This Day in History: August 22

1963 Joseph A. Walker becomes the first person to enter space twice

In a joint venture between the US Air Force and NASA, United States Air Force Captain Joseph A. Walker set the record for being the first person to enter space twice. He achieved this milestone while flying the X-15, an experimental hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft. Besides this distinction, Walker also went on to become the first person to take a spaceflight to an altitude of 67 miles (108 kilometers) in a 12-minute flight.

1962 France's President, Charles De Gaulle, survives an assassination attempt

An organization known as the "Organisation de l'armée secrète" (OAS), a far-right French outfit, launched an attempt on the life of Charles De Gaulle as he and his wife were heading to the airport. Jean-Marie Bastien-Thiry, a French Air Force officer, led the operation. Bastien-Thiry and the OAS were opposed to De Gaulle's role in assisting Algeria to attain independence. It is believed that the president's vehicle, a Citroen DS 19, played a significant role in sparing his life as well as that of his wife.

1922 Assassination of Irish Politician Michael Collins

Advocate of complete Irish independence from Britain and a member of the Sinn Fein party, Michael Collins was ambushed and assassinated. This occurred only months following his appointment as Finance Minister of the Irish Free State.

1851 The inaugural America's Cup race is held

The historic race took place between sailing yachts, with the cup being bestowed upon the victor. Originally named the Hundred Guinea Cup, it was later transformed to the America's Cup, honoring the yacht that clinched the victory in the inaugural race. America was the yacht and it was led by Commodore John Cox Stevens. The race spanned 53 nautical miles around the Isle of Wight in England.

1779 James Cook arrives at Possession Island

British explorer James Cook discovered Possession Island, located off the northern coast of Queensland, Australia, two years after he embarked on his expedition on HMS Endeavour departing from Plymouth. Cook coined the term New South Wales for the region and made the land a territory of the British Crown.

1485 Battle of Bosworth Field sees Henry Tudor's forces defeating English King Richard III

King Richard III of England faced defeat at the hands of Henry Tudor's forces during the Battle of Bosworth Field, the last battle of the Wars of the Roses. Richard III was killed, making him the last English monarch to pass away in combat.

1639 Founding of Madras (now Chennai), India, by the British East India Company

The British East India Company founded the city of Madras, now known as Chennai in India. The land for the city was acquired from local Nayak rulers.

1642 The English Civil War breaks out

A civil war begins in England, brewing conflict between the Royalists and Parliament.

1864 First Geneva Convention adopted

The first Geneva Convention, aimed at improving the condition of wounded soldiers, was approved and signed by 12 nations in Geneva, marking an important milestone in humanitarian laws.

1945 The start of the Vietnam conflict

Vietnam's struggle for independence and subsequent conflict begins as Ho Chi Minh orchestrates a successful coup, laying the groundwork for a war that would last for several decades.