Today in History

One technician is killed and two others are injured during a routine test on space shuttle Columbia.

In Costa Rica, President John F. Kennedy and six Latin American presidents pledge to fight Communism.

The Soviet People’s Council signs the constitution of the German Democratic Republic, and declares that the North Atlantic Treaty is merely a war weapon.

Chiang Kai-Shek’s government forces take control of Yenan, the former headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party.

Adolf Hitler orders a scorched-earth policy for his retreating German armies in the west and east.

The German 352nd Infantry Division deploys along the coast of France.

The Soviet Union signs a pact of assistance with Mongolia against Japan.

The British fire on 20,000 Muslims in India, killing 23.

Phillip Roth, American novelist and short-story writer (Portnoy’s Complaint).

The state of Nevada legalizes gambling.

Brent Scrowcroft, Lt. Gen. (USAF), National Security Advisor to President George H.W. Bush.

U.S. troops are rushed to Tegucigalpa as rebel forces take the Honduran capital.

The U.S. Senate rejects the Versailles Treaty for the second time.

Congress authorizes Daylight Savings Time.

The Adamson Act, eight hour day for railroad workers, is ruled constitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court.