Today in World War II History—June 19, 1944

Battle of the Philippine Sea, 19 Jun 1944, photographed from light cruiser USS Birmingham (US National Archives: 80-G-248549)

80 Years Ago—June 19, 1944: The Battle of the Philippine Sea begins—US Fifth Fleet sinks three Japanese aircraft carriers, and the Japanese lose over 450 aircraft in the “Great Marianas Turkey Shoot.”

In a severe storm off Normandy, Allied Mulberry harbor A is wrecked, Mulberry harbor B is damaged, and hundreds of vessels are grounded, hampering the Allied build-up.

Free French secure island of Elba.

Broached landing craft during the Normandy storm, probably at Omaha Beach, 21 June 1944; USS LST-543 in background (US National Archives: SC 193919)

The post Today in World War II History—June 19, 1944 first appeared on Sarah Sundin.