Historical Events
Sinking of the USS Indianapolis
After 3½ days suffering exhaustion, lack of water and shark attacks in the Philippine Sea, the surviving crew of USS Indianapolis are spotted by Wilbur “Chuck” Gwinn, a PV-1 Ventura pilot on a routine sector search. 316 had survived.
Potsdam Conference
Potsdam Conference between Joseph Stalin, Harry Truman and Winston Churchill (replaced by Clement Attlee after losing the 1945 general election) ends
Famous Birthdays
- Alex Jesaulenko, Australian rules footballer, born in Salzburg, Austria
- Eric Simms, Australian rugby league fullback (8 Tests; NSWRL points record [1,841] stood until 1983; South Sydney), born in Karuah, Australia
- Jewell Jackson McCabe, American feminist and social and political activist who led the National Coalition of 100 Black Women movement in the 1970s, born in Washington, D.C.
- Joanna Cassidy [Caskey], American actress (Blade Runner; Under Fire; Six Feet Under), born in Haddonfield, New Jersey
- John Bowis, British MP (C), born in Brighton, East Sussex
- John T. Ward Jr., American racehorse trainer (Kentucky Derby 2001 Monarchos; Breeders' Cup Distaff 1999 Beautiful Pleasure), born in Lexington, Kentucky (d. 2021)
Famous Deaths
- Emil Nikolaus von Reznicek, Austrian composer (Donna Diana), dies at 85
- Pietro Mascagni, Italian opera composer (Cavalleria Rusticana), dies at 81
Died in 1945 1945 Highlights
About August 2, 1945
Day of the Week: Thursday
How Long Ago? 78 years, 8 months and 25 days
Leap Year: No
Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rooster
Star Sign: Leo
