Apr. 20 in US Military History

1861: A reluctant Col. Robert E. Lee – forced to choose between the United States and his home state Virginia – resigns his commission in the U.S. Army. In three days, Lee will accept command of Virginia state forces. He is destined to become general-in-chief of Confederate forces.

1861: Norfolk Navy Yard is abandoned and burned by Union forces.

1945: As Adolf Hitler celebrates his 56th birthday, the U.S. flag is raised over Nuremberg Stadium – site of the Nazi party rallies. Following five days of heavy fighting, 7th Army forces have captured Nuremberg.

1947: U.S. Navy Capt. L.O. Fox, supported by 80 Marines, accepts the surrender of Lt. Yamaguchi and 26 Japanese soldiers and sailors on the island of Peleliu, nearly 20 months after the end of World War II.