Early in the year, the U.S. began moving west coast Japanese Americans into inland internment camps.
World War I ace pilot Eddie Rickenbacker crashed during a secret mission. He and seven soldiers were rescued from a raft in the South Pacific after a 25-day search.
Due to the World War II effort, rationing was placed in effect on dozens of items, ranging from sugar to gasoline.
U.S. Marines landed at Guadacanal, starting the bloody effort to remove the Japanese from the island.
Bell introduced the XP-59, the first American jet aircraft.
491 people perished when Boston's Coconut Grove night club caught fire.
Pepsi Cola made significant gains against competitor Coca Cola after an extensive radio advertising campaign.
Hit songs included Praise The Lord And Pass the Ammunition!
