Today in World War II History—Feb. 20, 1944

Map of Allied bombing targets during Operation Argument “Big Week,” February 20-26, 1944 (Source: US Air Force)

75 Years Ago—Feb. 20, 1944: Allies launch Operation Argument (“Big Week”), a week-long aerial attack which devastates the German aircraft industry; RAF bombers fly 2300 sorties; US Eighth and Ninth Air Forces fly 3300 sorties from England; US Fifteenth Air Force flies 400 sorties from Italy.

Norwegian Resistance fighters blow up ferry Hydro carrying the only German shipment of heavy water (for atomic bomb) on Lake Tinnsjø, Norway.