Today in World War II History—Jan. 23, 1942

Gen. Joseph Stilwell, 1943 (US Army photo)

75 Years Ago—Jan. 23, 1942: Japanese land at crucial British naval and air base of Rabaul, New Britain and take it.

Japanese land at Kavieng, New Ireland and Kieta, Bougainville, and secure both.

Lt. Gen. Joseph Stilwell placed in command of US Army forces in China-Burma-India Theater.