News on this day in 1941 was all about saber rattling. FDR delivered his annual Navy Day Address the previous day and it was met with wild enthusiasm in Britain and wild disdain in Germany. In either case, it signified a rapidly advancing state of open war between the U.S. and the Axis powers and one which would soon enough become a reality within weeks.

But the war was going on with or without U.S. involvement. The German Army was reported on this day to be within 30-40 miles of Moscow, although neither Radio Moscow or Berlin Radio were giving any details.

Meanwhile Syria, the former French colony, had now declared its independence and was quickly recognized by Great Britain with the hopes of gaining another ally in the rapidly deteriorating Middle East.

All in all a rather anxiety-driven day in history, as reported on NBC's News Of The World edition for October 28, 1941.