Today in History

The Channel Tunnel linking England to France is officially opened.

The first nuclear warhead is fired from a Polaris submarine.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs the Civil Rights Act of 1960.

British runner Roger Bannister breaks the four minute mile.

Axis Sally makes her final propaganda broadcast to Allied troops.

The Red Army besieges and captures Sevastopol in the Crimea.

Ariel Dorfman, Chilean writer (Death and the Maiden).

Bob Hope gives his first USO show at California’s March Field.

The dirigible Hindenburg explodes in flames at Lakehurst, New Jersey.

Willie Mays, baseball player.

Orson Welles, actor, director, and writer (Citizen Kane).

Max Ophuls, film director (La Ronde, Lola Montes).

Rudolph Valentino, actor, film icon.

Russell Stover, candy manufacturer.