The Russian nuclear cruise missile submarine Kursk exploded and sank in the Barents Sea during a military exercise. No official explanation has been given for the accident which cost the lives of 118 crewmen.

A Japan Airlines passenger flight crashed into Mount Ogura, Japan, resulting in the death of 520 of the 524 passengers. To this day (2007) it remains the world's worst single-plane air disaster.

The first IBM PC (Personal Computer) was made available to the public. It is the forefather of the now dominant type of personal computers available to the world.

American tennis player, Pete Sampras, was born in Washington, DC. He is generally considered to be one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

13 of the most prominent Russian Jewish intellectuals were murdered in Moscow under the direct orders of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin.

American businessman, George Soros, was born in Budapest, Hungary. He is considered as one of the most successful financial speculators of modern times and is one of the richest men in the world.

Irish inventor, John Philip Holland, died at the age of 73. He was the engineer who invented and constructed the first submarine.

Mexican actor, Cantinflas, was born in Cotija Michoacan. He is considered as one of the greatest comedians to have ever graced the silver screen. Charlie Chaplin was said to have referred to him as the greatest comedy actor of his time. He was made famous worldwide after his participation in the hit movie 'Around the world in 80 days'. The film rights for his numerous movies are owned by Columbia Pictures, which still reports sizable profits from their distribution.

American director, Cecil B. DeMille, was born in Ashfield, Massachusetts. He was one of the most successful directors of the first part of the 20th century. He also directed including Paramount Pictures first movie.

American inventor, Isaac Singer, was granted a patent for his sewing machine. His name is synonymous with sewing machines to this day.

The city of Chicago, USA, was founded.