February 1942

Monday 09:

Daylight-saving time goes into effect in the United States.

Sunday 15:

World War II: The Fall of Singapore. Following an assault by Japanese forces, the British General Arthur Percival surrenders. About 80,000 Indian, United Kingdom and Australian soldiers become prisoners of war, the largest surrender of British-led military personnel in history.

Thursday 19:

World War II: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the executive order 9066, allowing the United States military to relocate Japanese-Americans to Japanese internment camps.

Friday 20:

Lieutenant Edward O'Hare becomes America's first World War II flying ace.

Sunday 22:

World War II: President Franklin D. Roosevelt orders General Douglas MacArthur out of the Philippines as American defense collapses.

Tuesday 24:

Propaganda: The Voice of America begins broadcasting.

Friday 27:

World War II: the USS Langley, the first United States aircraft carrier, is sunk by Japanese warplanes.