December 5th, 2008

Today in History

1964:
Vietnam War: For his heroism in battle earlier in the year, Captain Roger Donlon of Saugerties, New York is awarded the first Medal of Honor of the war.

1934:
Italian troops attack Wal Wal in Ethiopia (it took four days to capture the city).

1848:
California gold rush: In a message before the U.S. Congress, US President James K. Polk confirms that large amounts of gold had been discovered in California.

1831:
Former US President John Quincy Adams takes a seat in the United States House of Representatives.

1560:
Francis II of France dies and is succeeded by Charles IX of France.