September 1, 1939:
Germany invades Poland; Great Britain and France declare war on Germany and the Second World War begins.
January 1, 1941:
A precursor to V-Mail: The British Airgraph service is extended to His Majesty’s Forces, in Aden, Iraq and ships in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf.
December 7, 1941:
Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, and the United States declares war the following day.
April 20, 1942:
Post Office Department issues Order No. 17471 as a directive restricting size, weight, frequency of (military and civilian) mail matter for delivery outside continental U.S.
March 27, 1942:
Congress grants free mail privilege for military personnel on first-class material.
May 8, 1942:
War Department enters into a contract with the Eastman Kodak Company for V-Mail microfilming.
June 12, 1942:
President Roosevelt receives the first two V-Mail letters from Ambassador Winant and Major General Chaney.
June 15, 1942:
V-Mail service officially begins.
May 15, 1944:
Air Mail V-Mail service inaugurated.
May 8, 1945:
VE Day (Victory Day in Europe).
August 14, 1945:
VJ Day (Victory Day in Japan).
October 15, 1945:
Last V-Mail from New York port of embarkation sent to General Eisenhower from Major General Kells.
November 1, 1945:
V-Mail service is discontinued.
December 31, 1947:
Free mail privilege for military personnel ends.
