US #2559f – from the 1941: World at War Sheet
On October 31, 1941, a German submarine torpedoed the USS Reuben James – the first US Navy ship destroyed during World War II.
The USS Reuben James was named after a naval hero who was born sometime around 1776. James joined the US Navy and served on several ships.
US #806 – from the popular Presidential Series
John Adams was born in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts, on October 30, 1735.
In his youth, Adams was a bright yet indifferent student who preferred the outdoors to a classroom. At the age of 15, Adams entered Harvard College and graduated in 1755. He taught school for a few years and practiced law. In 1764, Adams married Abigail Smith. The couple had four children who survived infancy.
US #4445 pictures Mauldin and his characters, Willie and Joe.
William Henry “Bill” Mauldin was born on October 29, 1921, in Mountain Park, New Mexico.
The son of a World War I veteran, Mauldin spent his childhood in Mountain Park and later Phoenix, Arizona. He then went on to attend the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. Mauldin returned to Phoenix in 1940 and enlisted in the Arizona National Guard.
US #2635 was issued for the highway’s 50th anniversary.
On October 28, 1942, construction was completed on the 1,700 mile Alaska Highway.
In the 1920s, people began proposing a highway from the lower 48 states, through Canada, to Alaska. The Canadian government refused to offer funds for its construction because it would have benefited only the small population of the country’s Yukon Territory. Support increased in both Canada and the US toward the end of the decade. Unfortunately, the Great Depression hit and there was no money for such a program.
US #557 was issued on Roosevelt’s 64th birthday.
Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt was born October 27, 1858, in New York City, the second of four children.
Roosevelt suffered from asthma and other sicknesses throughout his childhood. Despite this, he was often active and mischievous, taking great joy in activities outdoors. Roosevelt had a photographic memory and excelled in geography, history, biology, French, and German.
US #3142a – from the Classic American Aircraft Sheet
On October 26, 1940, the P-51 Mustang completed its first flight.
In April 1940, the British government sought to purchase planes from American manufacturers. At the time, the Curtiss P-40 Tomahawk was the best American fighter aircraft in production, however, the Curtiss-Wright plant was working at capacity.
