today in history

1933

US aviator Wiley Post completes first solo aeroplane flight around the world in seven days, 18 hours, 45 mins

1962

Algeria declares independence following protracted war of secession from France

1971

Last US infantry units pull out of South Vietnam’s northern border area

1976

Japan completes its World War II reparations payments with a final payment to the Philippines

1981

Turkish extremist Mehmet Ali Agca is sentenced in Rome to life in prison for shooting Pope John Paul II