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Major Events of June 1945: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from June 1945 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of June 1945: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Jun 1945 P-51 Mustangs Lost in Thunderstorm During Osaka Mission: During a World War II bombing mission to Osaka, Japan, 27 P-51 Mustang fighter escorts were lost in a severe thunderstorm while accompanying 521 B-29 bombers. Out of 148 total escort fighters, the significant loss highlights the dangerous conditions faced by Allied air forces in the Pacific theater.
  • 02 Jun 1945 Soviet Delegation Seeks UN Security Council Veto Power: During the San Francisco Conference establishing the United Nations, the Soviet delegation formally proposed and demanded the right of veto power within the UN Security Council. This pivotal moment would significantly shape the future diplomatic dynamics of the post-World War II international order, setting the stage for Cold War negotiations and global governance structures.
  • 03 Jun 1945 Birth of Hale Irwin, Professional Golfer: Hale Irwin was born on June 3, 1945, and would go on to become a legendary professional golfer. He is particularly renowned for his remarkable achievements in the U.S. Open, winning the prestigious tournament in 1974 and 1979. Irwin's career was distinguished by his exceptional skill, consistency, and longevity in professional golf, making him one of the most respected players of his generation.
  • 04 Jun 1945 Allied Powers Agree on Occupied Germany: The United States, Soviet Russia, England, and France reached a critical agreement regarding the post-war division and occupation of Germany. This landmark diplomatic decision would shape the geopolitical landscape of Europe for decades to come, ultimately leading to the Cold War division.
  • 05 Jun 1945 Allied Powers Declare Supreme Authority over Germany: The United States, United Kingdom, Soviet Union, and France officially declare supreme authority over Germany, marking a critical moment in the post-World War II reorganization of Europe.
  • 06 Jun 1945 Hitler's Body Identified by Soviet Forces: A Soviet spokesman from Georgy Zhukov's staff officially announced the identification of Adolf Hitler's body in the Chancellery gardens, confirming the Nazi leader's death and the end of the Third Reich.
  • 07 Jun 1945 King Haakon VII Returns to Norway After World War II Exile: King Haakon VII of Norway triumphantly returned to Oslo on June 7, 1945, marking the end of his five-year exile during World War II. His return symbolized the liberation of Norway from Nazi occupation and represented a powerful moment of national restoration and hope after years of oppression.
  • 08 Jun 1945 Arrest of Jozef Tiso, Slovak Collaborationist: Jozef Tiso, the former president of the Slovak Republic who collaborated with Nazi Germany during World War II, was arrested by US forces. He was subsequently extradited to Czechoslovakia and executed in 1947 after being convicted of war crimes and treason against his own people.
  • 09 Jun 1945 Eddie Arcaro Wins 71st Kentucky Derby: Jockey Eddie Arcaro rides Hoop Jr. to victory in the 71st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, completing the race in a time of 2 minutes and 7 seconds, showcasing his exceptional horsemanship during the post-World War II period.
  • 10 Jun 1945 Australian Troops Capture Labuan Airfield in Borneo: Australian troops landed on Japanese-occupied Borneo, strategically capturing the important port of Brunei and the Labuan airfield, which was crucial for Allied operations in the region.
  • 11 Jun 1945 Ethical Considerations in Nuclear Warfare: The Franck Committee, a group of prominent scientists, recommended against conducting a surprise nuclear bombing of Japan. This recommendation highlighted the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding the potential use of atomic weapons, reflecting growing scientific concern about the devastating humanitarian consequences of nuclear warfare.
  • 12 Jun 1945 US Marines Capture Kunishi Ridge in Okinawa: The US 7th Marine Regiment successfully conquered the summit of Kunishi Ridge during the Battle of Okinawa, a critical strategic point in the Pacific Theater of World War II.
  • 13 Jun 1945 Battle of Orokoe Peninsula in Okinawa: During the final stages of World War II, American forces captured the strategic Orokoe peninsula on Okinawa, resulting in a devastating battle with approximately 6,000 casualties. This engagement was part of the larger Okinawa Campaign, which was one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific Theater.
  • 14 Jun 1945 Filipino Troops Liberate Captured Areas and Begin Battle of Bessang Pass: During World War II, Filipino troops of the Philippine Commonwealth Army successfully liberated captured territories in Ilocos Sur and initiated the strategically significant Battle of Bessang Pass in Northern Luzon. This battle was a critical moment in the Philippines' resistance against Japanese occupation, demonstrating the bravery and determination of Filipino soldiers in their fight for independence.
  • 15 Jun 1945 Battle of Bessang Pass: The Battle of Bessang Pass concluded with a decisive Allied victory, a significant moment in the Pacific Theater of World War II, marking progress in the liberation of the Philippines.
  • 16 Jun 1945 Baseball: Boo Ferriss Suffers First Loss: Boston Red Sox pitcher Boo Ferriss experienced his first defeat after an extraordinary start to his Major League Baseball career, losing 3-2 to the New York Yankees. Prior to this game, Ferriss had won his first 8 consecutive starts, making this loss a notable moment in his rookie season.
  • 17 Jun 1945 U.S. 37th Division Captures Naguilian: Elements of the 37th Division of the U.S. 1st Corps successfully captured Naguilian by making a forced crossing of the Cagayan River during the Philippine Campaign of World War II, advancing Allied efforts to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation.
  • 18 Jun 1945 Truman Discusses Japan Invasion Strategy: President Harry S. Truman convened a critical meeting with his civilian and military advisers to deliberate on the strategic plan for invading Japan. This meeting was a pivotal moment in the final stages of World War II, as American leadership contemplated the potential human and military costs of a full-scale invasion of the Japanese home islands.
  • 19 Jun 1945 General Eisenhower Receives Triumphant Ticker-Tape Parade in New York City: In a remarkable display of national gratitude, an estimated 4 million people lined the streets of New York City to celebrate General Dwight D. Eisenhower's heroic leadership during World War II. The 35-mile (56 km) motorcade through Manhattan was a testament to the public's admiration for the Supreme Allied Commander who played a pivotal role in defeating Nazi Germany.
  • 20 Jun 1945 DUPE: United Nations Conference Resolves Procedural Dispute: At the United Nations conference, the Big Five powers reached a critical agreement allowing the General Assembly to discuss any matters within the UN Charter's scope, establishing a foundational principle for international dialogue.
  • 21 Jun 1945 End of the Battle of Okinawa: World War II: The Battle of Okinawa concluded with the total defeat of Imperial Japanese Army forces, marking a critical turning point in the Pacific Theater. The battle, which lasted from April 1 to June 21, 1945, was one of the bloodiest in the Pacific, with massive casualties on both sides and significant strategic implications for the eventual invasion of Japan.
  • 22 Jun 1945 End of the Battle of Okinawa: On June 22, 1945, the Battle of Okinawa concluded with the collapse of organized resistance by Imperial Japanese Army forces in the Mabuni area, located at the southern tip of the main island. This pivotal moment marked the end of one of the bloodiest and most strategically significant battles in the Pacific Theater of World War II.
  • 23 Jun 1945 Emperor Hirohito's Peace Overture: Emperor Hirohito formally requested peace talks, expressing a desire to develop concrete plans to end World War II, stating: 'I desire that concrete plans to end the war, unhampered by existing policy, be speedily studied and that efforts made to implement them.'
  • 24 Jun 1945 1945 Moscow Victory Parade: The 1945 Moscow Victory Parade, also known as the Parade of Victors, was a monumental celebration of Soviet triumph in World War II. Held on Red Square in Moscow, the parade featured 40,000 Red Army soldiers and 1,850 military vehicles, symbolizing the Soviet Union's decisive role in defeating Nazi Germany. Despite the rainy weather, the parade lasted over two hours and was a powerful demonstration of military might and national pride, occurring more than a month after Germany's official surrender on May 9.
  • 25 Jun 1945 Fall of Okinawa Announced: The Imperial General Headquarters in Tokyo officially announced the fall of Okinawa to Allied forces, marking a critical turning point in the Pacific War. This battle was one of the bloodiest in the Pacific campaign and signaled Japan's increasing vulnerability.
  • 26 Jun 1945 United Nations Charter Signed in San Francisco: On June 26, 1945, representatives from 50 Allied nations gathered in San Francisco to sign the United Nations Charter, marking a pivotal moment in global diplomacy and establishing an international organization dedicated to maintaining world peace, promoting cooperation, and preventing future conflicts in the aftermath of World War II.
  • 27 Jun 1945 Stalin Drops UN Veto Request: In a diplomatic maneuver on June 27, 1945, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin instructed the Soviet delegation at the San Francisco Conference to withdraw its request for a Big Five veto over international dispute discussions, signaling a potential shift in post-war international cooperation.
  • 28 Jun 1945 Nazi Criminal Code Amendment Targeting LGBTQ+ Community: On June 28, 1945, the German Ministry of Justice modified Paragraphs 175 and 175a of the criminal code, further institutionalizing the systematic persecution of gay men and lesbians. This legal revision continued the horrific legacy of discrimination and oppression against the LGBTQ+ community during and after the Nazi regime.
  • 29 Jun 1945 Soviet Annexation of Carpathian Ruthenia: The Soviet Union officially annexed the Czechoslovak province of Carpathian Ruthenia, significantly altering the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe in the aftermath of World War II.
  • 30 Jun 1945 Red Army Captures Danzig: As part of the final stages of World War II, Soviet Red Army forces successfully captured the strategic city of Danzig (now Gdańsk, Poland) on June 30, 1945, marking another significant milestone in the Soviet advance through Eastern Europe and the conclusion of the war.