1923 - Commissioning of Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC.

1926 - Distinguished Flying Cross authorized by Congress.

1937 - Amelia Earhart disappears in Pacific. Navy conducts extensive unsuccessful search.

1945 - USS Barb (SS-220) bombards Japanese installations on Kaihyo Island, Japan; first successful use of rockets against shore positions.

1946 - Establishment of VX-3 to evaluate adaptability of helicopters to naval purposes.

1950 - USS Juneau and 2 British ships sink 5 of 6 attacking North Korean torpedo boats and gunboats.

1967 - During Operation Bear Claw, Seventh Fleet Amphibious Force conducts helicopter assault 12 miles inland at Con Thien.