1943
Generalfeldmarschall Friedrich Paulus surrenders himself and the southern pocket of 6th Army in Stalingrad. The northern pocket under the command of General Strecker continues to resist. The previous day Hitler had given many promotions by radio to Paulus' officers to build up their spirits and steel their will to hold their ground. Most significantly, he promoted Paulus to field marshal. Since no Prussian or German field marshal in history had ever surrendered, the implication was clear -Paulus was to commit suicide. Hitler said afterwards:
"What hurts me the most, personally, is that I still promoted him to field marshal. I wanted to give him this final satisfaction... a man like that besmirches the heroism of so many others at the last moment. He could have freed himself from all sorrow and ascended into eternity and national immortality, but he prefers to go to Moscow."
Paulus' response was:
"I have no intention of shooting myself for that Austrian corporal".
Paulus was held in Russian prisons until 1953 when he returned to Germany he became an inspector of police in Dresden, Germany, but died 4 years later.
[Paulus surrendering to the Russians]
1944
American landings begin on the islands of Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Elements of US 4th Marine Division land on Roi, Namur and nearby islets. Task Force 53 provides transport and naval support, including battleships and escort carriers. The landing on Roi makes rapid progress. On Namur there is heavy Japanese resistance. Meanwhile, there are also landings on Majuro Atoll which is captured quickly and is immediately prepared to become a base for American forces. The carriers of Task Force 58 continue attacks on Eniwetok and Maleolap.
[Landing craft heading for Kwajalein Atoll]