This Day in Military History

April 20

1861: As the Civil War broke out, Colonel Robert E. Lee resigned from the U.S. Army—writing a note to General Winfield Scott in front of his gathered family. Virginia had voted to secede on April 17. Lee would head its army.

1898: William McKinley signed a Congressional resolution demanding Cuban independence and sent it to Spain, who severed diplomatic ties the next day.

1964: Henry Clay launched Polaris A-2 missiles—the first demonstration of a Polaris submarine’s ability to launch missiles from the surface and a submerged position.

Quote of the Day: “Leadership is the art of accomplishing more than the science of management says is possible.” General Colin Powell

Brandus, Paul. This Day in U.S. Military History (pp. 105-106). Bernan Press. Kindle Edition.