round the world commercial trip.

Jan 2

The Duquesne Spy Ring, a Nazi German espionage network, was sentenced to prison.