Births on August 17

Edward Cowie, English composer, painter, and author

Edward Cowie (born 17 August 1943) is an English composer, author, natural scientist, and painter.

11 Feb

Dwight D. Eisenhower
World War II: General Dwight D. Eisenhower is selected to command the allied armies in Europe.
30 May

Auschwitz concentration camp
The Holocaust: Josef Mengele becomes chief medical officer of the Zigeunerfamilienlager (Romani family camp) at Auschwitz concentration camp.
19 Jun

Pittsburgh Steelers
The Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL merge for one season due to player shortages caused by World War II.
6 Nov

Kiev
World War II: The Soviet Red Army recaptures Kiev. Before withdrawing, the Germans destroy most of the city's ancient buildings.
4 Dec

Josip Broz Tito
World War II: In Yugoslavia, resistance leader Marshal Josip Broz Tito proclaims a provisional democratic Yugoslav government in-exile.