Historical Events
Coup d'état
Morocco King Hassan II's B727 shot during failed coup attempt by General Mohamed Oufkir. Reportedly, King Hassan grabbed the radio and told the rebel pilots "Stop firing! The tyrant is dead!", fooling pilots to break off attack
- Philip Potter appointed sect-gen of World council of Churches
- USSR performs nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in northeast Kazakhstan
Famous Birthdays
- Eddie Goines, NFL wide receiver (Seattle Seahawks)
- Emily Strayer (formerly Robison), American country singer, instrumentalist and songwriter (The Chicks, formerly known as Dixie Chicks), born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
- Frankie Boyle, Scottish comedian, born in Pollokshaws, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Stan Lazaridis, Australian footballer, born in Perth, Australia
- Zach Wiegert, American college and professional football player (St Louis Rams), born in Fremont, Nebraska
Famous Deaths
- John Barnes Chance, American composer, dies at 39
1972 Highlights
About August 16, 1972
Day of the Week: Wednesday
How Long Ago? 51 years, 8 months and 3 days
Leap Year: Yes
Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Leo
Music Charts
#1 Song: Alone Again (Naturally) - Gilbert O'Sullivan
#1 Song: School's Out - Alice Cooper
