Today in World War II History—Aug. 22, 1942

Soldiers of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force during the Battle of Monte Castello, Italy, 29 November 1944 (public domain via Wikipedia)

75 Years Ago—Aug. 22, 1942: Brazil declares war on Germany and Italy after 16 ships lost to German U-boats, opening airbases to cover Allied shipping and opening the South Atlantic air route; Brazil will be the only South American country to send troops to fight overseas—Brazilian troops will serve with distinction in Italy.

Germans reach northern suburbs of Stalingrad.

Capitol Records releases its first hit, Ella Mae Morse’s “Cow Cow Boogie.”