Today in History

NATO assumes command of the international peacekeeping force in Afghanistan, its first major operation outside Europe.

A tornado in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, kills one person.

Troops from Egypt and Morocco arrive in Saudi Arabia as part of the international operation to prevent Iraq from invading.

Voyager 2 discovers two partial rings around Neptune.

Al Qaeda formed at a meeting in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Carl Lewis wins four Olympic gold medals, tying the record Jesse Owens set in 1936.

Funeral of Pope Paul VI.

US vetoes admission of North and South Vietnam to UN.

The last U.S. ground forces withdraw from Vietnam.

A small clash between the California Highway Patrol and two black youths sets off six days of rioting in the Watts area of Los Angeles.

Hulk Hogan, wrestler, actor (Assault on Devil’s Island); World Wrestling Federation heavyweight champion, 1984-89.

Gennady Nikonov, inventor of AN-94 assault rifle.

Marilyn Vos Savant, author, columnist, playwright; “Highest IQ (Women)” Guinness Book of World Records, 1986-1989 (category retired in 1990).