US Navy aircraft on the deck the USS Franklin in October 1944 169 years earlier on October 13, 1775 Congress authorized the purchase of two war ships and established the Continental Navy. Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain
Just a little over a month after the conclusion of WWII, Milton S. Hershey died at Hershey Hospital at the age of 88 on October 13, 1945. Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain
American Revolutionary War heroine Mary Ludwig Hays was born on October 13, 1744 in Trenton, New Jersey. The story of Molly Pitcher is attributed to the life of Mary Ludwig Hays and a combination of different women during that time in American history. “Wheel back the gun,” the gunner said, When like a flash before him stood A figure dashed with smoke and blood, With streaming hair, with eyes aflame, With lips that falter the gunner’s name, Wheel back his gun that never yet, His fighting duty did forget? His voice shall speak though he be dead, “I’ll serve my husband’s gun!” she said. Oh, Molly, Molly, with eyes so blue, Oh, Molly, Molly, here’s to you! Sweet Honor’s roll will aye be richer. To hold the name of Molly Pitcher!” From: American heroes and heroines by Pauline Bouvé, published in 1905 https://archive.org/details/americanheroeshe00bouv/page/125/mode/1up Source says not in copyright Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain
On October 13, 1812 a young captain of the U.S. Army named John Wool sustained severe injuries as he was shot through the thighs at the Battle of Queenston Heights in what is now Ontario, Canada. After recovering he led his troops to victory at the Battle of Plattsburgh in New York nearly two years later in 1814. He would also serve during The Mexican American War and later in the American Civil War when he was in his late seventies. Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain
Honus Wagner and other Pittsburgh Pirates in the dugout during the first modern World Series in October 1903. On October 13, 1903 Game 8 (the final game) ended when pitcher Bill Dinneen of the Boston Americans struck out Honus Wagner to win the series. Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain
Art Tatum (on the right) standing with others outside the Downbeat Club in New York City in 1947. Tatum is considered to be one of the greatest American Jazz pianists of all time. He was born on October 13, 1909 in Toledo, Ohio. Image via Wikimedia Commons, no known restrictions
Born October 13, 1925 Margaret Thatcher, the first female prime minister of the United Kingdom worked with three US presidents. It was with Ronald Reagan that Thatcher had the closest working relationship, one of similar policies, perspectives, and mutual respect. Image from NARA via Wikimedia Commons, public domain in the US
Paul Simon performing on the road in 1980 American musician Paul Simon was born on October 13, 1941 in Newark, N.J. Image via Alamy
