Today in History

Former U.S. President Gerald R. Ford dies at age 93. Ford was the only unelected president in America’s history.

A tsunami caused by a 9.3-magnitude earthquake kills more than 230,000 along the rim of the Indian Ocean.

Samuel Sevian, chess prodigy; at age 12 became youngest-ever United States International Master.

Lothar, a violent, 36-hour windstorm begins; it kills 137 and causes $1.3 billion (US dollars) damage in Central Europe.

Workers in South Korea’s automotive and shipbuilding industries begin the largest labor strike in that country’s history, protesting a new law that made firing employees easier and would curtail the rights of labor groups to organize.

The Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union formally dissolves the Soviet Union.

Time magazine chooses a personal computer as it “Man of the Year,” the first non-human ever to receive the honor.

The Soviet Union flies 5,000 troops to intervene in the Afghanistan conflict.

Dr. Maulana Karenga celebrates the first Kwanza, a seven-day African-American celebration of family and heritage.

Eight East Berliners escape to West Berlin, crashing through gates in an armor-plated bus.

The United States announces the withdrawal of two divisions from Korea.

USMC General James T. Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps (2006-10); commanded 1st Marine Expeditionary Force during the Second Gulf War.

John Walsh, TV personality, victims rights advocate; created of America’s Most Wanted TV series after the murder of his son Adam in 1981.