Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1862, The Medal of Honor is authorized by the United States Congress. In 1909, Motoichi Kumagai, Japanese photographer and illustrator (died 2010) was born. In 1920, The Soviet-Lithuanian Peace Treaty is signed, by which Soviet Russia recognizes the independence of Lithuania. In 1927, Harley Hotchkiss, Canadian businessman (died 2011) was born. In 1946, Ray Stannard Baker, American journalist and author (born 1870) passed away. In 1971, The Australian Aboriginal flag is flown for the first time. In 1973, A fire destroys the entire sixth floor of the National Personnel Records Center of the United States. In 1993, Dan Eldon, English photographer and journalist (born 1970) passed away. In 2007, U.S. Army Apache helicopters engage in airstrikes against armed insurgents in Baghdad, Iraq, where civilians are killed; footage from the cockpit is later leaked to the Internet. In 2024, Bill Viola, American video and installation artist (born 1951) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.