October 1979

Monday 01:

The United States returns sovereignty of the Panama canal to Panama.

Wednesday 10:

The Pac-Man arcade game is released to the Japanese market by Namco.

Sunday 14:

The first Gay Rights March on Washington, D.C. demands "an end to all social, economic, judicial, and legal oppression of lesbian and gay people," drawing 200,000 people.

Wednesday 17:

The Department of Education Organization Act is signed into law creating the United States Department of Education and United States Department of Health and Human Services. Both replace the Department of Health, Education and Welfare.

Friday 26:

Park Chung-hee, President of South Korea is assassinated by KCIA head Kim Jae-kyu. Choi Kyu-ha becomes the acting President; Kim is executed the following May.