Star and Stripes Review: April 13, 1945

April 12 is the anniversary of many events: It's the anniversary of the opening shots of the Civil War at Fort Sumter, it's the anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's spaceflight marking man's first trip into space, and 66 years ago today it is the anniversary of the death of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Struck down into the president's fourth term, all of America mourned, and those overseas mourned just as much as those stateside.

This issue is one of the most collectible Stars and Stripes in existence, partly because of the extra large headline, but also it marks a huge landmark not only in the course of the war, but also for the rest of the postwar world. As the front page has emblazoned, the 32nd president of the United States died on April 12, 1945 from a cerebral hemorrhage, brought on from his weakened state due to his polio. It is also noted in light of this event that Harry S. Truman was the seventh vice-president to become Chief Executive after the President's death, the other six being John Tyler, who succeeded William Henry Harrison; Millard Fillmore, who succeeded Zachary Taylor; Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Abraham Lincoln; Chester Arthur, who succeeded James Garfield; Theodore Roosevelt, who succeeded William McKinley, and Calvin Coolidge, who succeeded Warren G. Harding.

However, as with the rest of life, the war went on. Other events depicted in this issue are the US Ninth Army crossing the Elbe river, and Patton's Third Army is only 85 miles away from linking up with the Red Army. Also, it was announced that the British were no longer going to draft anyone over 31 years old, with the exception of specialists. Also, the German town of Schweinfurt was captured, which was significant for American airmen because of the heavy losses sustained from the disastrous air raids on the town.

It is important to note that this issue is not only shorter than most issues of Stars and Stripes, but the third page is almost entirely devoted to comic strips, including Blondie, Dick Tracy, and Donald Duck. It could be said that this was intentional for the purpose of helping the soldiers deal with the grief of losing their president. Whatever the reason, this issue is but one way of viewing the passing of one of America's greatest wartime leaders. Until next time, take care, and thank you.