Today in History

Earthquakes in Sumatra kill more than 1,115 people.

Japan’s second-worst nuclear accident occurs at a uranium processing facility in Tokaimura, killing two technicians.

Aldwych tube station (originally Strand Station) of the London Underground transit system closes after 88 years.

The AH-64 Apache attack helicopter makes its first flight.

Daniel Wu, Chinese-American actor, director, producer (City of Glass).

Pro baseball great Roberto Clemente hits his 3,000th—and final—hit of his career.

Bechuanaland ceases to be a British protectorate and becomes the independent Republic of Botswana.

The 30 September Movement unsuccessfully attempts coup against Indonesian government; an anti-communist purge in the aftermath results in over 500,000 deaths.

U.S. Marshals escort James H. Meredith into the University of Mississippi; two die in the mob violence that follows.

Fifteen African nations are admitted to the United Nations.

Marty Stuart, singer, songwriter, musician (“Hillbilly Rock”); joined the renowned Lester Flatt’s Nashville Grass bluegrass group at age 14; at this writing he hosts The Marty Stuart Show on RFD-TV.

Andy Bechtolsheim, engineer; co-founder of Sun Microsystems.

NATO nations agree to arm and admit West Germany.