History in 2nd Aug

Einstein urges atomic action

In a letter to FDR, Albert Einstein urges U.S. atomic action.
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PT-109 sinks

PT-109, the Patrol Torpedo boat commanded by Lieutenant John F. Kennedy, sinks after colliding with the Japanese destroyer Amagiri. Kennedy swam with his crew to an abandoned island, refusing to surrender to the Japanese.
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Potsdam Conference concludes

The Potsdam Conference—the last war-time meeting between American, Soviet, and British officials—concludes, setting the stage for the Cold War.
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Harding dies

President Warren G. Harding dies in San Francisco of suspected heart failure. Harding became ill during his trip of the western United States and had just arrived from visiting Alaska.
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