Historical Events
1420
The Peace of Troyes is signed: Henry V is recognized as heir to France.
1782
General Washington creates the Badge of Military Merit, predecessor to the Purple Heart.
1955
Sony introduces the TR-55, Japan's first transistor radio.
1974
Philippe Petit walks a tightrope between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.
1998
US Embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania kill 224 people.
Famous Birthdays
1779
Carl Ritter
German geographer considered the co-founder of modern geography.
1876
Mata Hari
Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was executed as a spy during World War I.
1904
Ralph Bunche
American political scientist who won the Nobel Peace Prize.
1942
Garrison Keillor
American author and radio personality known for A Prairie Home Companion.
1975
Charlize Theron
South African-American actress who won the Academy Award for Monster.
