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TIL Bhagat Singh Thind gained US citizenship in 1918, only to be stripped of it 4 days later for being Indian. His 2nd attempt had the Supreme Court rule against him. He succeeded in his 3rd attempt. He was also the first turbaned (Sikh) member of the US Army, serving during WWI.

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6kPY TIL modern day Japanese swordsmiths are required by law to use traditional Katana forging techniques, despite the fact that modern day steel does not need to be folded multiple times.
KYApQ TIL that in 1952 5 people were killed in a Japanese attack on California in the Battle of LA. Except the Japanese never attacked at all, fear over misidentified weather balloons caused a massive response of anti-aircraft guns, resulting in three heart attacks and two car accidents from the panic.
b6BMa TIL of Max Naumann, the leader of the Association of German National Jews, a Jewish organization during Nazi Germany that came out in support of Hitler. Despite their loyalty to Hitler, the group was rejected by Nazis and deemed illegal. Max & other members were sent to concentration camps.
ZYOG TIL In 1518, a “dancing plague” struck Strasbourg, Alsace, whereby hundreds of people danced fervently in the streets over the period of a month. Some suffered heart attacks or strokes, and many others died from sheer exhaustion. It remains unexplained.
R7Ba4 TIL Champollion (guy who deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphics) was instructed not to reveal findings contradicting teachings of the Catholic Church. He dated the Tomb of Menofre to the fifth dynasty, pre-dating Noah's flood. According to the Church it could not exist. He took the secret to his grave.