Eighty years ago Roosevelt stages an epic stunt to counter accurate stories of his ill-health

 

As part of his campaign for the Presidential election F. D.  Roosevelt drove 51 miles through New York hatless and coatless in an open limousine at the head of a large motorcade despite torrential rain.  He delivered a speech at the Ebbets Field baseball ground without leaving his car so as to conceal his need for a wheelchair. He was hoping to quieten widespread - and accurate - stories of his poor health

The US landings on the Philippines triggered an immense Japanese response. Almost all the IJN's badly diminished assets was commited to a series of interlocking attacks on the US invasion force. The initial thrust caught the USN unprepared with two powerful fleet carrier groups detached from the main body. It was possible to recall one, albeit with a delay but the other  remained unavailable so the USN was deprived of 40% of its carrier strength. A light carrier USS Princeton was sent to the bottom by Japanese aircraft.

The allies recognised General de Gaulle's government of France. The move was practically inevitable - there was no remotely serious alternative - but it was delayed for weeks  after the liberation of France  because the US still entertained significant reservations about de Gaulle. It took considerable British pressure to force the announcement.