Chronology of World War II
Americans reach Aparri
Wednesday, June 27, 1945 www.onwar.com

In the Philippines... On Luzon, units of the US 37th Division, part of US 1st Corps, reach Aparri, on the north coast. With the occupation of the whole of the Cagayan valley, the campaign for the recapture of the island is now effectively complete. The remaining Japanese forces are isolated in remote parts of Luzon and lack supplies or medical care.

In the Ryukyu Islands... The American carrier USS Bunker Hill is struck by a Kamikaze plane, killing 373 men.

In the Greater Sunda Islands... On Borneo, the preparatory naval bombardment, at Balikpapan, continues.

In the Soviet Union... Stalin is appointed to the new rank of Generalissimo.

In Liberated Czechoslovakia... Dr. Emil Hacha, the former president of the German sponsored "Bohemia-Moravia Protectorate," dies in Prague prison hospital, at age 73, while awaiting trial.

In Washington... Edward Stettinius resigns as Secretary of State to take up the post of ambassador to the United Nations.


This chronological study of the Second World War provides a comprehensive day-by-day account of WWII. While focused on the military history of the war, with an emphasis on the battles and campaigns fought, the timeline includes social and political history as well. Some Holocaust related events are already recorded and additional updates are pending. In so far as possible, the images included in this presentation are pictures from the given days. Additional information and images are welcome through the feedback form found on the index.