On this day in 1862, the Medal of Honor was authorized by the United States Congress.
On this day in 1920, the Panama Canal, the world's largest engineering project, was officially opened by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson.
On this day in 1943, German and Soviet forces engaged in one of the largest tank battles of all times during the Battle of Kursk.
On this day in 1962, the Rolling Stones performed their first concert, at the Marquee Club in London.
On this day in 1967, Chinese communist mobs wrecked government buildings and attacked police in anti-British rioting in Hong Kong.
On this day in 1970, ROC female athlete Chi Cheng broke the women's world record in 200-meter sprint with a time of 22.44 seconds in Munich, West Germany.
On this day in 1975, Hai Kung, the largest experimental fishery ship in Taiwan, was launched in Kaohsiung.
On this day in 1993, a strong earthquake rocked Okujirishima Island in Hokkaido, northern Japan, killing 248 people.