A very busy day was today, and it's not finished yet.
On this day:
1922- King Tutankhamen's tomb was discovered by Howard Carter. King Tut had ruled from age 10-18, when he died. His 3500 year old tomb had been discovered with almost all its treasures intact, while most other tombs had been plundered by grave robbers.
1941- New Zealander Charles Upham was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery under fire in WWII. He won it again in 1942 when, after leading his company into a major attack, he was shot through the elbow. He refused to quit, and alone, he detonated a German tank and killed several soldiers while leading his men to safety. Charles Upham was captured and held in the infamous Colditz fortress. After his release, he returned home to Christchuch, where the awed citizens had raised 10,000 pounds for him. He refused the money and suggested that it go into a scholarship fund for the children of soldiers who were killed. He was one of only 3 people to receive the Victoria Cross twice. When the King asked his adviser, Major-General Howard Kippenberger, if he really thought this honour was deserved, the Major-General replied "In my respectful opinion, sir, Upham won the VC several times over."
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