Today in History

Yves Rossy, a Swiss pilot and inventor, is the first person to fly a jet-powered wing across the English Channel.

Two earthquakes strike Italy, causing part of the Basilica of St. Francis to collapse, killing four people and destroying much of the cycle of frescoes depicting the saint’s life.

The UK agrees to transfer sovereignty of Hong Kong to the People’s Republic of China.

In the USSR Stanislav Petrov disobeys procedures and ignores electronic alarms indicating five incoming nuclear missiles, believing the US would launch more than five if it wanted to start a war. His decision prevented a retaliatory attack that would have begun a nuclear war between the superpowers..

Israel announces a cease-fire on Lebanese border.

Richard M. Nixon meets with Emperor Hirohito in Anchorage, Alaska, the first-ever meeting of a U.S. President and a Japanese Monarch.

David Slade, director (Hard Candy, 30 Days of Night).

Hanoi rejects a U.S. peace proposal.

Nineteen-year-old Bob Dylan makes his New York singing debut at Gerde’s Folk City.

Vice President Richard Nixon and Senator John F. Kennedy participate in the first nationally televised debate between presidential candidates.

Carlene Carter, country-rock singer, songwriter, musician; daughter of June Carter, stepdaughter of Johnny Cash (“Keep It Out of Sight,” “Cool Reaction”).

Dolores Keane, Irish folk singer; founding member of band De Dannan.

General Douglas MacArthur‘s American X Corps, fresh from the Inchon landing, links up with the U.S. Eighth Army after its breakout from the Pusan Perimeter.