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)

70 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.” Allied Mulberry harbor A wrecked in storm off Normandy. Free French secure Elba.