Today in History

The deadliest mass shooting at a US military installation occurs at Fort Hood, Texas, when US Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan kills 13 and wounds 29.

Chang’e 1, China’s first lunar satellite, begins its orbit of the moon.

Former president of Iraq Saddam Hussein, along with Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti and Awad Hamed al-Bandar, is sentenced to death for the massacre of 148 Shi’a Muslims in 1982.

Gary Ridgway, known as the Green River Killer, pleads guilty to 48 counts of murder.

Andre Dallaire’s attempt to assassinate Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien is foiled when the minister’s wife locks the door.

Kevin Jonas II, musician, actor; oldest member of the pop rock group Jonas Brothers.

Peter Emmerich, illustrator; in 2001 created the iconic “Mickey Salutes America” image featuring Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse.

Shirley Chisholm of Brooklyn, New York, becomes the first elected African American woman to serve in the House of Representatives.

Tatum O’Neal, actress; youngest person ever to win a competitive Academy award, for her performance at age 10 in Paper Moon (1973).

William Daniel Phillips, shared 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics for his contributions to laser cooling, including his invention of the Zeeman slower technique for slowing the movement of gaseous atoms.

Peter Noone, singer, songwriter, musician, best known as Herman of Herman’s Hermits.

Gram Parsons, influential singer, songwriter, guitarist; member of The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers and International Submarine Band.

Peter Pace, first USMC general appointed to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Sam Shepard, American playwright and actor.