Category Archives: 1960s

Americans discover Soviet SA-2 missiles in Cuba 50 years ago today (1962)


Video: Aug. 29, 1962 (at 6:41)

(Wednesday, August 29, 1962, during the Cold War) — Photographs taken by an American U-2 spyplane over Cuba first revealed today the presence there of Soviet SA-2 missiles, for anti-aircraft defense. Offensive missiles would not be discovered until later flights.

Frankfurter resigns from Supreme Court; Goldberg named as replacement 50 years ago today (1962)


Video: 'Arthur Goldberg resigns from UN 1968'

(Tuesday, August 28, 1962) — Ailing Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter resigned today after serving 23 years and President John F. Kennedy promptly nominated Arthur Goldberg to succeed him.

Ted Kennedy takes jabs in Senate primary debate 50 years ago this hour (1962)

(Monday, August 27, 1962, 8:00 p.m. EDT) — State Attorney General Edward J. McCormack Jr., challenging Edward Moore Kennedy (the 30-year-old brother of President John F. Kennedy) in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts, accused Kennedy in a TV debate tonight of attempting to get elected on his brother’s coattails. Continue reading Ted Kennedy takes jabs in Senate primary debate 50 years ago this hour (1962)

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.

Teen killed by border guards while trying to flee East Germany 50 years ago today (1962)


Video: 'Peter Fechter verblutet in Berlin: 17. August 1962 - Er ruhe jetzt in Frieden'

(Friday, August 17, 1962) — Peter Fechter, 18, was killed by East German border guards today as he attempted to cross the Berlin Wall into West Berlin. Continue reading Teen killed by border guards while trying to flee East Germany 50 years ago today (1962)

Soviets launch second cosmonaut into space in as many days 50 years ago this hour (1962)


Video: '1962: Vostok 3 and 4 (USSR)'

(Sunday, August 12, 1962, 4:04 a.m. EDT) — One day after sending Andrian Nikolayev into orbit, the Soviet Union launched Vostok 4 today with cosmonaut Pavel Popovich on board from Gagarin’s Start at Baikonur Cosmodrome at atop a Vostok 8K72K rocket. Both men landed safely Aug. 15.

Soviet Union fires third Cosmonaut into space 50 years ago this hour (1962)


Video: '1962: Vostok 3 and 4 (USSR)'

(Saturday, August 11, 1962, 4:24 a.m. EDT) — Andrian Nikolayev today became the Soviet Union’s third cosmonaut to fly in space as Vostok 3 lifted off from Gagarin’s Start at Baikonur Cosmodrome at atop a Vostok 8K72K rocket.

Herbert Hoover presidential library dedicated 50 years ago today (1962)


Video: 'Herbert Hoover at the Dedication of the Hoover Presidential Library - Museum'

(Friday, August 10, 1962) — The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum was dedicated today in West Branch, Iowa, on the 88th birthday of the former president, who attended the ceremony along with former President Harry S Truman.

Marvel Comics debuts Spider-Man 50 years ago today (1962)


Video: 'Spider-Man August 1962 - July 1967 - Comic History Part I'

(Friday, August 10, 1962) — Marvel Comics superhero Spider-Man, created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko, made his debut today in issue 15 of Amazing Fantasy with a cover price of 12 cents.