1947 – In California, designer Howard Hughes performs the maiden flight of the Spruce Goose; the largest fixed-wing aircraft ever built (flight lasted only eight minutes).
1959 – Ice Hockey: After being struck in the face with a puck, goalkeeperJacques Plante returns to play wearing a protective mask for the first time in professional play.
1966 – The Cuban Adjustment Act enters force, allowing 123,000 Cubans the opportunity to apply for permanent residence in the United States.
1967 – Vietnam War: US PresidentLyndon B. Johnson holds a secret meeting with a group of the nation's most prestigious leaders ("the Wise Men") and asks them to suggest ways to unite the American people behind the war effort. They conclude that the American people should be given more optimistic reports on the progress of the war.
1974 – 78 die as the Time Go-Go Club in Seoul, South Korea burns down. Six of the victims jumped to their deaths from the seventh floor after club official barred the doors after the fire started.
1976 – U.S. presidential election, 1976: Jimmy Carter defeats incumbent Gerald Ford to become the first candidate from the Deep South to win since the Civil War.