This Day in Naval History – September 3

1782 - As a token of gratitude for French aid during American Revolution, the U.S. gives America (first ship-of-the-line built by U.S.) to France to replace a French ship lost in Boston.

1783 - Signing of Treaty of Paris ends American Revolution

1885 - First classes at U.S. Naval War College begin

1925 - Crash of rigid airship Shenandoah near Byesville, OH

1943 - American landings on Lae and Salamaua

1944 - First combat employment of a missile guided by radio and television takes place when Navy drone Liberator, controlled by Ensign James M. Simpson in a PV, flew to attack German submarine pens on Helgoland Island.

1945 - Japanese surrender Wake Island in ceremony on board USS Levy (DE-162)

(Source: Navy News Service)