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 1917, Luigi Gorrini, Italian soldier and pilot (died 2014) was born. In 1937, Robert McFarlane, American colonel and diplomat, 13th United States National Security Advisor (died 2022) was born. In 1952, Philip Taylor Kramer, American bass player (died 1995) was born. In 1957, Rick Husband, American colonel, pilot, and astronaut (died 2003) was born. In 1961, ČSA Flight 511 crashes at Casablanca-Anfa Airport in Morocco, killing 72. In 1973, A fire destroys the entire sixth floor of the National Personnel Records Center of the United States. 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 2008, Tony Snow, American journalist, 26th White House Press Secretary (born 1955) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.