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 1881, Natalia Goncharova, Russian theatrical costume and set designer, painter and illustrator (died 1962) was born. In 1943, World War II: Battle of Kursk: German and Soviet forces engage in the Battle of Prokhorovka, one of the largest armored engagements of all time. In 1960, Orlyonok, the main Young Pioneer camp of the Russian SFSR, is founded. In 1973, A fire destroys the entire sixth floor of the National Personnel Records Center of the United States. In 1998, Arkady Ostashev, Soviet/Russian scientist and engineer (born 1925) passed away. In 2001, Space Shuttle program: Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched on mission STS-104, carrying the Quest Joint Airlock to the International Space Station. 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 2012, Hamid Samandarian, Iranian director and playwright (born 1931) passed away. In 2013, Amar Bose, American businessman, founded the Bose Corporation (born 1929) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.