Daily Archives: May 7, 2012

Space shuttle Endeavour heads into orbit 20 years ago this hour (1992)

1990s, space exploration

(Thursday May 7, 1992, 7:40 p.m. EDT) — Space shuttle Endeavour lifted off tonight on its maiden flight, a nine-day mission to rescue the stranded Intelsat 603 communications satellite, which failed to leave low earth orbit two years before.

Bush finds ‘horror’ on Los Angeles tour 20 years ago today (1992)

1990s, U.S. Presidents

(Thursday, May 7, 1992) — Expressing “horror and dismay” at what he saw, U.S. President George H.W. Bush toured the broken and blackened districts of riot-ravaged South Central Los Angeles today and confronted the resentment of minority groups who feel cheated of justice and prosperity by the established power that he represents.

U.S. general seized by red prisoners at Koje as hostage 60 years ago today (1952)

1950s, Korean War


Video: May 7, 1952 (at 1:35)

(Wednesday, May 7, 1952, during the Korean War, part of the Cold War) — Communist prisoners on Koje Island, off the South Korean coast, today seized the camp commandant, Brig. Gen. Francis T. Dodd, and are holding him prisoner.