Commemorating 80 years in the Pacific
On May 14, 1945, Stars and Stripes published its first newspaper in the Pacific. To commemorate 80 years serving the military community in the theater, we're taking a look back at Stripes history through the writing and photography of a dedicated staff spanning generations. Stars and Stripes has proudly supported the Pacific military community since the beginning and will continue to serve the troops and families at the heart of our work.
Photo of the day
Singer Tom Jones in Tokyo, 1973
Tokyo, February, 1973: Tom Jones gives a double thumbs-up during a press conference at the exclusive New Latin Quarter nightclub, where tickets for his upcoming performance were selling for a staggering 120,000 yen ($450, or more than $2,500 in 2020 dollars). "I don't make the decisions on what prices to charge, but when we found out that they were so expensive, I wanted to cancel the tour," Jones said. As a compromise, the club and the singer to agree to make donations to local charities. Tickets for his show at the Budokan Hall were available for a much more reasonable 3,000 yen. "I had a very good upbringing," said Jones, the son of a coal miner in South Wales. "I think that's one of the most important things in life. The way you're brought up as a child reflects on your adult life." Tom Jones, whose music is the subject of one of comedian John Mulaney's most popular routines, celebrates his 80th birthday on June 7, 2020.
This week in Pacific history
October 18th - October 24th
October 19th, 1950 – Korean War: The Battle of Pyongyang concludes with a United Nations victory. Soon after the Chinese intervention begins.
October 19th, 1956 – The Soviet Union and Japan officially end the state of war between them that had existed since August 1945.
October 20th, 1944 – World War II: U.S. General Douglas MacArthur returns to the Philippines early in the Battle of Leyte.
October 22nd, 1957 – Vietnam War: First U.S. casualties in Vietnam occur.
October 23rd, 1944 – World War II: The Battle of Leyte Gulf begins, considered the largest naval battle of the war and maybe in history.
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This week in Pacific history
October 18th - October 24th
October 19th, 1950 – Korean War: The Battle of Pyongyang concludes with a United Nations victory. Soon after the Chinese intervention begins.
October 19th, 1956 – The Soviet Union and Japan officially end the state of war between them that had existed since August 1945.
October 20th, 1944 – World War II: U.S. General Douglas MacArthur returns to the Philippines early in the Battle of Leyte.
October 22nd, 1957 – Vietnam War: First U.S. casualties in Vietnam occur.
October 23rd, 1944 – World War II: The Battle of Leyte Gulf begins, considered the largest naval battle of the war and maybe in history.