Today in World War II History—December 1, 1942

Brig. Gen. Ira Eaker in England, 1942 (US Air Force photo)

80 Years Ago—Dec. 1, 1942: Maj. Gen. Ira Eaker replaces Maj. Gen. Carl Spaatz in command of US Eighth Air Force, based in England.

Australians capture Gona, New Guinea.

Control of “Hump” flights (India to China over the Himalayas) passes from US Tenth Air Force to US Air Transport Command.

In the United States, gas rationing goes into effect nationwide, a national “Victory” speed limit of 35 mph is instituted, and pleasure driving is banned. Read more: “Make It Do—Gasoline Rationing in World War II.” 

US poster, WWII

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