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
Lt. Billy Mills in the Olympic marathon, 1964
U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Billy Mills comes in 14th in the Olympic marathon. Ethiopian athlete Abebe Bikila won the race, becoming the first athlete to successfully defend an Olympic marathon title. Just days earlier Mills beat 37 of the world's top endurance racers for the Olympic gold medal in the 10,000 meters with an Olympic record time of 28 minutes, 24.4 seconds. Mills won the gold in a dramatic, elbow-jabbing, traffic-jam stretch run, beating out Mohammed Gamoudi of Tunesia, who got second, and world record holder and favorite Ron Clarke of Australia, who captured the bronze medal.
This week in Pacific history
October 25th - October 31st
October 25th, 1945 – The Republic of China takes control of Taiwan following fifty years of Japanese occupation.
October 26th, 1944 – World War II: The Battle of Leyte Gulf concludes with an American victory.
October 26th, 1979 – Korean CIA head Kim Jae-gyu assassinates the President of south Korea, Park Chung-hee.
October 31st, 1968 – Vietnam War: Citing progress with the Paris peace talks, US President Johnson orders a complete cessation of "all air, naval, and artillery bombardment of North Vietnam" effective November 1.
Share your Memories with Stars and Stripes Pacific!
Your photos and stories will appear here on 80.stripes.com.
This week in Pacific history
October 25th - October 31st
October 25th, 1945 – The Republic of China takes control of Taiwan following fifty years of Japanese occupation.
October 26th, 1944 – World War II: The Battle of Leyte Gulf concludes with an American victory.
October 26th, 1979 – Korean CIA head Kim Jae-gyu assassinates the President of south Korea, Park Chung-hee.
October 31st, 1968 – Vietnam War: Citing progress with the Paris peace talks, US President Johnson orders a complete cessation of "all air, naval, and artillery bombardment of North Vietnam" effective November 1.