Monthly Archives: December 2014

Khmer Rouge attacks force thousands into Phnom Penh 40 years ago this hour (Jan 1 1975)


Video: 'Vietnam: A Television History - Cambodia and Laos [8/11]' (Jan. 1, 1975, at 42:32)

(Wednesday, January 1, 1975, 1:20 a.m. local time; during the Cambodian Civil War, part of the Vietnam War, Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — Communist-led insurgents known as the Khmer Rouge launched a series of attacks on the outskirts of Phnom Penh today and thousands of refugees, hundreds of them injured, streamed into the capital.

Saigon battalions retake Binh Gia in long fight 50 years ago today (Dec 30 1964)


Video: 'Vietnam: A Television History - America's Enemy [5/11]' (Dec. 30, 1964, at 19:35)

(Wednesday, December 30, 1964; during the Battle of Binh Gia of the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — Saigon troops recaptured the village of Binh Gia today after U.S. helicopters flew in reinforcements. The battle continued through Jan. 1, 1975.

‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ by Band Aid peaks at #13 in USA 30 years ago today (Dec 29 1984)

(Saturday, December 29, 1984)“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid, a song written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise money for relief of the 1983–85 famine in Ethiopia, peaked at #13 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ by Band Aid peaks at #13 in USA 30 years ago today (Dec 29 1984)

Thousands watch Hollywood farewell to Jack Benny 40 years ago today (Dec 29 1974)


Video: 'Jack Benny - CBS News Tribute/Obituary (Dec 29, 1974)' (Benny's funeral at 32:47)

(Sunday, December 29, 1974) — The show-business world turned out today at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California, to say goodbye to Jack Benny, the gentle comedian who charmed millions of Americans over a long career that carried him through the top ranks of vaudeville, radio, movies and television.

Benny died Dec. 26, 1974, of cancer at the age of 80.

‘On the Town’ musical opens on Broadway 70 years ago this hour (Dec 28 1944)


Video: '1944 Broadway Musical: On the Town ~ Lonely Town (1940s)'

(Thursday, December 28, 1944, 8:30 p.m. EWT) — The musical On the Town, with music by Leonard Bernstein and book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, opened tonight on Broadway at the Adelphi Theater. Continue reading ‘On the Town’ musical opens on Broadway 70 years ago this hour (Dec 28 1944)

Viet Cong capture South Vietnamese village of Binh Gia 50 years ago today (Dec 28 1964)


Video: 'Vietnam: A Television History - America's Enemy [5/11]' (Dec. 28, 1964, at 19:06)

(Monday, December 28, 1964, early hours; during the Battle of Binh Gia of the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — Some 1,500 Vietcong, armed with machine guns and recoil-less rifles, today captured the village of Binh Gia, 40 miles southeast of Saigon. Continue reading Viet Cong capture South Vietnamese village of Binh Gia 50 years ago today (Dec 28 1964)