Events in 1943

January 15, 1943

Pentagon Completion

The Pentagon, the world's largest office building at the time, was completed in Arlington, Virginia after just 16 months of construction, serving as the headquarters for the U.S. Department of Defense.

February 11, 1943

First Female Fighter Ace

Soviet pilot Lydia Litvyak made history by becoming the world's first female fighter ace during the defense of Stalingrad in World War II. Known as the 'White Rose of Stalingrad,' she achieved five confirmed aerial victories against Nazi aircraft.

April 13, 1943

Discovery of Katyn graves

On April 13, 1943, German radio announced the discovery of mass graves of Polish officers in the Katyn Forest. This event revealed the NKVD crimes against Polish prisoners of war and state officials who were murdered by decision of the highest Soviet authorities in 1940. The discovery led to the severance of diplomatic relations between the Polish government-in-exile and the USSR.

May 11, 1943

Battle of Attu Island

The Battle of Attu Island was a major World War II engagement fought from May 11-30, 1943, marking the only battle on North American soil during WWII. American forces launched Operation Landcrab to recapture the Aleutian island from Japanese occupation, resulting in a decisive U.S. victory.

June 14, 1943

Operation Pointblank

Operation Pointblank was a crucial World War II air campaign launched on June 14, 1943, combining US and British air forces to destroy German aircraft production capabilities and gain air superiority over Europe before D-Day.

June 30, 1943

Operation Cartwheel

Operation Cartwheel was a significant World War II Allied offensive launched on June 30, 1943, under General Douglas MacArthur's command. The operation aimed to neutralize the Japanese stronghold at Rabaul through a sophisticated bypass strategy rather than direct assault.

July 6, 1943

Ivan Kozhedub's First Aerial Victory

Soviet fighter pilot Ivan Kozhedub achieved his first aerial victory during the Battle of Kursk, shooting down a Messerschmitt Bf 109. This marked the beginning of his legendary career that would lead to 62 confirmed aerial victories, making him the top Allied ace of World War II.

July 10, 1943

Operation Husky

Operation Husky was a massive Allied invasion of Sicily launched on July 10, 1943, involving over 2,500 ships and 180,000 troops. This pivotal World War II operation led to Italy's surrender and established crucial Allied control in the Mediterranean.

July 10, 1943

Operation Husky

Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily, was one of the largest amphibious operations of World War II. Led by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the operation involved over 160,000 troops and 3,000 ships, marking the Allies' first major step into Nazi-occupied Europe.

August 1, 1943

Operation Tidal Wave

A daring low-altitude bombing raid conducted by 177 B-24 Liberators targeting crucial Nazi oil refineries in Ploesti, Romania, resulting in significant casualties but demonstrating American resolve to strike at Nazi Germany's vital resources.

September 3, 1943

Operation Baytown

Operation Baytown was a strategic Allied invasion of mainland Italy during World War II, marking the beginning of the Italian Campaign. British XIII Corps crossed the Strait of Messina to establish a crucial foothold in Calabria, facilitating Italy's surrender and weakening German positions.

September 9, 1943

Operation Avalanche: Allied Invasion of Salerno

Operation Avalanche was the largest Allied amphibious assault in the Mediterranean during World War II, launched on September 9, 1943. Under the command of U.S. General Mark Clark, American and British forces landed at Salerno, establishing a crucial foothold in mainland Italy following Italy's surrender to the Allies.

September 9, 1943

Operation Avalanche

The Allied invasion of mainland Italy began with Operation Avalanche on September 9, 1943, when US Fifth Army under Lieutenant General Mark W. Clark landed at Salerno. The operation involved 450 ships and 125,000 Allied troops, marking the first major Allied assault on Nazi-occupied Europe from the south.

November 22, 1943

Cairo Conference

A crucial World War II summit held in Cairo, Egypt, where Allied leaders Roosevelt, Churchill, and Chiang Kai-shek met to plan Pacific war strategy and post-war Asian territorial arrangements.

November 28, 1943

Tehran Conference

Historic World War II meeting in Tehran between Allied leaders Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill that shaped military strategy and post-war world order through crucial agreements including D-Day planning.