Today in World War II History—June 2, 1942

Casablanca-class escort carrier USS Guadalcanal alongside captured German U-boat U-505, 4 June 1944 (US Naval History and Heritage Command: 80-G-49170)

80 Years Ago—June 2, 1942: BBC reports news from the Polish underground of Nazi mass extermination of Jews.

Henry J. Kaiser proposes building auxiliary carriers; the Navy awards him a contract for the Casablanca class by the end of the month (renamed escort carriers in July 1943).

Jazz trumpeter and bandleader Bunny Berigan dies in New York City, age 33.

The post Today in World War II History—June 2, 1942 first appeared on Sarah Sundin.