TODAY IN HISTORY

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT

Oct. 20, 1944

During World War II, Gen. Douglas MacArthur stepped ashore at Leyte in the Philippines, 2½ years after saying, “I shall return.” The cities of Belgrade and Dubrovnik were liberated by Russian and Yugoslav troops.

ALSO ON THIS DATE

1803

The U.S. Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase.

1947

The House Un-American Activities Committee opened hearings into alleged Communist influence and infiltration in the U.S. motion picture industry.

1964

The 31st president of the United States, Herbert C. Hoover, died in New York at age 90.

1994

Actor Burt Lancaster died at age 80.