Wang Laboratories filed for bankruptcy. During the 1980s it had revenues in excess of $3 billion USD per year and employed more than 30000 people.

22 people lost their lives when hurricane Alicia hit the Texas coast.

American actress, Madeleine Stowe, was born in Eagle Rock, California. She was an actress for almost 15 years before landing her first leading role in the 1992 hit movie, The Last of the Mohicans.

French actress, Carole Bouquet, was born in Neuilly-sur-Seine. She is best known as Bond girl Melina Havelock in For Your Eyes Only.

American comedian, Denis Leary, was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. He began his career as stand up comic in various Boston underground club.

American actor, Patrick Swayze, was born in Houston, Texas. Swayze formally trained at the Harkness and Joffrey Ballet Schools in New York City and became known during the 1980s after starring in the box office hit, Dirty Dancing.

More than 50 bathers were killed when a series of mines exploded near the Vergarolla beach, Croatia.

American businessman, Walter P. Chrysler, died at the age of 64. He was the founder of the Chrysler Corporation.

American actor, Robert Redford, was born in Santa Monica, California. Apart from being one of the most successful actors of his generation, he is also the founder founded the Sundance Film Festival, which caters to independent filmmakers. He is also a staunch environmental activist.

French director and actor, Roman Polanski, was born in Paris, France. In 1969 his wife Sharon Tate was murdered by members of the Manson Family cult. Later on in 1978, he pleaded guilty to having sexual intercourse with a minor, but fled to Europe while he was on bail.

The city of Riga, the capital of Latvia, was founded.