Today in World War II History—Feb. 6, 1942

The first destroyer escort built by the US for the British, HMS Bayntun, Boston Harbor, 8 Feb 1943. (US Navy photo)

75 Years Ago—Feb. 6, 1942: Japanese take Samarinda, Dutch Borneo.

Germans take Benghazi, Libya.

Congress approves $750 million for construction of 1799 ships for Royal Navy, including 250 destroyer escorts; US Navy ends up saving all but 75 destroyer escorts for its own use.