Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1488, Joseon Dynasty official Choe Bu returned to Korea after months of shipwrecked travel in China. In 1862, The Medal of Honor is authorized by the United States Congress. In 1879, Han Yong-un, Korean poet (died 1944) was born. In 1918, The Imperial Japanese Navy battleship Kawachi blows up at Shunan, western Honshu, Japan, killing at least 621. In 1937, Robert McFarlane, American colonel and diplomat, 13th United States National Security Advisor (died 2022) was born. In 1960, Orlyonok, the main Young Pioneer camp of the Russian SFSR, is founded. In 1970, Lee Byung-hun, South Korean actor, singer, and dancer was born. In 1988, Inbee Park, South Korean golfer was born. 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, Syrian Civil War: Government forces target the homes of rebels and activists in Tremseh and kill anywhere between 68 and 150 people. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.