Adolf Hitler signed the order to develop the V-2 rocket as a weapon during World War II.
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.
The American drama movie 'Now, Voyager' premiered in New York City, US.
The popular children's book 'Five on a Treasure Island' featuring the 'Famous Five,' written by Enid Blyton, was published.
300,000 Jews from a ghetto in Warsaw were deported and executed by Nazi rule.
Anne Frank received her famous diary.
Imperial Japan began a series of submarine attacks on Sydney.
The first 1,000 Royal Air force bomber raid dropped 38 thousand tons of bombs on Cologne, Germany.
Mexico declared war on Nazi-Germany and Japan.
The US Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) was formed.
United States civilians received ration books for the first time.
German bombers attacked the English city of Exeter, beginning the Baedeker Blitz.
The island of Malta was awarded the George Cross by King George VI of England.
Anne Miller became the first American patient to be treated with penicillin.
The US army enlisted its first female colonel, Julia Flikke.
The Dutch East Indies colony surrendered the island of Java to Imperial Japanese forces.
The comic book 'Archie' was first published.
Daylight Saving started in the US.
Voice of America, the US' official external radio and television service, began broadcasting.
Industrialist Henry Ford's method to construct auto bodies from plastic was patented.
Pan American Airlines completed its first round the world commercial trip.
The Duquesne Spy Ring, a Nazi German espionage network, was sentenced to prison.
