Daily Archives: August 12, 2015

U.S. responds to Japanese surrender proposal 70 years ago today (Aug 12 1945)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'The World At War 1973(World War II Documentary)Episode 24-The Bomb(February–September 1945)' (Aug. 12, 1945, at 47:15)

(Sunday, August 12, 1945; during World War II) — The United States indicated today that it would accept the Japanese surrender, making clear in its statement that the emperor could remain in a purely ceremonial capacity only. Debate raged within the Japanese government over whether to accept the American terms or fight on.

520 people killed in world’s worst single-aircraft disaster 30 years ago this hour (Aug 12 1985)

1980s


Video: 'Japan Airlines JAL Flight 123 'Explosive Decompression''

(Monday, August 12, 1985, 6:56 p.m. JST) — The world’s worst single-aircraft disaster occurred tonight as a crippled Japan Airlines Boeing 747 on a domestic flight crashed into a mountain, killing 520 people (including singer Kyu Sakamoto). Four people survived.