Daily Archives: August 7, 2012

Kennedy awards Dr. Kelsey for role in thalidomide case 50 years ago today (1962)


Video: 'UVic Legacy Awards - Dr. Frances Oldham Kelsey -- Alumni Legacy Award' (JFK awards Kelsey at 1:57)

(Tuesday, August 7, 1962) — U.S. President John F. Kennedy awarded Food and Drug Administration (FDA) official Dr. Frances O. Kelsey the Distinguished Federal Civilian Service Medal today for her diligence in blocking approval of thalidomide, a sedative found to cause severe birth defects.

Hatfields and McCoys feud erupts into full-scale violence 130 years ago today (1882)


Video: 'The Hatfields and McCoys - A Documentary' (Ellison Hatfield attacked at 2:15)

(Monday, August 7, 1882) — The famous feud between the Hatfields of West Virginia and the McCoys of Kentucky erupted into full-scale violence today when when Ellison Hatfield, brother of William Anderson “Devil Anse” Hatfield, was fatally wounded by three of Roseanna McCoy’s young brothers (Tolbert, Pharmer and Bud) during an election day fight that took place in Kentucky.