Monthly Archives: August 2013

Admiral Moorer defends secret bombing of Cambodia 40 years ago today (1973)

1970s, Cold War, Vietnam War


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 8' (Aug. 9, 1973, at 40:56)

(Thursday, August 9, 1973; during the Cambodian Civil War, part of Operation Freedom Deal, part of the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — Admiral Thomas Moorer, chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, told a Senate armed service committee hearing today that the 1969-1970 secret bombing in supposedly neutral Cambodia was necessary to protect American troops from North Vietnamese forces who launched attacks from Cambodian sanctuaries.

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ opens in New York 40 years ago today (1973)

1970s, Movies 1970s, Popular Music 1970s


Video: 'Jesus Christ Superstar' trailer

(Wednesday, August 8, 1973) — Jesus Christ Superstar, a film adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice rock opera of the same name, about the last few weeks of Christ’s life, opened today in New York City.

Directed by Norman Jewison, the film starred Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson and Yvonne Elliman.

‘The Fugitive’ opened in U.S. theaters 20 years ago today (1993)

1990s, movies 1990s


Video: 'The Fugitive' trailer

(Friday, August 6, 1993) — The Fugitive, a thriller film about a doctor who sets out to prove his innocence after he is wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife and escapes from federal custody, opened today in the U.S., Canada and Sweden.

Directed by Andrew Davis, the film starred Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones.

U.S. plane accidentally bombs Cambodian village, killing 137 civilians 40 years ago today (1973)

1970s, Cold War, Vietnam War


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 8' (Aug. 6, 1973, at 41:29)

(Monday, August 6, 1973; during the Cambodian Civil War, part of Operation Freedom Deal, part of the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — An American B-52 mistakenly dropped its bombs today on Neak Luong, the river town just 30 miles from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. At least 137 Cambodians were killed and another 268 were wounded.

Nuclear test ban treaty signed in Moscow 50 years ago today (1963)

1960s, Cold War


Video: 'August 5, 1963 - Nuclear Test Ban Treaty signed in Moscow, Russia'

(Monday, August 5, 1963; during the Cold War) — In Moscow, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union today signed the first nuclear test ban treaty. The ceremony took place at the Kremlin with U.S. Secretary of State Dean Rusk, British Foreign Secretary Alec Douglas-Home, and Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko signing on behalf of their respective natiions.

Exchange of remaining Korean War prisoners begins 60 years ago today (1953)

1950s, Cold War, Korean War


Video: 'Korean War - PART 29, Two Koreas...again. 6.25 ??' (Aug. 5, 1953, at 1:43)

(Wednesday, August 5, 1953; during the Cold War) — Operation Big Switch began today as remaining prisoners taken during the Korean War, which ended July 27, 1953, with an armistice, were exchanged at Panmunjom. 3,597 Americans would be returned by December.

Soviets liberate Belgorod and Orel 70 years ago today (1943)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'The World At War: Red Star The Soviet Union 5/5' (Aug. 5, 1943, at 5:50)

(Thursday, August 5, 1943; during the Battle of Kursk on the Eastern Front of World War II) — Soviet troops broke into Belgorod early this morning and liberated the city in the evening. Soviet troops also recaptured Orel from German forces after a 23-day battle.

Lennon records ‘Rock and Roll People’ 40 years ago today (1973)

1970s, Popular Music 1970s, The Beatles 1970s


Video: 'John Lennon - Rock And Roll People [take 5, 08-04-73]'

(Saturday, August 4, 1973) — Former Beatle John Lennon recorded “Rock and Roll People” today at Record Plant Studios in New York during the sessions (which began in July) for his next album Mind Games. Continue reading Lennon records ‘Rock and Roll People’ 40 years ago today (1973) →