May 1972

Monday 01:

Vietnam War: Easter Offensive – North Vietnamese troops capture Quang Tri City, effectively giving them control Quang Tri Province.

Tuesday 02:

Buddy Baker became the first stock car driver to finish a 500-mile race in less than three hours en route to winning the Winston Select 500 at the Alabama International Motor Speedway in Talladega, Alabama.

Thursday 04:

The Don't Make A Wave Committee, a fledgling environmental organization founded in Canada in 1971, officially changed its name to "Greenpeace Foundation".

Monday 08:

Vietnam War – U.S. President Richard M. Nixon announces his order to place mines in major North Vietnamese ports in order to stem the flow of weapons and other goods to that nation.

Friday 12:

The Rolling Stones release Exile On Main Street, often considered their best album.

Monday 15:

In Laurel, Maryland, Arthur Bremer shoots and paralyzes Alabama Governor George Wallace while Wallace is campaigning to be American President.

Monday 22:

Ceylon adopts a new constitution, changes its name to Sri Lanka, and joins the British Commonwealth.

Friday 26:

The United States and the Soviet Union sign the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.

Tuesday 30:

In Tel Aviv, members of the Japanese Red Army carry out the Lod Airport Massacre, killing 24 people and injuring 78 others.

Wednesday 31:

AFC Ajax Wins the Europecup 1 (UEFA Champions League) for the 2nd time in a row, making it their 2nd