December 2nd, 2008

Today in History

1982:
At the University of Utah, Barney Clark, becomes the first person to receive a permanent artificial heart.

1970:
The United States Environmental Protection Agency begins operations.

1962:
Vietnam War: After a trip to Vietnam at the request of US President John F. Kennedy, US Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield becomes the first American official to not make an optimistic public comment on the war's progress.

1899:
Philippine-American War: The Battle of Tirad Pass, termed "The Filipino Thermopylae", is fought.

1805:
French troops under Napoleon decisively defeat a joint Russo-Austrian force.