Today in World War II History—June 22, 1944

Pres. Franklin Roosevelt signs the G.I. Bill in the Oval Office, with (l to r) Bennett “Champ” Clark, J. Hardin Peterson, John Rankin, Paul Cunningham, Edith Rogers, J.M. Sullivan, Walter George, John Stelle, Robert Wagner, (unknown), and Alben Barkley; June 22, 1944 (FDR Library: NPx 64-269)

80 Years Ago—June 22, 1944: President Roosevelt signs GI Bill of Rights.

Soviets launch Bagration offensive in Byelorussia, which will lead to the heaviest German losses in the war (nearly 500,000 men).

In India, British and Indian troops open the Imphal-Kohima Road, breaking the siege of Imphal.

US Northrop P-61 Black Widow night fighter is first flown in combat, from Saipan.

Danish resistance group BOPA destroys Riffelsyndikatet arms factory in Copenhagen.

Gurkha troops on the Imphal-Kohima Road, 1944 (US Library of Congress: cph.3b47576)

Northrop P-61 Black Widow night fighter, 1940s (US Air Force photo: 021002-O-9999G-008)

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