United States History On This Date— March 19

1831 — First Bank Robbery in U.S. History
The City Bank of New York was robbed of more than $245,000, the first major bank burglary in American history. The thief, Edward Smith, was later captured, marking an early test of urban policing and financial security.
1863 — War Department Establishes the Medal of Honor
The U.S. War Department formally authorized the Medal of Honor for Army soldiers, expanding an earlier Navy version. It became the nation’s highest military decoration for valor, awarded for extraordinary bravery above and beyond the call of duty.
1918 — Congress Passes the Standard Time Act
The Standard Time Act established national time zones and introduced Daylight Saving Time during World War I to conserve fuel. Though controversial, it marked a major step in federal regulation of timekeeping and national coordination.
2003 — U.S. Begins Airstrikes in Iraq
The United States launched the opening air campaign of the Iraq War, targeting military and government sites in Baghdad. The action marked the start of a prolonged conflict that reshaped U.S. foreign policy and Middle Eastern geopolitics.

An explosion hits Baghdad on March 23rd, 2003 in Baghdad, Iraq as hostilities between U.S. led coalition forces and the Iraqi regime continue