Holidays
Badge of Military Merit (left) and Purple Heart
Badge of Military Merit (left) and Purple Heart
National Purple Heart Day
Celebrated in the United States, commemorating August 7, 1782 when General George Washington created the National Badge of Merit, which later became known as the Purple Heart.
What Happened On
The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania after the bombing
The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania after the bombing
Al-Qaeda Embassy Bombings
August 7, 1998
Two U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, Africa are bombed by Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda terrorist organization. The attack in Nairobi, Kenya, killed 213 people, including 12 U.S. nationals, and injured more than 4,500. The attack in Tanzania, killed 11 and injured 85. The U.S. retaliated later that month with Operation Infinite Reach, bombing Al-Qaeda training camps and a pharmaceutical company.
World War II - Battle of Guadalcanal
August 7, 1942
The first major U.S. offensive in the Pacific theater during World War II. U.S. marines launched a surprise attack on the Japanese, who were building an air base, forcing them to evacuate in February 1943. The U.S. victory marked the turning point in the war.
During the battle the USS Juneau was sunk, killing the "Fighting Sullivan Brothers." The death of the five Sullivan brothers was the greatest military loss by any one American family during World War II. The five brothers from Iowa had enlisted in the U.S. Navy with the stipulation that they all serve together.
Badge of Military Merit (left) and Purple Heart
Badge of Military Merit (left) and Purple Heart
Purple Heart
August 7, 1782
General George Washington orders the creation of the Badge of Military Merit, which later became known as the Purple Heart. Washington personally awarded the badge to three Revolutionary War soldiers and then authorized subordinates to issue the badges as appropriate. However, it is unknown if any others were ever awarded. After the American Revolution, the badge was no longer awarded until 1932 when the Order of the Purple Heart was created and became its official successor. The badge was redesigned at this time and became known as the Purple Heart. It is now awarded in the name of the U.S. president to members of the U.S. military wounded or killed in action against the enemy. August 7th is National Purple Heart Day.
Nixon touring the Palace in 1969
Nixon touring the Palace in 1969
Buckingham Palace Opens to the Public
August 7, 1993
For $12 visitors can view the palace while Queen Elizabeth II and family are on vacation.
The core of today's palace was a large townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. It was acquired by King George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte and became known as The Queen's House.
New Lawn Mowers for Old
August 7, 1992
The EPA announces it will swap your old gas powered mower for a new cordless electric mower (valued at $400).
Gulf War
August 7, 1990
In response to Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait days earlier, the U.S. announces it will provide land, air, and naval support to Saudi Arabia.
Love Canal
August 7, 1978
The Love Canal area, near Niagara Falls, is declared a national disaster due to toxic waste.
Lightning Strikes
August 7, 1973
Roy C. Sullivan is struck by lightning for the 5th of his record-breaking 7 times. Source: Guinness Book of World Records
First Photograph of Earth Taken from Space
August 7, 1959
The U.S. satellite Explorer VI is launched. It took its historic photo on August 14. It was taken from about 17,000 miles (27359 kilometers) high and showed a sun-lighted area of the Central Pacific ocean and its cloud cover.
First U.S. Coin to Depict an African-American
August 7, 1946
A 50¢ commemorative coin featuring Booker T. Washington is authorized.
Revolving Door
August 7, 1888
The revolving door is patented, by American inventor Theophilus Van Kannel.
He also invented and owned Witching Waves, an amusement ride introduced at Luna Park, Coney Island, in 1907.
Whiskey Rebellion
August 7, 1794
U.S. President George Washington orders the rebelling western Pennsylvania farmers to go home and calls for 15,000 militia. They were protesting an excise duty placed on stills and spirits distilled in the U.S.
Presidential Powers
August 7, 1789
The U.S. Congress gives the president the power to remove any U.S. officer, except judges.
Birthdays
Franco Columbu (Francesco Columbu)
Born August 7, 1941 d. 2019
Italian bodybuilder, actor, powerlifter, chiropractor. Mr. Olympia (1976, 1981). He was considered the strongest man in the world after setting numerous powerlifting world records. In 1969, with a stipend of $65 per week from Joe Weider, he and Arnold Schwarzenegger came to the U.S. and started a bricklaying business together and competing in bodybuilding. Columbu was Schwarzenegger's best man at his wedding to Maria Shriver.
Columbu drowned after suffering a heart attack while swimming.
Film: Pumping Iron (1976), Conan the Barbarian (1982, Pictish Scout), and The Terminator (1984, future terminator).
Switzer as Alfalfa
Switzer as Alfalfa
Alfalfa
Carl Switzer
Born August 7, 1927 d. 1959
American actor. Film: The Little Rascals (Alfalfa) and It's a Wonderful Life (1946, Freddie Othello, from whom George Bailey steals Mary away from while they were dancing. Switzer's character retaliates by pressing the button that opens the pool that George and Mary fall into).
Switzer was shot to death after allegedly attacking a man with a knife during an argument over $50. He was training a hunting dog for Moses Samuel Stiltz. When the dog escaped, Switzer paid a reward for his recovery and believed that Stiltz should reimburse him. When he confronted Stiltz about the reward money, a fight ensued and Stiltz shot and killed him. The shooting was judged to be self-defense at the time. In 2001 Tom Corrigan who as a child was present on the night of the killing, said "It was more like murder," claiming Switzer threatened to beat up Stiltz and then Stiltz pointed a gun at him. A scuffle ensued and a shot was fired into the ceiling and Corrigan was struck in the leg by a fragment. Corrigan said Switzer then said, "Well, we shot Tommy, enough of this" and was starting to leave when Stiltz shot him.
Corrigan was the son of Western movie star Ray "Crash" Corrigan and stepson of Moses Stiltz.
Louis S.B. Leakey
Born August 7, 1903 d. 1972
British anthropologist. He discovered the oldest-known manlike remains (1960), those of a 1,750,000-year-old juvenile. His work helped establish that humans evolved in Africa.
The Good Witch
Billie Burke (Mary William Ethelbert Appleton Burke)
Born August 7, 1884 d. 1970
American actress. Film: The Wizard of Oz (1939, Glinda the Good Witch of the North). She was married to Ziegfeld Follies producer Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr.
Mata Hari (Margaretha Geertruida Zelle)
Born August 7, 1876 d. 1917
Dutch exotic dancer, world's most famous spy. She was convicted of spying for Germany during World War I and executed by firing squad in France. She refused a blindfold and blew a kiss to the firing squad before her execution.
The Blood Countess
Countess Elizabeth Báthory of Hungary
Born August 7, 1560 d. 1614
Hungarian noblewoman, serial killer. Known as "The Blood Countess". According to legend, she killed over 600 virgins so that she could bathe in their blood. She is listed by Guinness World Records as the most prolific female murderer in history.
David Duchovny
Born August 7, 1960
American actor. TV: The X-Files (1993-2002, Fox Mulder).
Garrison Keillor (Gary Edward Keillor)
Born August 7, 1942
American humorist. Radio: A Prairie Home Companion (1974-2016, host).
Don Larsen
Born August 7, 1929 d. 2020
American baseball pitcher. He pitched the first perfect no-hitter World Series baseball game (1956). It was the sixth perfect game in MLB history.
Randi using slight of hand to perform "psychic surgery"
Photo Credit: Open Media Ltd
Randi using slight of hand to perform "psychic surgery"Photo Credit: Open Media Ltd
The Amazing Randi
James Randi (Randall James Hamilton Zwinge)
Born August 7, 1928 d. 2020
Canadian-American stage magician, skeptic, pseudoscience debunker. His One Million Dollar Challenge offered a $1,000,000 prize (USD) to anyone who was able to demonstrate any paranormal, supernatural, or occult power or event, under test conditions agreed to by both parties.
He exposed fraudulent faith healers, including exposing televangelist Peter Popoff by showing Popoff used a hidden radio device to get information about audience members from his wife, while claiming the information came from God.
TV: James Randi - Secrets of the Psychics (2000). Writings: Flim-Flam! (1982) and The Truth About Uri Geller (1982).
Stan Freberg (Stanley Friberg)
Born August 7, 1926 d. 2015
American satirist. Recorded the #1 hit St. George and the Dragonet (1953) a parody of the TV show Dragnet. It opened with "The legend you are about to hear is true; only the needle should be changed to protect the record." 
Listen
Rudolf Ising
Born August 7, 1903 d. 1992
American cartoonist. Co-founder of Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies.
Joseph Rodman Drake
Born August 7, 1795 d. 1820
American poet. Writings: The Culprit Fay (1816) and The American Flag (1819).
"When Freedom, from her mountain height,
Unfurled her standard to the air,
She tore the azure robe of night,
And set the stars of glory there!"
John Heathcoat
Born August 7, 1783 d. 1861
English manufacturer. He invented a lacemaking machine (1808) which was considered by far to be the most complicated machine of its time.
Deaths
Kelsey receives the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service (left) and the effects of thalidomide on a baby's feet
Photo Credit: NCP14053
Kelsey receives the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service (left) and the effects of thalidomide on a baby's feetPhoto Credit: NCP14053
Prevented Thalidomide Disaster in U.S.
Frances Kelsey
Died August 7, 2015 b. 1914
Canadian-born American pharmacologist. While working for the FDA, she prevented the use of the drug thalidomide in the U.S. (1960) due to safety concerns, even though it had already been approved in Canada and more than 20 European and African countries. Thalidomide was later shown to have caused 7,000 babies in Europe to be born with flipper-like arms and legs. Thalidomide was intended to treat morning sickness and as a sleeping aid. Due to Kelsey's efforts, its use in the U.S. was largely blocked by the FDA and only allowed in clinical testing. There are 17 documented cases of thalidomide birth defects in the U.S. as opposed to the thousands in Europe.
Oliver Hardy (Norvell Hardy)
Died August 7, 1957 b. 1892
American comedian, actor. He made over 100 films with partner Stan Laurel.
Jacquard loom on display at the Manchester museum of science and industry
Jacquard loom on display at the Manchester museum of science and industry
Joseph Marie Jacquard
Died August 7, 1834 b. 1752
French inventor. He invented the first programmable loom capable of weaving figured patterns (1801). His "Jacquard loom" played an important role in the development of other programmable machines, such as an early version of a digital compiler used by IBM to develop the modern day computer.
Markie Post
Died August 7, 2021 b. 1950
American actress. TV: The Fall Guy (1982-85, bail bondswoman Terri Michaels), Night Court (1984-92, Christine Sullivan), and Hearts Afire (1992-95, Georgie Anne Lahti Hartman).
Jane Withers
Died August 7, 2021 b. 1926
American actress. Jane Withers was one of the most popular child actors of the 1930s. At the age of three, she hosted her own children's radio program. Film: Giant (1956). TV: Josephine the Plumber in the Comet cleanser commercials.
Peter Charles Jennings
Died August 7, 2005 b. 1938
Canadian-born TV news reporter. He scored 100 out of 100 on the U.S. citizenship exam. He was a high school drop out.
Wally Albright (Walton Algernon Albright, Jr.)
Died August 7, 1999 b. 1925
American actor, one of the Little Rascals, appeared in six Our Gang films (1934, Wally). Won the Men's National Track and Ski Championship (1957).
John Anderson
Died August 7, 1992 b. 1922
American actor. TV: Wyatt Earp (Virgil Earp).
Victor Louis Berger
Died August 7, 1929 b. 1860
Transylvanian-born American politician. He was the first socialist elected to the U.S. Congress (1910, House of Representatives for Wisconsin) and was one of the founders of the Socialist Party (1900).
Alexander Melville Bell
Died August 7, 1905 b. 1819
American teacher, inventor of visual speech for the hearing impaired.
Henry IV
Died August 7, 1106 b. 1050
Holy Roman Emperor (1056-1106).