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 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 1957, Rick Husband, American colonel, pilot, and astronaut (died 2003) was born. In 1960, Orlyonok, the main Young Pioneer camp of the Russian SFSR, is founded. In 1961, ČSA Flight 511 crashes at Casablanca-Anfa Airport in Morocco, killing 72. 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 2006, The 2006 Lebanon War begins. 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.