American future MLB catcher Roy Campanella (18) weds Bernice Ray; eventually divorce
American future MLB catcher Roy Campanella (18) weds Bernice Ray; eventually divorce
Year in History
Explore the major historical events, famous births, and notable deaths that occurred in the year 1939. This year saw 188 significant events. 34 notable figures were born. 2 notable figures passed away.
20th Century1930s
1939 Timeline
American future MLB catcher Roy Campanella (18) weds Bernice Ray; eventually divorce
American future MLB catcher Roy Campanella (18) weds Bernice Ray; eventually divorce
Adolf Hitler threatens Jews during his speech to the German Reichstag (Parliament)
Adolf Hitler (20 April 1889 – 30 April 1945) was an Austrian-born German politician who was the dictator of Germany during the Nazi era, which lasted from 1933 until his suicide in 1945.
American singer Frank Sinatra (23) marries 1st wife Nancy Barbato (21) at Our Lady of Sorrows catholic church in Jersey
American singer Frank Sinatra (23) marries 1st wife Nancy Barbato (21) at Our Lady of Sorrows catholic church in Jersey City, New Jersey; divorce in 1951
Mahatma Gandhi begins a fast in Bombay to protest against autocratic rule in India
Mahatma Gandhi begins a fast in Bombay to protest against autocratic rule in India
Battle of Nanchang between the Kuomintang and the Japanese breaks out during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945)
Battle of Nanchang between the Kuomintang and the Japanese breaks out during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945)
"Wuthering Heights" film based on the Emily Brontë novel, directed by William Wyler and starring Merle Oberon and Lauren
"Wuthering Heights" film based on the Emily Brontë novel, directed by William Wyler and starring Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier, premieres in Los Angeles
Billboard Magazine introduces the hillbilly (country) music chart
Country music, also known as country and western or simply country, is a music genre known for its ballads and dance tunes, identifiable by both traditional lyrics and harmonies accompanied by...
Spanish Civil War ends as Madrid falls to the Nationalists headed by Francisco Franco
Before this period, the Nationalists had already become dominant, yet the outcome of the war was still not certain.
Author Jacqueline Susann (20) weds Irving Mansfield at Har Zion Temple in Philadelphia
Author Jacqueline Susann (20) weds Irving Mansfield at Har Zion Temple in Philadelphia
Actor and naval officer of World War II Douglas Fairbanks Jr (29) weds supermarket magnate Huntington Hartford's former
Actor and naval officer of World War II Douglas Fairbanks Jr (29) weds supermarket magnate Huntington Hartford's former wife Mary Lee Hartford
First televised baseball game is broadcast on NBC, with Princeton University defeating Columbia University 2-1
The 1939 Waynesburg vs. Fordham football game was a college football game between the Fordham Rams and the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets played on September 30, 1939.
Germany's Adolf Hitler and Italy's Benito Mussolini sign the "Pact of Steel" formalizing the 1936 alliance known as the
Germany's Adolf Hitler and Italy's Benito Mussolini sign the "Pact of Steel" formalizing the 1936 alliance known as the Rome-Berlin Axis
Ford introduces the revolutionary Ford-Ferguson 9N tractor incorporating Harry Ferguson's three-point hitch system
Ford introduces the revolutionary Ford-Ferguson 9N tractor incorporating Harry Ferguson's three-point hitch system
Syndicated columnist Ann Landers (21) weds business executive Julius Lederer
Syndicated columnist Ann Landers (21) weds business executive Julius Lederer
Lou Gehrig is the first MLB player to have his number (4) retired on his "Appreciation Day" at Yankee Stadium and makes
Lou Gehrig is the first MLB player to have his number (4) retired on his "Appreciation Day" at Yankee Stadium and makes the iconic "luckiest man" speech
7th Venice Film Festival opens with a United States boycott due to Benito Mussolini's Fascist Italian regime
7th Venice Film Festival opens with a United States boycott due to Benito Mussolini's Fascist Italian regime
"A Star Is Born" actress Janet Gaynor (32) weds MGM costume designer Adrian (36)
"A Star Is Born" actress Janet Gaynor (32) weds MGM costume designer Adrian (36)
The Wizard of Oz, an American musical fantasy film adaptation of L. Frank Baum's book, premieres at Grauman's Chinese Th
The Wizard of Oz, an American musical fantasy film adaptation of L. Frank Baum's book, premieres at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood; directed by Victor Fleming and King Vidor with a cast featuring Judy Garland (Dorothy), Ray Bolger (Scarecrow), Jack Haley (Tin Man), Bert Lahr (Cowardly Lion),
"Rebecca" actress Joan Fontaine (21) weds actor Brian Aherne (37); divorce in 1945
Joan de Beauvoir de Havilland (October 22, 1917 – December 15, 2013), known professionally as Joan Fontaine, was a British-American actress best known for her roles in Hollywood films during the...
World War II starts when Germany invades Poland by attacking the Free City of Danzig
This is a timeline of events of World War II in 1939 from the start of the war on 1 September 1939.
World War II: Britain declares war on Germany after the invasion of Poland; France follows six hours later, quickly join
World War II: Britain declares war on Germany after the invasion of Poland; France follows six hours later, quickly joined by Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada
World's first practical helicopter, the VS-300, designed by Igor Sikorsky, takes a short tethered flight in Stratford, C
World's first practical helicopter, the VS-300, designed by Igor Sikorsky, takes a short tethered flight in Stratford, Connecticut [1]
German–Soviet Boundary and Friendship Treaty is signed by Joachim von Ribbentrop and Vyacheslav Molotov; redraws German
German–Soviet Boundary and Friendship Treaty is signed by Joachim von Ribbentrop and Vyacheslav Molotov; redraws German and Soviet spheres of influence in central Europe and transfers most of Lithuania to the USSR
Nobel Prize-winning author William Golding (28) weds analytic chemist Ann Brookfield
Nobel Prize-winning author William Golding (28) weds analytic chemist Ann Brookfield
American actor Jackie Coogan (24) divorces actress Betty Grable (22) after 2 years of marriage
John Leslie Coogan (October 26, 1914 – March 1, 1984) was an American actor and comedian who began his film career as a child actor in silent films.
"Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart and Jean Arthur, is released
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a 1939 American political comedy-drama film directed by Frank Capra, starring Jean Arthur and James Stewart, and featuring Claude Rains and Edward Arnold.
American baseball legend Joe DiMaggio (24) weds American "Freshies" actress Dorothy Arnold (21) at St. Peter and Paul Ch
American baseball legend Joe DiMaggio (24) weds American "Freshies" actress Dorothy Arnold (21) at St. Peter and Paul Church, with thousands of onlookers crowding the streets of in San Francisco, California; divorce in 1944
"Gone with the Wind", drama film directed by Victor Fleming and starring Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh, premieres in Atla
"Gone with the Wind", drama film directed by Victor Fleming and starring Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh, premieres in Atlanta (Best Picture 1940, highest-grossing film of all time unadjusted for inflation)
Between 20,000 and 40,000 people die in a magnitude 8 earthquake in Erzincan, Turkey
Between 20,000 and 40,000 people die in a magnitude 8 earthquake in Erzincan, Turkey
Donald Bradman scores 267 for South Australia against Victoria, a world record 34th first-class double century
Donald Bradman scores 267 for South Australia against Victoria, a world record 34th first-class double century
Gene Cox becomes 1st girl page in US House of Representatives
Gene Cox becomes 1st girl page in US House of Representatives
Frieda Wunderlich is elected as the first woman dean of a US graduate school
Frieda Wunderlich (8 November 1884 – 9 December 1965) was a German sociologist, economist and politician of the German Democratic Party.
US labor union leader Thomas Mooney freed from prison and later pardoned based on perjured testimony; he had been jailed
US labor union leader Thomas Mooney freed from prison and later pardoned based on perjured testimony; he had been jailed since 1916 on charges related to an anarchist bombing in San Francisco
All commercial ferry services between San Francisco and East Bay end
San Francisco, officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the fourth-most populous city in California and the 17th-most populous in the United States, with a population of 827,526 in 2024.
Municipal Railway & Market St RR begin service to Transbay Terminal
Municipal Railway & Market St RR begin service to Transbay Terminal
Daily newspaper comic strip "Superman" debuts
Superman was a daily newspaper comic strip which began on January 16, 1939, and a separate Sunday strip was added on November 5, 1939. These strips ran continuously until May 1966.
Ed Barrow is elected Yankee president succeeding deceased J Ruppert
Edward Grant Barrow (May 10, 1868 – December 15, 1953) was an American manager and front office executive in Major League Baseball.
Ernest Hausen of Wisconsin sets chicken-plucking record of 4.4 sec
Ernest Hausen of Wisconsin sets chicken-plucking record of 4.4 sec
Charles Ives' 1st piano sonata "Concord" premieres
Charles Ives' 1st piano sonata "Concord" premieres
George Kaufman and Moss Hart's play "The American Way" premieres on Broadway in NYC
George Kaufman and Moss Hart's play "The American Way" premieres on Broadway in NYC
Aquatic Park, near Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco dedicated
San Francisco, officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the fourth-most populous city in California and the 17th-most populous in the United States, with a population of 827,526 in 2024.
30,000 killed by earthquake in Concepcion Chile
30,000 killed by earthquake in Concepcion Chile
Federal Hall National Monument established
Federal Hall was the first capitol building of the United States established under the Constitution.
First flight of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning
The Lockheed P-38 Lightning is an American single-seat, twin-engined fighter aircraft that was used during World War II.
Spanish government flees to France
The Spanish Civil War (Spanish: guerra civil española) was fought from 1936 to 1939 between the Republicans and the Nationalists rebels.
Belgian Spaak government falls
Belgian Spaak government falls
German battleship Bismarck was launched
Bismarck was the first of two Bismarck-class battleships built for Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine.
Katwijk soccer team forms in the Netherlands
Katwijk soccer team forms in the Netherlands
Golden Gate International Exposition opens on Treasure Island
The Golden Gate International Exposition (GGIE) was a World's Fair held at Treasure Island in San Francisco, California, U.S.
The American pro-Nazi organization German American Bund hold a rally at Madison Square Garden and 20,000 attend
On February 20, 1939, a Nazi rally took place at Madison Square Garden, organized by the German American Bund. More than 20,000 people attended, and Fritz Julius Kuhn was a featured speaker.
Belgian government of Pierlot forms
The Belgian Government in London (Dutch: Belgische regering in Londen; French: Gouvernement belge à Londres), also known as the Pierlot IV Government, was the government in exile of Belgium between...
Roy Harris' 3rd Symphony premieres in Boston
Roy Harris' 3rd Symphony premieres in Boston
First Anderson bomb shelter in Britain is erected in an Islington garden
First Anderson bomb shelter in Britain is erected in an Islington garden
Belgian government of Pierlot falls
Belgian government of Pierlot falls
First issue of Serbian weekly magazine Politikin Zabavnik is published
Politikin Zabavnik (Serbian Cyrillic: Политикин Забавник) is a popular magazine in Serbia, published by Politika Newspapers and Magazines. The first issue came out on 28 February 1939.
Japanese Imperial Army ammunition dump exploded at Hirakata, Osaka, Japan, killing 94
Japanese Imperial Army ammunition dump exploded at Hirakata, Osaka, Japan, killing 94
Glamour magazine begins publishing
Glamour magazine begins publishing
Lenore Coffee & William Joyce Cowan's "Family Portrait" premieres
Lenore Jackson Coffee (July 13, 1896 – July 2, 1984) was an American screenwriter, playwright, and novelist. Born in San Francisco, in 1896, Lenore Coffee attended Dominican College in San Rafael,...
17 villages damaged by hailstones in Hyderabad, India
17 villages damaged by hailstones in Hyderabad, India
England draw with South Africa at Durban on the 10th day
England draw with South Africa at Durban on the 10th day
Hungary annexes republic of Karpato-Ukraine
Hungary annexes republic of Karpato-Ukraine
7,000 Jews flee German occupied Memel Lithuania
Lithuania, officially the Republic of Lithuania, is a country in the Baltic region of Europe.
Nazi Germany demands the return of Danzig (Gdańsk) from Poland
The Free City of Danzig (German: Freie Stadt Danzig; Polish: Wolne Miasto Gdańsk) was a city-state under the protection and oversight of the League of Nations between 1920 and 1939, consisting of the...
Lithuania forced to give Memel territory to Germany
The former eastern territories of Germany (German: ehemalige deutsche Ostgebiete) refer to those territories east of the current eastern border of Germany, i.e.
Batman debuts in the 27th issue of Detective Comics by DC Comics
Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane, and debuted in the 27th issue of the comic book...
Faisal II ascends to throne of Iraq
Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, is a country in West Asia. Located within the geo-political region of the Middle East, it is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south, Turkey to the north, Iran to...
Great Britain & Poland sign military pact
The Pact of Steel (German: Stahlpakt, Italian: Patto d'Acciaio), formally known as the Pact of Friendship and Alliance between Germany and Italy (German: Freundschafts- und Bündnispakt zwischen...
Italy invades Albania
The Kingdom of Albania was in personal union with the Kingdom of Italy (Fascist Italy) following the Italian invasion of Albania in 1939 and until the German occupation in September 1943.
King Zog I of Albania flees after Italy invades
Zog I was an Albanian statesman and aristocrat who served as the leader of Albania from 1922 to 1939.
Grens mobilization due to Italian invasion in Albania
Grens mobilization due to Italian invasion in Albania
Hungary leaves League of Nations
Hungary leaves League of Nations
The Hindustani Lal Sena (Indian Red Army) is formed and vows to engage in armed struggle against the British.
The Hindustani Lal Sena (Indian Red Army) is formed and vows to engage in armed struggle against the British.
Albert Lebrun re-elected president of France
Albert François Lebrun was a French politician who served as President of France from 1932 to 1940. He was the last president of the Third Republic.
Stanley Cup Final, Boston Garden, Boston, MA: Boston Bruins beat Toronto Maple Leafs, 3-1 for a 4-1 series win; first be
Stanley Cup Final, Boston Garden, Boston, MA: Boston Bruins beat Toronto Maple Leafs, 3-1 for a 4-1 series win; first best-of-7 SC Final series
Connecticut finally approves Bill of Rights (148 years late)
Connecticut finally approves Bill of Rights (148 years late)
Whitestone Bridge connecting the New York boroughs of Bronx and Queens opens
The Bronx–Whitestone Bridge (colloquially referred to as the Whitestone Bridge or simply the Whitestone) is a suspension bridge in New York City, carrying six lanes of Interstate 678 over the East...
The All India Forward Bloc is formed by Subhash Chandra Bose
The All India Forward Bloc (abbr. AIFB) is a left-wing nationalist political party in India.
Archaeologist Basil Brown begins excavating at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, goes on to find a royal 7th century Anglo-Saxon bu
Archaeologist Basil Brown begins excavating at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, goes on to find a royal 7th century Anglo-Saxon burial ship - the greatest archeological discovery on British soil [1]
SS St Louis departs Hamburg, Germany with 937 Jewish refugees, bound for Havana, Cuba; authorities refused to admit them
SS St Louis departs Hamburg, Germany with 937 Jewish refugees, bound for Havana, Cuba; authorities refused to admit them, and most of the passengers returned to Europe [1]
Lina Medina of Peru becomes the world's youngest confirmed mother in medical history at the age of five
Lina Marcela Medina de Jurado is a Peruvian woman who became the youngest confirmed mother in history when she gave birth to her son Gerardo on 14 May 1939 when she was five years, seven months, and...
1st AL night game, Philadelphia Shribe Park (Indians 8, Athletics 3 in 10)
1st AL night game, Philadelphia Shribe Park (Indians 8, Athletics 3 in 10)
"3 Little Fishies" by Kay Kyser swam to #1
"3 Little Fishies" by Kay Kyser swam to #1
Carl Storck becomes 2nd NFL president
Carl Storck becomes 2nd NFL president
British submarine "Thetis" sinks in Liverpool Bay with all 99 aboard
British submarine "Thetis" sinks in Liverpool Bay with all 99 aboard
"Beer Barrel Polka" by Will Glahe hits #1 on the pop singles chart
"Beer Barrel Polka" by Will Glahe hits #1 on the pop singles chart
NY Giants beat Reds 17-3, with 5 HRs in 4th inning
NY Giants beat Reds 17-3, with 5 HRs in 4th inning
MGM cartoon character Barney Bear debuts
MGM cartoon character Barney Bear debuts
Baseball Hall of Fame is dedicated in Cooperstown, New York
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is a history museum and hall of fame in Cooperstown, New York, operated by a private foundation.
Last public guillotining in France. Eugen Weidmann, a convicted murderer, is guillotined in Versailles outside the priso
Last public guillotining in France. Eugen Weidmann, a convicted murderer, is guillotined in Versailles outside the prison Saint-Pierre
Test flight of 1st rocket plane using liquid propellants
Test flight of 1st rocket plane using liquid propellants
France turns over Sanjak of Alexandretta (Hatay) to Turkey
France turns over Sanjak of Alexandretta (Hatay) to Turkey
Pan Am's 1st US to England flight
Pan Am's 1st US to England flight
1st night game at Cleveland Municipal Stadium (Indians 5, Tigers 0)
1st night game at Cleveland Municipal Stadium (Indians 5, Tigers 0)
4th Dutch government of Prime Minister Hendrikus Colijn falls
4th Dutch government of Prime Minister Hendrikus Colijn falls
Heinkel He 176 rocket plane flies for 1st time, at Peenemunde
Heinkel He 176 rocket plane flies for 1st time, at Peenemunde
Flash floods kill 79 in Northeast Kentucky
Kentucky (US: , UK: ), officially the Commonwealth of Kentucky, is a landlocked state in the Southeastern region of the United States.
German Nazis close last Jewish enterprises
German Nazis close last Jewish enterprises
"The Rules of the Game", French film directed by Jean Renoir, starring Nora Gregor and Paulette Dubost, premieres in Par
"The Rules of the Game", French film directed by Jean Renoir, starring Nora Gregor and Paulette Dubost, premieres in Paris
A meeting of 6,000 Indians, held at the Indian Sports Ground in Johannesburg, South Africa, launches the Passive Resista
A meeting of 6,000 Indians, held at the Indian Sports Ground in Johannesburg, South Africa, launches the Passive Resistance Campaign against apartheid and racial policy in South Africa
Clara Adams is the first woman to complete a commercial round-the-world flight from New York, lasting 16 days and 19 hou
Clara Adams is the first woman to complete a commercial round-the-world flight from New York, lasting 16 days and 19 hours
Dr Roy P Scholz is 1st surgeon to use fiberglass sutures
Dr Roy P Scholz is 1st surgeon to use fiberglass sutures
Jane Bolin becomes the 1st African American female judge in New York
Jane Matilda Bolin (April 11, 1908 – January 8, 2007) was an American attorney and judge.
Fifth and last Dutch government of Prime Minister Hendrikus Colijn forms
The Fifth Colijn cabinet was the cabinet of the Netherlands from 25 July 1939 until 10 August 1939.
Yankee catcher Bill Dickey hits three consecutive home runs
William Malcolm Dickey (June 6, 1907 – November 12, 1993) was an American professional baseball catcher and manager. He played in Major League Baseball with the New York Yankees for 17 seasons.
Fifth Dutch government of Prime Minister Hendrikus Colijn falls
Fifth Dutch government of Prime Minister Hendrikus Colijn falls
Second Dutch De Geer government forms (first with Social Democrats)
Second Dutch De Geer government forms (first with Social Democrats)
Sabotage is suspected in the City of San Francisco train crash, which derails near Harney, Nevada, killing 24
Sabotage is suspected in the City of San Francisco train crash, which derails near Harney, Nevada, killing 24
Yankees set AL shutout margin record with a 21-0 victory over the A's
Yankees set AL shutout margin record with a 21-0 victory over the A's
First night MLB game in the city of Chicago is played at Comiskey Park; White Sox beat St. Louis Browns 5-2
Comiskey Park was a ballpark in Chicago, Illinois, located in the Armour Square neighborhood on the near-south side of the city.
First night game at baseball's Comiskey Park in Chicago; White Sox beat St. Louis Browns 5-2
Comiskey Park was a ballpark in Chicago, Illinois, located in the Armour Square neighborhood on the near-south side of the city.
37.6 cm of rainfall in Tuckerton, NJ (state record)
37.6 cm of rainfall in Tuckerton, NJ (state record)
First Black bowling league forms (National Bowling Association)
First Black bowling league forms (National Bowling Association)
Attorney Samuel Tucker organizes a peaceful sit-in at the public library in Alexandria, Virginia, in an effort to grant
Attorney Samuel Tucker organizes a peaceful sit-in at the public library in Alexandria, Virginia, in an effort to grant Black patrons equal access; five young men are arrested for disorderly conduct. No trial is ever held, and charges are officially dropped 80 years later, and the community builds a
Dutch border guards take positions for German invasion
Dutch border guards take positions for German invasion
British motorist John Cobb breaks the land speed record, reaching 365.85 mph (589.74 kph) on the Bonneville Salt Flats
British motorist John Cobb breaks the land speed record, reaching 365.85 mph (589.74 kph) on the Bonneville Salt Flats
Germany and the USSR sign a 10-year non-aggression pact
The Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, officially the Treaty of Non-Aggression between Germany and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and also known as the Hitler–Stalin Pact, the Berlin–Moscow Pact and...
Croatia gets autonomous status
Croatia, officially the Republic of Croatia, is a country in Central and Southeast Europe, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea.
Erich Warsitz in a Heinkel He 178 makes the first manned jet-propelled flight with a turbojet engine designed by Hans vo
Erich Warsitz in a Heinkel He 178 makes the first manned jet-propelled flight with a turbojet engine designed by Hans von Ohain
General Reijnders is appointed supreme commander of the Dutch army
General Reijnders is appointed supreme commander of the Dutch army
Japanese invasion army driven out of Mongolia
Mongolia is a landlocked country in the East Asia region. It is bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south, and covers an area of 1,564,116 square kilometers (603,909 square miles),...
German submarine U-30, commanded by Oberleutnant Fritz-Julius Lemp, sinks British passenger ship SS Athenia; 117 people
German submarine U-30, commanded by Oberleutnant Fritz-Julius Lemp, sinks British passenger ship SS Athenia; 117 people die, including 28 Americans
Dutch Second Chamber affirms the Netherlands is in a state of war with Germany
Nazi Germany, officially the German Reich and later the Greater German Reich, was the German state between 1933 and 1945, when Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party controlled the country, transforming it...
First German air attack on Great Britain in WW II
First German air attack on Great Britain in WW II
Radio New York Worldwide (World Radio University Listeners or WRUL) begins broadcasting
Radio New York Worldwide (World Radio University Listeners or WRUL) begins broadcasting
Nazi Army reaches Warsaw
The siege of Warsaw in 1939 was fought between the Polish Warsaw Army (Polish: Armia Warszawska, Armia Warszawa) garrisoned and entrenched in Warsaw and the invading German Army. It began with huge...
Battle of Kutno Pocket: Germans advance to Warsaw
Battle of Kutno Pocket: Germans advance to Warsaw
British fleet attacks German U-39 boat
British fleet attacks German U-39 boat
the New York Yankees clinch their 11th and 4th successive pennant by finishing with a 106-45 record
the New York Yankees clinch their 11th and 4th successive pennant by finishing with a 106-45 record
German U-29 sinks British aircraft carrier Courageous; 519 die
German U-29 sinks British aircraft carrier Courageous; 519 die
Polish government of Moscicki flees to Romania
Polish government of Moscicki flees to Romania
British Expeditionary Force reaches France
The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) was the contingent of the British Army sent to France in 1939 after Britain and France declared war on Nazi Germany on 3 September, beginning the Second World...
British Navy captures German U-27 boat
German submarine U-48 was a Type VIIB U-boat of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II, and the most successful that was commissioned.
Cookie Lavagetto goes 6 for 6 as the Dodgers get 27 hits and beat the Phillies 22-4
Cookie Lavagetto goes 6 for 6 as the Dodgers get 27 hits and beat the Phillies 22-4
Andorra and Germany sign a treaty ending World War I, as the Versailles Peace Treaty forgot to include Andorra
Substantial debate exists over the ethical, legal, and military aspects of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on 6 August and 9 August 1945 respectively at the close of the Pacific War...
German seaplane shoots KLM aircraft, killing 1
German seaplane shoots KLM aircraft, killing 1
Warsaw surrenders to the Germans after 19 days of resistance
Warsaw surrenders to the Germans after 19 days of resistance
Estonia accepts Soviet military bases
The Soviet occupation of the Baltic states covers the period from the Soviet–Baltic mutual assistance pacts in 1939, to their invasion and annexation in 1940, to the mass deportations of 1941. In...
Britain first evacuates citizens in anticipation of war
Britain first evacuates citizens in anticipation of war
After a one-month Siege of Warsaw, hostile forces enter the city
The history of Warsaw spans over 1400 years. In that time, the city evolved from a cluster of villages to the capital of a major European power, the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth—and, under the...
Prototype for the Ilyushin Il-2, the world's most-produced military airplane designed by Sergey Ilyushin, takes its firs
Prototype for the Ilyushin Il-2, the world's most-produced military airplane designed by Sergey Ilyushin, takes its first flight; over 36,000 are made for the Soviet Air Force in WWII
Lemmer-Urk Dyke closes
Lemmer-Urk Dyke closes
Last Polish troops surrender
Last Polish troops surrender
Germany annexes western Poland
Seventeen days after the German invasion of Poland in 1939, which marked the beginning of the Second World War, the Soviet Union entered the eastern regions of Poland (known as the Kresy) and annexed...
BMI (Broadcast Music Incorporated) formed
BMI (Broadcast Music Incorporated) formed
LaGuardia Airport opens in New York City
LaGuardia Airport (IATA: LGA, ICAO: KLGA, FAA LID: LGA), colloquially known as LaGuardia or LGA, is a civil airport in East Elmhurst, Queens, New York City, United States, situated on the...
Sugar rationing begins in the Netherlands
World War II in the Netherlands can be broken down into four periods: September 1939 to May 1940: After the war broke out, the Netherlands declared neutrality.
NBC becomes first network to televise a pro football game; Brooklyn Dodgers beat Philadelphia Eagles, 23-14 at Brooklyn'
NBC becomes first network to televise a pro football game; Brooklyn Dodgers beat Philadelphia Eagles, 23-14 at Brooklyn's Ebbets Field
Benny Goodman records jazz single "Let's Dance"
Benjamin David Goodman (May 30, 1909 – June 13, 1986) was an American jazz clarinetist and bandleader, known as the "King of Swing".
William Saroyan's "Time of Your Life" premieres in NYC
William Saroyan (August 31, 1908 – May 18, 1981) was an American novelist, playwright, and short story writer.
Polish Jews forced into obligatory work service
Polish Jews forced into obligatory work service
A Royal Air Force Spitfire shoots down a German Heinkel-111 above Scotland
A Royal Air Force Spitfire shoots down a German Heinkel-111 above Scotland
Golden Gate International Exposition closes for the first time
Golden Gate International Exposition closes for the first time
German U boat fails attack of English battleship Nelson with Winston Churchill, Dudley Pound, and Charles Forbes aboard
German U boat fails attack of English battleship Nelson with Winston Churchill, Dudley Pound, and Charles Forbes aboard
First animal conceived by artificial insemination (rabbit) displayed
First animal conceived by artificial insemination (rabbit) displayed
Clare Booth's "Margin for Error" premieres in NYC
Clare Booth's "Margin for Error" premieres in NYC
The first air-conditioned automobile (Packard) is exhibited in Chicago, Illinois
The first air-conditioned automobile (Packard) is exhibited in Chicago, Illinois
Dmitri Shostakovich's 6th Symphony premieres in Leningrad
Dmitri Shostakovich's 6th Symphony premieres in Leningrad
WGY-TV (Schenectady, NY), 1st commercial TV station, begins service
WGY-TV (Schenectady, NY), 1st commercial TV station, begins service
Failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler at Bürgerbräukeller beer hall in Munich, Germany; timebomb planted by workm
Failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler at Bürgerbräukeller beer hall in Munich, Germany; timebomb planted by workman Georg Elser explodes 13 minutes after Hitler's departure kills 8
Nobel Prize for physics awarded to American Ernest Lawrence for his invention of the cyclotron
A cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator invented by Ernest Lawrence in 1929–1930 at the University of California, Berkeley, and patented in 1932.
Jews in Lodz, Poland, ordered to wear a yellow star of David
Jews in Lodz, Poland, ordered to wear a yellow star of David
Oil refinery fire kills 500 & destroys Lagunillas, Venezuela
Oil refinery fire kills 500 & destroys Lagunillas, Venezuela
Anti-German demonstrations in Czechoslovakia
The military occupation of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany began with the German annexation of the Sudetenland in 1938, continued with the creation of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, and by...
German U-boat torpedoes passenger ship
German submarine U-48 was a Type VIIB U-boat of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II, and the most successful that was commissioned.
Dutch KNSM passenger ship Simón Bolívar hits German mine, 86 die
Dutch KNSM passenger ship Simón Bolívar hits German mine, 86 die
Comic superheroes Flash (as Jay Garrick) and Hawkman (Carter Hall) first appear in "Flash Comics No. 1" published by DC
Comic superheroes Flash (as Jay Garrick) and Hawkman (Carter Hall) first appear in "Flash Comics No. 1" published by DC
British Imperial Airways & British Airways merge to form BOAC
British Airways Ltd. was a British airline company operating in Europe in the period 1935–1939.
Cor Kint swims world record 200 m backstroke (2:38.8)
Cor Kint swims world record 200 m backstroke (2:38.8)
Maxwell Anderson's play "Key Largo" premieres in NYC
Maxwell Anderson's play "Key Largo" premieres in NYC
The USSR breaks off diplomatic relations with Finland
Finland participated in the Second World War initially in a defensive war against the Soviet Union, followed by another, this time offensive, war against the Soviet Union acting in concert with Nazi...
New York City's La Guardia Airport in East Elmhurst, Queens, begins operations as an airliner from Chicago lands, 1 min
New York City's La Guardia Airport in East Elmhurst, Queens, begins operations as an airliner from Chicago lands, 1 minute after midnight
5th Heisman Trophy Award: Nile Kinnick, Iowa (HB)
5th Heisman Trophy Award: Nile Kinnick, Iowa (HB)
NFL Draft: George Cafego from University of Tennessee first pick by Chicago Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
KNVB celebrates 50th anniversary
KNVB celebrates 50th anniversary
First commercial manufacture of nylon yarn in Seaford, Delaware
Nylon is a family of synthetic polymers characterized by amide linkages, typically connecting aliphatic or semi-aromatic groups. Nylons are generally brownish in color and can possess a soft texture,...
Battle of the River Plate - 3 British cruisers vs German pocket battleship Graf Spee
Battle of the River Plate - 3 British cruisers vs German pocket battleship Graf Spee
The League of Nations expels the Soviet Union for invading Finland
Between 1920 and 1946, a total of 63 countries became member states of the League of Nations. When the Assembly of the League of Nations first met, it consisted of 42 founding members.
German pocket battleship Graf Spee scuttled by its crew off Uruguay
Admiral Graf Spee was a Deutschland-class Panzerschiff (armored ship, nicknamed "pocket battleships" by the British) which served with the Kriegsmarine of Nazi Germany during World War II.
Finnish army recaptures Agläjärvi (Karelia)
Finnish army recaptures Agläjärvi (Karelia)
Russian air & ground attack against Finnish positions near Summa
Russian air & ground attack against Finnish positions near Summa
Radio Australia begins overseas shortwave service
Radio Australia begins overseas shortwave service
Finnish counter offensive at Petsamo
Finnish counter offensive at Petsamo
Finnish counter offensive at Summa
Finnish counter offensive at Summa
Montgomery Ward introduces Rudolph the 9th red-nosed reindeer
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a fictional reindeer created by Robert L. May. Rudolph is usually depicted as the ninth and youngest of Santa Claus's reindeer, using his luminous red nose to lead...
Earthquake in East Anatolia Turkey
Earthquake in East Anatolia Turkey
1st American skimobiles (North Conway, NH)
1st American skimobiles (North Conway, NH)
First flight of the Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber prototype
First flight of the Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber prototype
Dutch national debt hits ƒ4,218,553,180.99
Dutch national debt hits ƒ4,218,553,180.99
Jim Bakker is born
Jim Bakker televangelist, known for american televangelist, was born on 1939-01-02. James Orsen Bakker is an American televangelist and convicted felon.
Bobby Hull is born
Bobby Hull, Canadian athlete, known for canadian ice hockey player, was born on 1939-01-03.
Phil Everly is born
Phil Everly, American musician, known for american singer-songwriter, was born on 1939-01-19.
Ray Stevens is born
Ray Stevens, American musician, known for american country and pop musician, was born on 1939-01-24.
Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela is born
Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela, Colombian colombian drug lord, known for colombian drug lord, was born on 1939-01-31.
Jim Bouton is born
Jim Bouton, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1939-03-08. James Alan Bouton (March 8, 1939 – July 10, 2019) was an American professional baseball player.
Cale Yarborough is born
Cale Yarborough, American athlete, known for american racing driver, was born on 1939-03-27.
Phil Niekro is born
Phil Niekro, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1939-04-01.
David Frost is born
David Frost, English television host and journalist, known for british television host and journalist, was born on 1939-04-07.
Max Robinson is born
Max Robinson journalist, known for american journalist, was born on 1939-05-01. Maxie Cleveland Robinson Jr.
Ralph Boston is born
Ralph Boston, American athlete, known for american athlete, was born on 1939-05-09.
Ivan Sutherland is born
Ivan Sutherland is born
Al Unser is born
Al Unser, American athlete, known for american racing driver, was born on 1939-05-29.
Martin Lee is born
Martin Lee is born
Lou Brock is born
Lou Brock, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1939-06-18. Louis Clark Brock (June 18, 1939 – September 6, 2020) was an American professional baseball left fielder.
Rod Laver is born
Rod Laver, Australian athlete, known for australian tennis player, was born on 1939-08-09. Rodney George Laver is an Australian former professional tennis player.
Paul Martin is born
Paul Martin is born
Elliott Gould is born
Elliott Gould, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1939-08-29. Elliott Gould (né Goldstein; born August 29, 1938) is an American actor.
Kathy Whitworth is born
Kathy Whitworth, American athlete, known for american professional golfer, was born on 1939-09-27.
Ann Haydon-Jones is born
Ann Haydon-Jones, English athlete, known for english tennis player, was born on 1939-10-07. Ann Shirley Jones, also known as Ann Haydon-Jones, is an English former tennis and table tennis champion.
Maria Bueno is born
Maria Bueno, Brazilian athlete, known for brazilian tennis player, was born on 1939-10-11.
Lee Harvey Oswald is born
Lee Harvey Oswald assassin of john f. kennedy, known for assassin of john f. kennedy, was born on 1939-10-18. Lee Harvey Oswald (October 18, 1939 – November 24, 1963) was a U.S.
Christopher Lloyd is born
Christopher Lloyd, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1939-10-22. Christopher Allen Lloyd is an American actor.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is born
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is born
Ted Turner is born
Ted Turner, American media mogul, known for american media mogul, was born on 1939-11-19.
Oscar Robertson is born
Oscar Robertson, American athlete, known for american basketball player, was born on 1939-11-24.
Harry Reid is born
Harry Reid politician, known for american politician, was born on 1939-12-02. Harry Mason Reid Jr.
Ernie Davis is born
Ernie Davis athlete, known for american football player, was born on 1939-12-14. Ernest R.
Phil Spector is born
Phil Spector, American musician, known for american record producer and convicted murderer, was born on 1939-12-26.
Jon Voight is born
Jon Voight, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1939-12-29. Jonathan Vincent "Jon" Voight is an American actor.
Jerry Brown is born
Jerry Brown is born
Peter Bogdanovich is born
Peter Bogdanovich, American film director, known for american film director, was born on 1939-07-30.
Wes Craven is born
Wes Craven, American filmmaker, known for american filmmaker, was born on 1939-08-02. Wesley Earl Craven (August 2, 1939 – August 30, 2015) was an American filmmaker.
Chandra Bahadur Dangi is born
Chandra Bahadur Dangi nepali man; shortest man in recorded history, known for nepali man; shortest man in recorded history, was born on 1939-11-30.
Amelia Earhart dies
Amelia Earhart, American aviation pioneer, known for american aviation pioneer, died on 1939-01-05.
Howard Carter dies
Howard Carter, British archaeologist and egyptologist, known for british archaeologist and egyptologist, died on 1939-03-02.
Events
Adolf Hitler threatens Jews during his speech to the German Reichstag (Parliament)
Adolf Hitler (20 April 1889 – 30 April 1945) was an Austrian-born German politician who was the dictator of Germany during the Nazi era, which lasted from 1933 until his suicide in 1945.
American singer Frank Sinatra (23) marries 1st wife Nancy Barbato (21) at Our Lady of Sorrows catholic church in Jersey
American singer Frank Sinatra (23) marries 1st wife Nancy Barbato (21) at Our Lady of Sorrows catholic church in Jersey City, New Jersey; divorce in 1951
Mahatma Gandhi begins a fast in Bombay to protest against autocratic rule in India
Mahatma Gandhi begins a fast in Bombay to protest against autocratic rule in India
Battle of Nanchang between the Kuomintang and the Japanese breaks out during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945)
Battle of Nanchang between the Kuomintang and the Japanese breaks out during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945)
"Wuthering Heights" film based on the Emily Brontë novel, directed by William Wyler and starring Merle Oberon and Lauren
"Wuthering Heights" film based on the Emily Brontë novel, directed by William Wyler and starring Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier, premieres in Los Angeles
Billboard Magazine introduces the hillbilly (country) music chart
Country music, also known as country and western or simply country, is a music genre known for its ballads and dance tunes, identifiable by both traditional lyrics and harmonies accompanied by...
Spanish Civil War ends as Madrid falls to the Nationalists headed by Francisco Franco
Before this period, the Nationalists had already become dominant, yet the outcome of the war was still not certain.
Author Jacqueline Susann (20) weds Irving Mansfield at Har Zion Temple in Philadelphia
Author Jacqueline Susann (20) weds Irving Mansfield at Har Zion Temple in Philadelphia
Actor and naval officer of World War II Douglas Fairbanks Jr (29) weds supermarket magnate Huntington Hartford's former
Actor and naval officer of World War II Douglas Fairbanks Jr (29) weds supermarket magnate Huntington Hartford's former wife Mary Lee Hartford
First televised baseball game is broadcast on NBC, with Princeton University defeating Columbia University 2-1
The 1939 Waynesburg vs. Fordham football game was a college football game between the Fordham Rams and the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets played on September 30, 1939.
Germany's Adolf Hitler and Italy's Benito Mussolini sign the "Pact of Steel" formalizing the 1936 alliance known as the
Germany's Adolf Hitler and Italy's Benito Mussolini sign the "Pact of Steel" formalizing the 1936 alliance known as the Rome-Berlin Axis
Ford introduces the revolutionary Ford-Ferguson 9N tractor incorporating Harry Ferguson's three-point hitch system
Ford introduces the revolutionary Ford-Ferguson 9N tractor incorporating Harry Ferguson's three-point hitch system
Syndicated columnist Ann Landers (21) weds business executive Julius Lederer
Syndicated columnist Ann Landers (21) weds business executive Julius Lederer
Lou Gehrig is the first MLB player to have his number (4) retired on his "Appreciation Day" at Yankee Stadium and makes
Lou Gehrig is the first MLB player to have his number (4) retired on his "Appreciation Day" at Yankee Stadium and makes the iconic "luckiest man" speech
7th Venice Film Festival opens with a United States boycott due to Benito Mussolini's Fascist Italian regime
7th Venice Film Festival opens with a United States boycott due to Benito Mussolini's Fascist Italian regime
"A Star Is Born" actress Janet Gaynor (32) weds MGM costume designer Adrian (36)
"A Star Is Born" actress Janet Gaynor (32) weds MGM costume designer Adrian (36)
The Wizard of Oz, an American musical fantasy film adaptation of L. Frank Baum's book, premieres at Grauman's Chinese Th
The Wizard of Oz, an American musical fantasy film adaptation of L. Frank Baum's book, premieres at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood; directed by Victor Fleming and King Vidor with a cast featuring Judy Garland (Dorothy), Ray Bolger (Scarecrow), Jack Haley (Tin Man), Bert Lahr (Cowardly Lion),
"Rebecca" actress Joan Fontaine (21) weds actor Brian Aherne (37); divorce in 1945
Joan de Beauvoir de Havilland (October 22, 1917 – December 15, 2013), known professionally as Joan Fontaine, was a British-American actress best known for her roles in Hollywood films during the...
World War II starts when Germany invades Poland by attacking the Free City of Danzig
This is a timeline of events of World War II in 1939 from the start of the war on 1 September 1939.
World War II: Britain declares war on Germany after the invasion of Poland; France follows six hours later, quickly join
World War II: Britain declares war on Germany after the invasion of Poland; France follows six hours later, quickly joined by Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada
World's first practical helicopter, the VS-300, designed by Igor Sikorsky, takes a short tethered flight in Stratford, C
World's first practical helicopter, the VS-300, designed by Igor Sikorsky, takes a short tethered flight in Stratford, Connecticut [1]
German–Soviet Boundary and Friendship Treaty is signed by Joachim von Ribbentrop and Vyacheslav Molotov; redraws German
German–Soviet Boundary and Friendship Treaty is signed by Joachim von Ribbentrop and Vyacheslav Molotov; redraws German and Soviet spheres of influence in central Europe and transfers most of Lithuania to the USSR
Nobel Prize-winning author William Golding (28) weds analytic chemist Ann Brookfield
Nobel Prize-winning author William Golding (28) weds analytic chemist Ann Brookfield
American actor Jackie Coogan (24) divorces actress Betty Grable (22) after 2 years of marriage
John Leslie Coogan (October 26, 1914 – March 1, 1984) was an American actor and comedian who began his film career as a child actor in silent films.
"Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart and Jean Arthur, is released
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a 1939 American political comedy-drama film directed by Frank Capra, starring Jean Arthur and James Stewart, and featuring Claude Rains and Edward Arnold.
American baseball legend Joe DiMaggio (24) weds American "Freshies" actress Dorothy Arnold (21) at St. Peter and Paul Ch
American baseball legend Joe DiMaggio (24) weds American "Freshies" actress Dorothy Arnold (21) at St. Peter and Paul Church, with thousands of onlookers crowding the streets of in San Francisco, California; divorce in 1944
"Gone with the Wind", drama film directed by Victor Fleming and starring Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh, premieres in Atla
"Gone with the Wind", drama film directed by Victor Fleming and starring Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh, premieres in Atlanta (Best Picture 1940, highest-grossing film of all time unadjusted for inflation)
Between 20,000 and 40,000 people die in a magnitude 8 earthquake in Erzincan, Turkey
Between 20,000 and 40,000 people die in a magnitude 8 earthquake in Erzincan, Turkey
Donald Bradman scores 267 for South Australia against Victoria, a world record 34th first-class double century
Donald Bradman scores 267 for South Australia against Victoria, a world record 34th first-class double century
Gene Cox becomes 1st girl page in US House of Representatives
Gene Cox becomes 1st girl page in US House of Representatives
Frieda Wunderlich is elected as the first woman dean of a US graduate school
Frieda Wunderlich (8 November 1884 – 9 December 1965) was a German sociologist, economist and politician of the German Democratic Party.
US labor union leader Thomas Mooney freed from prison and later pardoned based on perjured testimony; he had been jailed
US labor union leader Thomas Mooney freed from prison and later pardoned based on perjured testimony; he had been jailed since 1916 on charges related to an anarchist bombing in San Francisco
All commercial ferry services between San Francisco and East Bay end
San Francisco, officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the fourth-most populous city in California and the 17th-most populous in the United States, with a population of 827,526 in 2024.
Municipal Railway & Market St RR begin service to Transbay Terminal
Municipal Railway & Market St RR begin service to Transbay Terminal
Daily newspaper comic strip "Superman" debuts
Superman was a daily newspaper comic strip which began on January 16, 1939, and a separate Sunday strip was added on November 5, 1939. These strips ran continuously until May 1966.
Ed Barrow is elected Yankee president succeeding deceased J Ruppert
Edward Grant Barrow (May 10, 1868 – December 15, 1953) was an American manager and front office executive in Major League Baseball.
Ernest Hausen of Wisconsin sets chicken-plucking record of 4.4 sec
Ernest Hausen of Wisconsin sets chicken-plucking record of 4.4 sec
Charles Ives' 1st piano sonata "Concord" premieres
Charles Ives' 1st piano sonata "Concord" premieres
George Kaufman and Moss Hart's play "The American Way" premieres on Broadway in NYC
George Kaufman and Moss Hart's play "The American Way" premieres on Broadway in NYC
Aquatic Park, near Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco dedicated
San Francisco, officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the fourth-most populous city in California and the 17th-most populous in the United States, with a population of 827,526 in 2024.
30,000 killed by earthquake in Concepcion Chile
30,000 killed by earthquake in Concepcion Chile
Federal Hall National Monument established
Federal Hall was the first capitol building of the United States established under the Constitution.
First flight of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning
The Lockheed P-38 Lightning is an American single-seat, twin-engined fighter aircraft that was used during World War II.
Spanish government flees to France
The Spanish Civil War (Spanish: guerra civil española) was fought from 1936 to 1939 between the Republicans and the Nationalists rebels.
Belgian Spaak government falls
Belgian Spaak government falls
German battleship Bismarck was launched
Bismarck was the first of two Bismarck-class battleships built for Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine.
Katwijk soccer team forms in the Netherlands
Katwijk soccer team forms in the Netherlands
Golden Gate International Exposition opens on Treasure Island
The Golden Gate International Exposition (GGIE) was a World's Fair held at Treasure Island in San Francisco, California, U.S.
The American pro-Nazi organization German American Bund hold a rally at Madison Square Garden and 20,000 attend
On February 20, 1939, a Nazi rally took place at Madison Square Garden, organized by the German American Bund. More than 20,000 people attended, and Fritz Julius Kuhn was a featured speaker.
Belgian government of Pierlot forms
The Belgian Government in London (Dutch: Belgische regering in Londen; French: Gouvernement belge à Londres), also known as the Pierlot IV Government, was the government in exile of Belgium between...
Roy Harris' 3rd Symphony premieres in Boston
Roy Harris' 3rd Symphony premieres in Boston
First Anderson bomb shelter in Britain is erected in an Islington garden
First Anderson bomb shelter in Britain is erected in an Islington garden
Belgian government of Pierlot falls
Belgian government of Pierlot falls
First issue of Serbian weekly magazine Politikin Zabavnik is published
Politikin Zabavnik (Serbian Cyrillic: Политикин Забавник) is a popular magazine in Serbia, published by Politika Newspapers and Magazines. The first issue came out on 28 February 1939.
Japanese Imperial Army ammunition dump exploded at Hirakata, Osaka, Japan, killing 94
Japanese Imperial Army ammunition dump exploded at Hirakata, Osaka, Japan, killing 94
Glamour magazine begins publishing
Glamour magazine begins publishing
Lenore Coffee & William Joyce Cowan's "Family Portrait" premieres
Lenore Jackson Coffee (July 13, 1896 – July 2, 1984) was an American screenwriter, playwright, and novelist. Born in San Francisco, in 1896, Lenore Coffee attended Dominican College in San Rafael,...
17 villages damaged by hailstones in Hyderabad, India
17 villages damaged by hailstones in Hyderabad, India
England draw with South Africa at Durban on the 10th day
England draw with South Africa at Durban on the 10th day
Hungary annexes republic of Karpato-Ukraine
Hungary annexes republic of Karpato-Ukraine
7,000 Jews flee German occupied Memel Lithuania
Lithuania, officially the Republic of Lithuania, is a country in the Baltic region of Europe.
Nazi Germany demands the return of Danzig (Gdańsk) from Poland
The Free City of Danzig (German: Freie Stadt Danzig; Polish: Wolne Miasto Gdańsk) was a city-state under the protection and oversight of the League of Nations between 1920 and 1939, consisting of the...
Lithuania forced to give Memel territory to Germany
The former eastern territories of Germany (German: ehemalige deutsche Ostgebiete) refer to those territories east of the current eastern border of Germany, i.e.
Batman debuts in the 27th issue of Detective Comics by DC Comics
Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane, and debuted in the 27th issue of the comic book...
Faisal II ascends to throne of Iraq
Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, is a country in West Asia. Located within the geo-political region of the Middle East, it is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south, Turkey to the north, Iran to...
Great Britain & Poland sign military pact
The Pact of Steel (German: Stahlpakt, Italian: Patto d'Acciaio), formally known as the Pact of Friendship and Alliance between Germany and Italy (German: Freundschafts- und Bündnispakt zwischen...
Italy invades Albania
The Kingdom of Albania was in personal union with the Kingdom of Italy (Fascist Italy) following the Italian invasion of Albania in 1939 and until the German occupation in September 1943.
King Zog I of Albania flees after Italy invades
Zog I was an Albanian statesman and aristocrat who served as the leader of Albania from 1922 to 1939.
Grens mobilization due to Italian invasion in Albania
Grens mobilization due to Italian invasion in Albania
Hungary leaves League of Nations
Hungary leaves League of Nations
The Hindustani Lal Sena (Indian Red Army) is formed and vows to engage in armed struggle against the British.
The Hindustani Lal Sena (Indian Red Army) is formed and vows to engage in armed struggle against the British.
Albert Lebrun re-elected president of France
Albert François Lebrun was a French politician who served as President of France from 1932 to 1940. He was the last president of the Third Republic.
Stanley Cup Final, Boston Garden, Boston, MA: Boston Bruins beat Toronto Maple Leafs, 3-1 for a 4-1 series win; first be
Stanley Cup Final, Boston Garden, Boston, MA: Boston Bruins beat Toronto Maple Leafs, 3-1 for a 4-1 series win; first best-of-7 SC Final series
Connecticut finally approves Bill of Rights (148 years late)
Connecticut finally approves Bill of Rights (148 years late)
Whitestone Bridge connecting the New York boroughs of Bronx and Queens opens
The Bronx–Whitestone Bridge (colloquially referred to as the Whitestone Bridge or simply the Whitestone) is a suspension bridge in New York City, carrying six lanes of Interstate 678 over the East...
The All India Forward Bloc is formed by Subhash Chandra Bose
The All India Forward Bloc (abbr. AIFB) is a left-wing nationalist political party in India.
Archaeologist Basil Brown begins excavating at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, goes on to find a royal 7th century Anglo-Saxon bu
Archaeologist Basil Brown begins excavating at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, goes on to find a royal 7th century Anglo-Saxon burial ship - the greatest archeological discovery on British soil [1]
SS St Louis departs Hamburg, Germany with 937 Jewish refugees, bound for Havana, Cuba; authorities refused to admit them
SS St Louis departs Hamburg, Germany with 937 Jewish refugees, bound for Havana, Cuba; authorities refused to admit them, and most of the passengers returned to Europe [1]
Lina Medina of Peru becomes the world's youngest confirmed mother in medical history at the age of five
Lina Marcela Medina de Jurado is a Peruvian woman who became the youngest confirmed mother in history when she gave birth to her son Gerardo on 14 May 1939 when she was five years, seven months, and...
1st AL night game, Philadelphia Shribe Park (Indians 8, Athletics 3 in 10)
1st AL night game, Philadelphia Shribe Park (Indians 8, Athletics 3 in 10)
"3 Little Fishies" by Kay Kyser swam to #1
"3 Little Fishies" by Kay Kyser swam to #1
Carl Storck becomes 2nd NFL president
Carl Storck becomes 2nd NFL president
British submarine "Thetis" sinks in Liverpool Bay with all 99 aboard
British submarine "Thetis" sinks in Liverpool Bay with all 99 aboard
"Beer Barrel Polka" by Will Glahe hits #1 on the pop singles chart
"Beer Barrel Polka" by Will Glahe hits #1 on the pop singles chart
NY Giants beat Reds 17-3, with 5 HRs in 4th inning
NY Giants beat Reds 17-3, with 5 HRs in 4th inning
MGM cartoon character Barney Bear debuts
MGM cartoon character Barney Bear debuts
Baseball Hall of Fame is dedicated in Cooperstown, New York
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is a history museum and hall of fame in Cooperstown, New York, operated by a private foundation.
Last public guillotining in France. Eugen Weidmann, a convicted murderer, is guillotined in Versailles outside the priso
Last public guillotining in France. Eugen Weidmann, a convicted murderer, is guillotined in Versailles outside the prison Saint-Pierre
Test flight of 1st rocket plane using liquid propellants
Test flight of 1st rocket plane using liquid propellants
France turns over Sanjak of Alexandretta (Hatay) to Turkey
France turns over Sanjak of Alexandretta (Hatay) to Turkey
Pan Am's 1st US to England flight
Pan Am's 1st US to England flight
1st night game at Cleveland Municipal Stadium (Indians 5, Tigers 0)
1st night game at Cleveland Municipal Stadium (Indians 5, Tigers 0)
4th Dutch government of Prime Minister Hendrikus Colijn falls
4th Dutch government of Prime Minister Hendrikus Colijn falls
Heinkel He 176 rocket plane flies for 1st time, at Peenemunde
Heinkel He 176 rocket plane flies for 1st time, at Peenemunde
Flash floods kill 79 in Northeast Kentucky
Kentucky (US: , UK: ), officially the Commonwealth of Kentucky, is a landlocked state in the Southeastern region of the United States.
German Nazis close last Jewish enterprises
German Nazis close last Jewish enterprises
"The Rules of the Game", French film directed by Jean Renoir, starring Nora Gregor and Paulette Dubost, premieres in Par
"The Rules of the Game", French film directed by Jean Renoir, starring Nora Gregor and Paulette Dubost, premieres in Paris
A meeting of 6,000 Indians, held at the Indian Sports Ground in Johannesburg, South Africa, launches the Passive Resista
A meeting of 6,000 Indians, held at the Indian Sports Ground in Johannesburg, South Africa, launches the Passive Resistance Campaign against apartheid and racial policy in South Africa
Clara Adams is the first woman to complete a commercial round-the-world flight from New York, lasting 16 days and 19 hou
Clara Adams is the first woman to complete a commercial round-the-world flight from New York, lasting 16 days and 19 hours
Dr Roy P Scholz is 1st surgeon to use fiberglass sutures
Dr Roy P Scholz is 1st surgeon to use fiberglass sutures
Jane Bolin becomes the 1st African American female judge in New York
Jane Matilda Bolin (April 11, 1908 – January 8, 2007) was an American attorney and judge.
Fifth and last Dutch government of Prime Minister Hendrikus Colijn forms
The Fifth Colijn cabinet was the cabinet of the Netherlands from 25 July 1939 until 10 August 1939.
Yankee catcher Bill Dickey hits three consecutive home runs
William Malcolm Dickey (June 6, 1907 – November 12, 1993) was an American professional baseball catcher and manager. He played in Major League Baseball with the New York Yankees for 17 seasons.
Fifth Dutch government of Prime Minister Hendrikus Colijn falls
Fifth Dutch government of Prime Minister Hendrikus Colijn falls
Second Dutch De Geer government forms (first with Social Democrats)
Second Dutch De Geer government forms (first with Social Democrats)
Sabotage is suspected in the City of San Francisco train crash, which derails near Harney, Nevada, killing 24
Sabotage is suspected in the City of San Francisco train crash, which derails near Harney, Nevada, killing 24
Yankees set AL shutout margin record with a 21-0 victory over the A's
Yankees set AL shutout margin record with a 21-0 victory over the A's
First night MLB game in the city of Chicago is played at Comiskey Park; White Sox beat St. Louis Browns 5-2
Comiskey Park was a ballpark in Chicago, Illinois, located in the Armour Square neighborhood on the near-south side of the city.
First night game at baseball's Comiskey Park in Chicago; White Sox beat St. Louis Browns 5-2
Comiskey Park was a ballpark in Chicago, Illinois, located in the Armour Square neighborhood on the near-south side of the city.
37.6 cm of rainfall in Tuckerton, NJ (state record)
37.6 cm of rainfall in Tuckerton, NJ (state record)
First Black bowling league forms (National Bowling Association)
First Black bowling league forms (National Bowling Association)
Attorney Samuel Tucker organizes a peaceful sit-in at the public library in Alexandria, Virginia, in an effort to grant
Attorney Samuel Tucker organizes a peaceful sit-in at the public library in Alexandria, Virginia, in an effort to grant Black patrons equal access; five young men are arrested for disorderly conduct. No trial is ever held, and charges are officially dropped 80 years later, and the community builds a
Dutch border guards take positions for German invasion
Dutch border guards take positions for German invasion
British motorist John Cobb breaks the land speed record, reaching 365.85 mph (589.74 kph) on the Bonneville Salt Flats
British motorist John Cobb breaks the land speed record, reaching 365.85 mph (589.74 kph) on the Bonneville Salt Flats
Germany and the USSR sign a 10-year non-aggression pact
The Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, officially the Treaty of Non-Aggression between Germany and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and also known as the Hitler–Stalin Pact, the Berlin–Moscow Pact and...
Croatia gets autonomous status
Croatia, officially the Republic of Croatia, is a country in Central and Southeast Europe, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea.
Erich Warsitz in a Heinkel He 178 makes the first manned jet-propelled flight with a turbojet engine designed by Hans vo
Erich Warsitz in a Heinkel He 178 makes the first manned jet-propelled flight with a turbojet engine designed by Hans von Ohain
General Reijnders is appointed supreme commander of the Dutch army
General Reijnders is appointed supreme commander of the Dutch army
Japanese invasion army driven out of Mongolia
Mongolia is a landlocked country in the East Asia region. It is bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south, and covers an area of 1,564,116 square kilometers (603,909 square miles),...
German submarine U-30, commanded by Oberleutnant Fritz-Julius Lemp, sinks British passenger ship SS Athenia; 117 people
German submarine U-30, commanded by Oberleutnant Fritz-Julius Lemp, sinks British passenger ship SS Athenia; 117 people die, including 28 Americans
Dutch Second Chamber affirms the Netherlands is in a state of war with Germany
Nazi Germany, officially the German Reich and later the Greater German Reich, was the German state between 1933 and 1945, when Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party controlled the country, transforming it...
First German air attack on Great Britain in WW II
First German air attack on Great Britain in WW II
Radio New York Worldwide (World Radio University Listeners or WRUL) begins broadcasting
Radio New York Worldwide (World Radio University Listeners or WRUL) begins broadcasting
Nazi Army reaches Warsaw
The siege of Warsaw in 1939 was fought between the Polish Warsaw Army (Polish: Armia Warszawska, Armia Warszawa) garrisoned and entrenched in Warsaw and the invading German Army. It began with huge...
Battle of Kutno Pocket: Germans advance to Warsaw
Battle of Kutno Pocket: Germans advance to Warsaw
British fleet attacks German U-39 boat
British fleet attacks German U-39 boat
the New York Yankees clinch their 11th and 4th successive pennant by finishing with a 106-45 record
the New York Yankees clinch their 11th and 4th successive pennant by finishing with a 106-45 record
German U-29 sinks British aircraft carrier Courageous; 519 die
German U-29 sinks British aircraft carrier Courageous; 519 die
Polish government of Moscicki flees to Romania
Polish government of Moscicki flees to Romania
British Expeditionary Force reaches France
The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) was the contingent of the British Army sent to France in 1939 after Britain and France declared war on Nazi Germany on 3 September, beginning the Second World...
British Navy captures German U-27 boat
German submarine U-48 was a Type VIIB U-boat of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II, and the most successful that was commissioned.
Cookie Lavagetto goes 6 for 6 as the Dodgers get 27 hits and beat the Phillies 22-4
Cookie Lavagetto goes 6 for 6 as the Dodgers get 27 hits and beat the Phillies 22-4
Andorra and Germany sign a treaty ending World War I, as the Versailles Peace Treaty forgot to include Andorra
Substantial debate exists over the ethical, legal, and military aspects of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on 6 August and 9 August 1945 respectively at the close of the Pacific War...
German seaplane shoots KLM aircraft, killing 1
German seaplane shoots KLM aircraft, killing 1
Warsaw surrenders to the Germans after 19 days of resistance
Warsaw surrenders to the Germans after 19 days of resistance
Estonia accepts Soviet military bases
The Soviet occupation of the Baltic states covers the period from the Soviet–Baltic mutual assistance pacts in 1939, to their invasion and annexation in 1940, to the mass deportations of 1941. In...
Britain first evacuates citizens in anticipation of war
Britain first evacuates citizens in anticipation of war
After a one-month Siege of Warsaw, hostile forces enter the city
The history of Warsaw spans over 1400 years. In that time, the city evolved from a cluster of villages to the capital of a major European power, the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth—and, under the...
Prototype for the Ilyushin Il-2, the world's most-produced military airplane designed by Sergey Ilyushin, takes its firs
Prototype for the Ilyushin Il-2, the world's most-produced military airplane designed by Sergey Ilyushin, takes its first flight; over 36,000 are made for the Soviet Air Force in WWII
Lemmer-Urk Dyke closes
Lemmer-Urk Dyke closes
Last Polish troops surrender
Last Polish troops surrender
Germany annexes western Poland
Seventeen days after the German invasion of Poland in 1939, which marked the beginning of the Second World War, the Soviet Union entered the eastern regions of Poland (known as the Kresy) and annexed...
BMI (Broadcast Music Incorporated) formed
BMI (Broadcast Music Incorporated) formed
LaGuardia Airport opens in New York City
LaGuardia Airport (IATA: LGA, ICAO: KLGA, FAA LID: LGA), colloquially known as LaGuardia or LGA, is a civil airport in East Elmhurst, Queens, New York City, United States, situated on the...
Sugar rationing begins in the Netherlands
World War II in the Netherlands can be broken down into four periods: September 1939 to May 1940: After the war broke out, the Netherlands declared neutrality.
NBC becomes first network to televise a pro football game; Brooklyn Dodgers beat Philadelphia Eagles, 23-14 at Brooklyn'
NBC becomes first network to televise a pro football game; Brooklyn Dodgers beat Philadelphia Eagles, 23-14 at Brooklyn's Ebbets Field
Benny Goodman records jazz single "Let's Dance"
Benjamin David Goodman (May 30, 1909 – June 13, 1986) was an American jazz clarinetist and bandleader, known as the "King of Swing".
William Saroyan's "Time of Your Life" premieres in NYC
William Saroyan (August 31, 1908 – May 18, 1981) was an American novelist, playwright, and short story writer.
Polish Jews forced into obligatory work service
Polish Jews forced into obligatory work service
A Royal Air Force Spitfire shoots down a German Heinkel-111 above Scotland
A Royal Air Force Spitfire shoots down a German Heinkel-111 above Scotland
Golden Gate International Exposition closes for the first time
Golden Gate International Exposition closes for the first time
German U boat fails attack of English battleship Nelson with Winston Churchill, Dudley Pound, and Charles Forbes aboard
German U boat fails attack of English battleship Nelson with Winston Churchill, Dudley Pound, and Charles Forbes aboard
First animal conceived by artificial insemination (rabbit) displayed
First animal conceived by artificial insemination (rabbit) displayed
Clare Booth's "Margin for Error" premieres in NYC
Clare Booth's "Margin for Error" premieres in NYC
The first air-conditioned automobile (Packard) is exhibited in Chicago, Illinois
The first air-conditioned automobile (Packard) is exhibited in Chicago, Illinois
Dmitri Shostakovich's 6th Symphony premieres in Leningrad
Dmitri Shostakovich's 6th Symphony premieres in Leningrad
WGY-TV (Schenectady, NY), 1st commercial TV station, begins service
WGY-TV (Schenectady, NY), 1st commercial TV station, begins service
Failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler at Bürgerbräukeller beer hall in Munich, Germany; timebomb planted by workm
Failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler at Bürgerbräukeller beer hall in Munich, Germany; timebomb planted by workman Georg Elser explodes 13 minutes after Hitler's departure kills 8
Nobel Prize for physics awarded to American Ernest Lawrence for his invention of the cyclotron
A cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator invented by Ernest Lawrence in 1929–1930 at the University of California, Berkeley, and patented in 1932.
Jews in Lodz, Poland, ordered to wear a yellow star of David
Jews in Lodz, Poland, ordered to wear a yellow star of David
Oil refinery fire kills 500 & destroys Lagunillas, Venezuela
Oil refinery fire kills 500 & destroys Lagunillas, Venezuela
Anti-German demonstrations in Czechoslovakia
The military occupation of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany began with the German annexation of the Sudetenland in 1938, continued with the creation of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, and by...
German U-boat torpedoes passenger ship
German submarine U-48 was a Type VIIB U-boat of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II, and the most successful that was commissioned.
Dutch KNSM passenger ship Simón Bolívar hits German mine, 86 die
Dutch KNSM passenger ship Simón Bolívar hits German mine, 86 die
Comic superheroes Flash (as Jay Garrick) and Hawkman (Carter Hall) first appear in "Flash Comics No. 1" published by DC
Comic superheroes Flash (as Jay Garrick) and Hawkman (Carter Hall) first appear in "Flash Comics No. 1" published by DC
British Imperial Airways & British Airways merge to form BOAC
British Airways Ltd. was a British airline company operating in Europe in the period 1935–1939.
Cor Kint swims world record 200 m backstroke (2:38.8)
Cor Kint swims world record 200 m backstroke (2:38.8)
Maxwell Anderson's play "Key Largo" premieres in NYC
Maxwell Anderson's play "Key Largo" premieres in NYC
The USSR breaks off diplomatic relations with Finland
Finland participated in the Second World War initially in a defensive war against the Soviet Union, followed by another, this time offensive, war against the Soviet Union acting in concert with Nazi...
New York City's La Guardia Airport in East Elmhurst, Queens, begins operations as an airliner from Chicago lands, 1 min
New York City's La Guardia Airport in East Elmhurst, Queens, begins operations as an airliner from Chicago lands, 1 minute after midnight
5th Heisman Trophy Award: Nile Kinnick, Iowa (HB)
5th Heisman Trophy Award: Nile Kinnick, Iowa (HB)
NFL Draft: George Cafego from University of Tennessee first pick by Chicago Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
KNVB celebrates 50th anniversary
KNVB celebrates 50th anniversary
First commercial manufacture of nylon yarn in Seaford, Delaware
Nylon is a family of synthetic polymers characterized by amide linkages, typically connecting aliphatic or semi-aromatic groups. Nylons are generally brownish in color and can possess a soft texture,...
Battle of the River Plate - 3 British cruisers vs German pocket battleship Graf Spee
Battle of the River Plate - 3 British cruisers vs German pocket battleship Graf Spee
The League of Nations expels the Soviet Union for invading Finland
Between 1920 and 1946, a total of 63 countries became member states of the League of Nations. When the Assembly of the League of Nations first met, it consisted of 42 founding members.
German pocket battleship Graf Spee scuttled by its crew off Uruguay
Admiral Graf Spee was a Deutschland-class Panzerschiff (armored ship, nicknamed "pocket battleships" by the British) which served with the Kriegsmarine of Nazi Germany during World War II.
Finnish army recaptures Agläjärvi (Karelia)
Finnish army recaptures Agläjärvi (Karelia)
Russian air & ground attack against Finnish positions near Summa
Russian air & ground attack against Finnish positions near Summa
Radio Australia begins overseas shortwave service
Radio Australia begins overseas shortwave service
Finnish counter offensive at Petsamo
Finnish counter offensive at Petsamo
Finnish counter offensive at Summa
Finnish counter offensive at Summa
Montgomery Ward introduces Rudolph the 9th red-nosed reindeer
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a fictional reindeer created by Robert L. May. Rudolph is usually depicted as the ninth and youngest of Santa Claus's reindeer, using his luminous red nose to lead...
Earthquake in East Anatolia Turkey
Earthquake in East Anatolia Turkey
1st American skimobiles (North Conway, NH)
1st American skimobiles (North Conway, NH)
First flight of the Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber prototype
First flight of the Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber prototype
Dutch national debt hits ƒ4,218,553,180.99
Dutch national debt hits ƒ4,218,553,180.99
Famous Births
birth
Jim Bakker is born
Jim Bakker televangelist, known for american televangelist, was born on 1939-01-02. James Orsen Bakker is an American televangelist and convicted felon.
birth
Bobby Hull is born
Bobby Hull, Canadian athlete, known for canadian ice hockey player, was born on 1939-01-03.
birth
Phil Everly is born
Phil Everly, American musician, known for american singer-songwriter, was born on 1939-01-19.
birth
Ray Stevens is born
Ray Stevens, American musician, known for american country and pop musician, was born on 1939-01-24.
birth
Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela is born
Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela, Colombian colombian drug lord, known for colombian drug lord, was born on 1939-01-31.
birth
Jim Bouton is born
Jim Bouton, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1939-03-08. James Alan Bouton (March 8, 1939 – July 10, 2019) was an American professional baseball player.
birth
Cale Yarborough is born
Cale Yarborough, American athlete, known for american racing driver, was born on 1939-03-27.
birth
Phil Niekro is born
Phil Niekro, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1939-04-01.
birth
David Frost is born
David Frost, English television host and journalist, known for british television host and journalist, was born on 1939-04-07.
birth
Max Robinson is born
Max Robinson journalist, known for american journalist, was born on 1939-05-01. Maxie Cleveland Robinson Jr.
birth
Ralph Boston is born
Ralph Boston, American athlete, known for american athlete, was born on 1939-05-09.
birth
Ivan Sutherland is born
Ivan Sutherland is born
birth
Al Unser is born
Al Unser, American athlete, known for american racing driver, was born on 1939-05-29.
birth
Martin Lee is born
Martin Lee is born
birth
Lou Brock is born
Lou Brock, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1939-06-18. Louis Clark Brock (June 18, 1939 – September 6, 2020) was an American professional baseball left fielder.
birth
Rod Laver is born
Rod Laver, Australian athlete, known for australian tennis player, was born on 1939-08-09. Rodney George Laver is an Australian former professional tennis player.
birth
Paul Martin is born
Paul Martin is born
birth
Elliott Gould is born
Elliott Gould, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1939-08-29. Elliott Gould (né Goldstein; born August 29, 1938) is an American actor.
birth
Kathy Whitworth is born
Kathy Whitworth, American athlete, known for american professional golfer, was born on 1939-09-27.
birth
Ann Haydon-Jones is born
Ann Haydon-Jones, English athlete, known for english tennis player, was born on 1939-10-07. Ann Shirley Jones, also known as Ann Haydon-Jones, is an English former tennis and table tennis champion.
birth
Maria Bueno is born
Maria Bueno, Brazilian athlete, known for brazilian tennis player, was born on 1939-10-11.
birth
Lee Harvey Oswald is born
Lee Harvey Oswald assassin of john f. kennedy, known for assassin of john f. kennedy, was born on 1939-10-18. Lee Harvey Oswald (October 18, 1939 – November 24, 1963) was a U.S.
birth
Christopher Lloyd is born
Christopher Lloyd, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1939-10-22. Christopher Allen Lloyd is an American actor.
birth
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is born
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is born
birth
Ted Turner is born
Ted Turner, American media mogul, known for american media mogul, was born on 1939-11-19.
birth
Oscar Robertson is born
Oscar Robertson, American athlete, known for american basketball player, was born on 1939-11-24.
birth
Harry Reid is born
Harry Reid politician, known for american politician, was born on 1939-12-02. Harry Mason Reid Jr.
birth
Ernie Davis is born
Ernie Davis athlete, known for american football player, was born on 1939-12-14. Ernest R.
birth
Phil Spector is born
Phil Spector, American musician, known for american record producer and convicted murderer, was born on 1939-12-26.
birth
Jon Voight is born
Jon Voight, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1939-12-29. Jonathan Vincent "Jon" Voight is an American actor.
birth
Jerry Brown is born
Jerry Brown is born
birth
Peter Bogdanovich is born
Peter Bogdanovich, American film director, known for american film director, was born on 1939-07-30.
birth
Wes Craven is born
Wes Craven, American filmmaker, known for american filmmaker, was born on 1939-08-02. Wesley Earl Craven (August 2, 1939 – August 30, 2015) was an American filmmaker.
birth
Chandra Bahadur Dangi is born
Chandra Bahadur Dangi nepali man; shortest man in recorded history, known for nepali man; shortest man in recorded history, was born on 1939-11-30.
Notable Deaths
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in 1939?
- In 1939, there were 188 significant historical events. Notable events include American future MLB catcher Roy Campanella (18) weds Bernice Ray; eventually divorce, Adolf Hitler threatens Jews during his speech to the German Reichstag (Parliament), American singer Frank Sinatra (23) marries 1st wife Nancy Barbato (21) at Our Lady of Sorrows catholic church in Jersey .
- Who was born in 1939?
- 34 notable figures were born in 1939, including Jim Bakker is born, Bobby Hull is born, Phil Everly is born.
- Who died in 1939?
- 2 notable figures passed away in 1939, including Amelia Earhart dies, Howard Carter dies.