1941

On his fourth attempt, explorer Ernest Shackelton successfully returned to Elephant Island in Antarctica to rescue 22 of his stranded crew members, who had survived on the barren island for four and a half months after the sinking of their ship, the Endurance.

1941

During World War II, German forces approaching Leningrad cut off the remaining rail line out of the city.

1945

U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur arrived in Japan to set up Allied occupation headquarters.

1963

The “Hot Line” communications link between Washington and Moscow went into operation.