Monthly Archives: April 2015

Japanese launch kamikaze attacks on Americans off Okinawa 70 years ago today (Apr 6 1945)

1940s, World War II


Video: '(2/5) Pacific Lost Evidence Okinawa World War II' (Apr. 6, 1945, at 2:57)

(Friday, April 6, 1945, 3:00 p.m. JST; during the Battle of Okinawa, part of the Pacific Theatre of World War II) — Starting today (through the end of the battle on June 22, 1945), the Japanese flew 1,465 kamikaze aircraft in large-scale attacks from Kyushu, 185 individual kamikaze sorties from Kyushu, and 250 individual kamikaze sorties from Formosa. Continue reading Japanese launch kamikaze attacks on Americans off Okinawa 70 years ago today (Apr 6 1945) →

Confederates defeated at Battle of Sailor’s Creek 150 years ago today (Apr 6 1865)

1860s, American Civil War


Video: 'Ken Burns - The Civil War: Episode 8 - War Is All Hell (1865) | Ken Burns Documentary' (Apr. 6, 1865, 47:54)

(Thursday, April 6, 1865; during the Appomattox Campaign of the American Civil War) — Union cavalry and infantry inflicted 6,000 casualties on the armies of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and captured eight generals including Lee’s own son, Custis, today in the Battle of Sailor’s Creek near Farmville, Virginia.

Lee now had fewer than 25,000 men facing 125,000 federal troops closing in from three sides.

‘My Fair Lady’ wins Best Picture at 37th Academy Awards 50 years ago this hour (Apr 5 1965)

1960s, Movies 1960s, Television 1960s


Video: '1965 Oscars' (20 videos)

(Monday, April 5, 1965, 7:00 p.m.-9:50 p.m. PST) — My Fair Lady, an American musical about a phonetics instructor who bets that he can pass a street urchin off as a lady, won eight Oscars tonight at the 37th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, George Cukor for Best Director and Rex Harrison for Best Actor. Continue reading ‘My Fair Lady’ wins Best Picture at 37th Academy Awards 50 years ago this hour (Apr 5 1965) →

Ford, Kissinger, Weyland conclude deadlock is best hope for Vietnam 40 years ago today (Apr 5 1975)

1970s, Cold War, Vietnam War


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 11' (Apr. 5, 1975, at 34:33)

(Saturday, April 5, 1975; during the 1975 Spring Offensive of the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and Cold War) — Just back from South Vietnam, General Frederick Weyand met today with U.S. President Gerald Ford and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger at Palm Springs.

They concluded that a military deadlock was their best hope. Even if only part of South Vietnam could be defended, the Communists might agree to a political deal — with or without South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu.

‘Help Me, Rhonda/Kiss Me, Baby’ single by The Beach Boys released in USA 50 years ago today (Apr 5 1965)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s


Video: 'The Beach Boys - Help Me, Rhonda (stereo)'

(Monday, April 5, 1965) — The single “Help Me, Rhonda”/“Kiss Me, Baby” by The Beach Boys was released today by Capitol Records. Continue reading ‘Help Me, Rhonda/Kiss Me, Baby’ single by The Beach Boys released in USA 50 years ago today (Apr 5 1965) →

The Beatles film Indian restaurant scenes for ‘Help!’ film 50 years ago today (Apr 5 1965)

1960s, Movies 1960s, Popular Music 1960s, The Beatles 1960s


Video: '2007 The Making of HELP Part 1/6' (Indian restaurant scenes at 3:39-4:15)

(Monday, April 5, 1965) — The Beatles began filming the Rajahama Indian restaurant scenes for Help! today (through Apr. 6, 1965) at Twickenham Film Studios. While making the scenes The Beatles had their first exposure to Indian music.

‘We Are The World’ heard around the world 30 years ago this hour (Apr 5 1985)

1980s, Popular Music 1980s


Video: 'The Making of "We Are the World" - USA for Africa - 1985'

(Good Friday, April 5, 1985, 10:50 a.m. EST) — “We Are The World” by USA for Africa, a song and charity single for African famine relief featuring 45 famous recording artists, was played simultaneously today in a special Good Friday broadcast on more than 5,000 radio stations in the U.S.