During World War II, the U.S. 10th Army overcomes the last
major pockets of Japanese resistance on Okinawa Island,
ending one of the bloodiest battles of World War II.

The same day, Japanese Lieutenant General Mitsuru Ushijima,
the commander of Okinawa’s defense, committed suicide with
a number of Japanese officers and troops rather than surrender.

On June 7, 1942, the Battle of Midway—one of the most decisive
U.S. victories in its war against Japan—came to an end. In the
four-day sea and air battle, the outnumbered U.S. Pacific Fleet
succeeded in destroying four Japanese aircraft carriers with the
loss of only one of its own, the Yorktown, thus reversing the tide
against the previously invincible Japanese navy.

On June 4, 1942, the Battle of Midway—one of the most decisive
U.S. victories against Japan during World War II—began. During
the four-day sea-and-air battle, the outnumbered U.S. Pacific
Fleet succeeded in destroying four Japanese aircraft carriers
while losing only one of its own, the Yorktown, to the previously invincible Japanese navy.

SANDY KOZEL

Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for "Fifth of May"… a yearly celebration
held on May 5, which commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s
victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in
1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza (below).

Depictions of the Battle of Puebla.