41 U.S. servicemen killed in Mayaguez incident 50 years ago this hour (May 15 1975)


Video: 'The Mayaguez Incident'

(Thursday, May 15, 1975, 6:12 a.m. Indochina Time; during the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and Cold War) — U.S. forces launched an assault on the Cambodian island of Koh Tang today in an effort to rescue the crew of the American merchant ship SS Mayaguez, marking the last official battle of the Vietnam War. Continue reading 41 U.S. servicemen killed in Mayaguez incident 50 years ago this hour (May 15 1975)

‘Rock Around the Clock’ by Bill Haley and His Comets debuts at #22 in USA 70 years ago today (May 14 1955)

(Saturday, May 14, 1955) — “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley and His Comets (featuring the late Danny Cedrone, who died June 17, 1954, three days before his 34th birthday of a broken neck after falling down a staircase, on the electric guitar solo), widely considered to be the song that, more than any other, brought rock and roll into mainstream culture around the world, debuted at #22 on today’s Billboard Best Sellers in Stores top 30 chart. Continue reading ‘Rock Around the Clock’ by Bill Haley and His Comets debuts at #22 in USA 70 years ago today (May 14 1955)

Eight Communist bloc countries sign Warsaw Pact 70 years ago today (May 14 1955)


Video: '14th May 1955: The establishment of the Warsaw Pact'

(Saturday, May 14, 1955, during the Cold War) — Representatives from eight Communist bloc countries, including the Soviet Union, signed the Warsaw Pact, a collective defense treaty to counter NATO, today in Poland. Continue reading Eight Communist bloc countries sign Warsaw Pact 70 years ago today (May 14 1955)

‘Riot’ breaks out at Elvis Presley concert in Jacksonville 70 years ago tonight (May 13 1955)


Video: 'ELVIS PRESLEY Interview in 1955, may 13 He is interviewed by Mae Boren Axton'

(Friday, May 13, 1955, show scheduled for 8:00 p.m. EDT) — A riot broke out at an Elvis Presley concert today at the Gator Bowl Baseball Park in Jacksonville, Florida, the first time trouble was reported at one of his concerts. Continue reading ‘Riot’ breaks out at Elvis Presley concert in Jacksonville 70 years ago tonight (May 13 1955)

Last man killed in combat during American Civil War 160 years ago this hour (May 13 1865)


Video: 'Ken.Burns.The.Civil.War.9of9.The.Better.Angels.Of.Our.Nature' (May 13, 1865 at 28:47)

(Saturday, May 13, 1865, 4:00 p.m.; during the Battle of Palmito Ranch) — In what is considered as the final battle of the American Civil War, Union Private John J. Williams of the 34th Indiana is believed to have been the last man killed in combat in the war as the Battle of Palmito Ranch in Cameron County, Texas, ended in a Confederate victory.

11 killed as police helicopter bombs MOVE headquarters in Philadelphia 40 years ago this hour (May 13 1985)


Video: 'The Day Police Dropped a Bomb On Philadelphia | I Was There'

(Tuesday, May 13, 1985, 5:27 p.m. EDT) — A confrontation between Philadelphia authorities and the radical group MOVE ended today as police dropped a bomb onto the group’s row house. Continue reading 11 killed as police helicopter bombs MOVE headquarters in Philadelphia 40 years ago this hour (May 13 1985)

‘Cotton Eye Joe’ by Rednex peaks at #25 in USA 30 years ago today (May 13 1995)

(Saturday, May 13, 1995) — “Cotton Eye Joe” by Rednex peaked at #25 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two weeks. Continue reading ‘Cotton Eye Joe’ by Rednex peaks at #25 in USA 30 years ago today (May 13 1995)

The Rolling Stones record ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ in Hollywood 60 years ago this hour (May 12 1965)


Video: 'The Rolling Stones - (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction (Official Lyric Video)'

(Wednesday, May 12, 1965, 8:00 p.m. PDT) — The Rolling Stones recorded the final version of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, considered by some critics to be one of the all-time greatest rock songs ever recorded, tonight at RCA Studios in Hollywood. Continue reading The Rolling Stones record ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ in Hollywood 60 years ago this hour (May 12 1965)

Manhattan’s last elevated rail line ceases operation 70 years ago this hour (May 12 1955)


Video: 'THIRD AVENUE EL - "The Vanishing El" - New York City's last "El" trains.'

(Thursday, May 12, 1955, 6:00 p.m. EDT) — The main portion of the Third Avenue El closed tonight from Chatham Square to East 149th Street in the Bronx, ending the operation of elevated service in Manhattan.