On what date did the first US military casualty of World War II occur?
The first American serviceman killed in the war was Captain Robert M. Losey. He was serving as a military attache and was killed in Norway on 21 April 1940 when German aircraft bombed the Dombås railway station where he and others were awaiting transportation. After the United States entered the war, Hollywood film maker Frank Capra included a brief account of Losey's death in "Divide and Conquer", the third episode of his propaganda film series, "Why We Fight", which he produced on behalf of the U.S. Army Signal Corps.
More Info:
en.wikipedia.org
What are your thoughts on this subject?
17 Comments
Bill0325
This is history .... lest we forget ..... thank you for the explanation. Was he decorated? 😎
Patty K
The USS Arizona is still leaking oil from the attack on Pearl Harbor. The last survivor of the USS Arizona passed away in the first week of April, 2024. RIP
JD Sebring
Howard Groopman, I knew it was 1941 but just didn't think any answers seemed correct. Learned something new.
Howard Groopman
Bridy4u , Because Dec 7 "is the day that will live in infamy." But I'd bet that not everyone knows what year that was.
Howard Groopman
Those who answered 12-7-40 were tricked because Pearl Harbor was 12-7-41.
Benny Ferguson
I agree that this was not a good question. I will bet that most answered Dec. 7, 1941.
teacherchicky
Anne Tisdell, you've got your dates mixed up because officer Losey died almost a year before Pearl Harbor!
John W Shreve
Anne Tisdell, Please re-read the question and explanation.
jansen
Read the question. WWII had been declared on Sept.1, 1939. Germany started it then Japan joined in.
Karen Wenghofer McShea
Anne Tisdell, Pearl Harbor was 1941. December 7, to be exact
Jim Moser
Wyla Reedy, They occurred later than April 21, 1940!!
lls
Wyla Reedy, I know how I feel...I'm with you on this one...don't care what the technicals have to say...lest we forget...
LevibatteryCSA (Dave)
Boy this Taxed my Brain I got it right thou. Thank God For the American Military.
Camilla Prosser
Wyla Reedy, THat occured on December 7, l941
Richard D. Boyle
Linda Lucke, The answer is technically correct. The question does not mention “active service”. Even so, was he on active duty? Yes. Anyone in the military may spend an entire career on “active duty” without any of it during wartime. Was he a casualty during WW II? Yes. The fact that the US had not yet declared war is not relevant. The answer is correct.