Monthly Archives: August 2012

Germans launch Battle of Stalingrad with massive bombing 70 years ago today (1942)


Video: Germans bomb Stalingrad (at 8:59)

(Sunday, August 23, 1942, during the Battle of Stalingrad, part of the Eastern Front of World War II) — The Germans launched the Battle of Stalingrad today with a massive strategic bombing that caused a firestorm, killing thousands and turning Stalingrad into a vast landscape of rubble and burnt ruins. Continue reading Germans launch Battle of Stalingrad with massive bombing 70 years ago today (1942)

Botched bank robbery ends in death and arrest 40 years ago this hour (1972)


Video: ABC News (Aug. 23, 1972)

(Wednesday, August 23, 1972, 4:45 a.m. EDT) — A hostage drama that began yesterday at a Chase Manhattan Bank in Brooklyn, N.Y., ended this morning when John Wojtowicz was arrested and Salvatore Naturile was killed by the FBI at New York’s Kennedy Airport. The incident inspired the movie Dog Day Afternoon.

Nixon renominated, embraced by Sammy Davis, Jr. 40 years ago tonight (1972)


Video: Nixon attends youth rally with Davis (at 1:47)

(Tuesday, August 22, 1972, evening) — Entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr., grabbed a startled U.S. President Richard Nixon from behind and squeezed his arms while Nixon talked to about 8,000 of his youthful supporters at a youth rally tonight in Miami, Florida. Continue reading Nixon renominated, embraced by Sammy Davis, Jr. 40 years ago tonight (1972)

Wife of white separatist killed by FBI sharpshooter at Ruby Ridge 20 years ago today (1992)


Video: 'Discovery Times: Ruby Ridge' (Aug. 22, 1992 at 9:14)

(Saturday, August 22, 1992) — On the second day of the Ruby Ridge siege in Idaho today, an FBI sharpshooter killed Vicki Weaver, the wife of white separatist Randy Weaver. The sharpshooter later said he was targeting the couple’s friend Kevin Harris, and didn’t see Vicki Weaver.

French President Charles de Gaulle survives assassination attempt 50 years ago today (1962)


Video: 'attack small clamart August 22, 1962'

(Wednesday, August 22, 1962) — An assassination attempt against French President Charles De Gaulle failed today, as he, his wife, and son-in-law were met by a “barrage of submachine-gun fire” near Petit Clamart while being driven in his Citroën DS from Paris to the Villacoublay Airfield.

Lincoln responds to editorial demanding emancipation of southern slaves 150 years ago today (1862)


Video: Aug 22, 1862 (at 39:16)

(Friday, August 22, 1862, during the American Civil War) — U.S. President Abraham Lincoln responded to an Aug. 20 editorial by Republican editor Horace Greeley of the highly influential New York Tribune, demanding a more aggressive attack on the Confederacy and faster emancipation of the slaves by describing the limits imposed by his duty as president to save the Union. Continue reading Lincoln responds to editorial demanding emancipation of southern slaves 150 years ago today (1862)