This day in history — June 22

Today’s highlight in history 

On June 22, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, more popularly known as the “GI Bill of Rights.”

On this date 

In 1870, the United States Department of Justice was created.

In 1937, Joe Louis began his reign as world heavyweight boxing champion by knocking out Jim Braddock in the eighth round of their fight in Chicago. (A year later on this date, Louis knocked out Max Schmeling in the first round of their rematch at Yankee Stadium.)

In 1940, during World War II, France was forced to sign an armistice eight days after German forces overran Paris. 

In 1941, Nazi Germany launched Operation Barbarossa, a massive invasion of the Soviet Union.

In 1945, the World War II battle for Okinawa ended with an Allied victory.

In 1969, singer-actress Judy Garland died in London at age 47.

In 1977, John N. Mitchell became the first former U.S. Attorney General to go to prison as he began serving a sentence for his role in the Watergate coverup. (He was released 19 months later.)

Ten years ago: Atlantis and its seven astronauts returned to Earth safely, ending a two-week mission to deliver an addition to the international space station and bringing home crew member Sunita “Suni” Williams, who set a then-record for longest single spaceflight by a woman at 195 days.

Five years ago: Ex-Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky was convicted by a jury in Bellefonte, Pa., on 45 counts of sexually assaulting 10 boys over 15 years. (Sandusky is appealing a 30- to 60-year state prison sentence.)

One year ago: Democrats launched a 25-hour round-the-clock sit-in on the House floor to demand votes on gun-control bills; in response, Republicans called a recess while cutting off cameras showing the protest. 

Associated Press 

QUOTE UNQUOTE 

"What keeps all performers going is the belief that the next try will surely be a wow." 

Fred Astaire,

Dancer and actor who died on this date in 1987 at age 88