Veterans Bonus Army Eviction – Anniversary

July 28, 1932. Some 15,000 unemployed veterans of WWI marchedon Washington, DC, in the summer of 1932, demanding payment of a war bonus. After two months encampment in Washingtons Anacostia Flats, eviction of the bonus marchers by the US Army was ordered by President Herbert Hoover. Under the leadership of General Douglas MacArthur, Major Dwight D. Eisenhower and Major George S. Patton, Jr (among others), cavalry, tanks and infantry attacked. Fixed bayonets, tear gas and the burning of the veterans tents hastened the end of the confrontation. One death was reported.