Stuart begins ride around the Army of the Potomac 150 years ago today (1862)


Video: Stuart's troops begin ride (at 19:10)

(Thursday, June 12, 1862, part of the Peninsula Campaign of the American Civil War) — Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart began his ride around the Army of the Potomac today in Virginia after being sent on a reconnaissance of Union positions by Robert E. Lee in a prelude of the Seven Days Battles.

JFK calls for cooperation of business in Yale speech 50 years ago today (1962)


Video: 'President John F. Kennedy's Commencement Address at Yale University, June 11, 1962'

(Monday, June 11, 1962) — President John F. Kennedy urged today that his economic critics get in step with the times and said the government must be a partner with all sectors of society if America is to propser. Continue reading JFK calls for cooperation of business in Yale speech 50 years ago today (1962)

30 Koje captives killed as Yanks win ‘breakup’ battle 60 years ago today (1952)


Video: June 10, 1952 (at 3:34)

(Tuesday, June 10, 1952, during the Korean War, part of the Cold War) — American paratroopers of the “Angels from Hell” combat team emptied Compound 76 of its 6,000 fanatical North Korean prisoners of war today in 2 1/2 hours of bloody fighting on Koje Island, off the South Korean coast.

It had been a month since the prisoners in Compound 76 had taken the camp commandant, Brig. Gen. Francis T. Dodd, hostage for 78 hours.

Jackson concludes Shenandoah Valley Campaign with Battle of Port Republic victory 150 years ago today (1862)


Video: Shenandoah Valley Campaign begins (at 8:06)

(Monday, June 9, 1862, during the American Civil War) — Stonewall Jackson concluded his successful Shenandoah Valley Campaign today with a victory in the Battle of Port Republic.  His tactics during the campaign are now studied by militaries around the world.

Director Alfred Hitchock appears on ‘The Dick Cavett Show’ 40 years ago this hour (1972)

(Thursday, June 8, 1972) — Film director and producer Alfred Hitchock appeared on tonight’s ‘The Dick Cavett Show’ on ABC-TV, making the memorable quote: “Puns are the highest form of literature.” (Click here to watch complete interview, part 1 | part 2? | part 3? | part 4?

20th Century Fox fires actress Marilyn Monroe 50 years ago today (1962)


Video: Monroe fired June 8, 1962 (at 12:14)

(Friday, June 8, 1962) — 20th Century Fox fired actress Marilyn Monroe today from its production Something’s Got to Give, saying she was unreliable having only reported for work on twelve occasions out of a total of 35 days of production. Fox later changed its mind, but Monroe died before filming could resume, and the movie was abandoned.

Crosby records new versions of ‘Adeste Fideles,’ ‘Silent Night’ 70 years ago today (1942)


Audio: 'Adeste Fideles' (1942 version)

(Monday, June 8, 1942) — Still in a Christmas mood ten days after recording White Christmas, the best-selling single of all time, singer Bing Crosby recorded new versions of Adeste Fideles and Silent Night today in Los Angeles for Decca Records. Continue reading Crosby records new versions of ‘Adeste Fideles,’ ‘Silent Night’ 70 years ago today (1942)

USS Yorktown torpedoed by Japanese sub in Battle of Midway 70 years ago this hour (1942)


Video: Yorktown torpedoed (at 5:11)

(Saturday, June 6, 1942, 10:20 p.m. ET, part of the Pacific Theater of World War II) — The Japanese withdrew today on the third day of The Battle of Midway, but the damaged US carrier Yorktown was torpedoed by Japanese submarine I-168. Still, the Yorktown remains afloat. However, a third torpedo from this salvo struck and sank the destroyer USS Hammann, which had been providing auxiliary power to Yorktown. Hammann broke in two with the loss of 80 lives, most due to her own depth charges exploding.

‘The Quiet Man’ opens in Dublin and London 60 years ago today (1952)


Video: 'The Quiet Man' trailer

(Wednesday, June 6, 1952)The Quiet Man, a romantic comedy-drama film about a retired American boxer who returns to the village where he was born in Ireland and finds love, opened today in Dublin and London.

The film was directed by John Ford and stars John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, Victor McLaglen and Barry Fitzgerald. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning Best Director and Best Cinematography.