What Happened on August 7?
August 7 is Purple Heart Day — honoring wounded U.S. service members — on the same date Washington created the Badge for Military Merit in 1782, Marines landed on Guadalcanal in 1942, and Philippe Petit walked between the Twin Towers in 1974.
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1782 — George Washington creates the Badge for Military Merit
On August 7, 1782, General George Washington established the Badge for Military Merit — the ancestor of the Purple Heart. Read the full story →
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1942 — U.S. Marines land on Guadalcanal
On August 7, 1942, U.S. Marines began Operation Watchtower — the first major Allied offensive in the Pacific against Japan. Read the full story →
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1959 — Explorer 6 sends the first television image of Earth from orbit
On August 7, 1959, NASA's Explorer 6 satellite transmitted the first television photograph of Earth from orbit. Read the full story →
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1960 — Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) gains independence
On August 7, 1960, Côte d'Ivoire became independent from France, joining the wave of African nations reclaiming self-rule. Read the full story →
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1964 — Congress passes the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
On August 7, 1964, Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, expanding presidential authority in Vietnam. Read the full story →
Famous birthdays
Ralph Bunche (1904–1971) · Charlize Theron (1975) · David Duchovny (1960) · Mata Hari (1876–1917)
Days & observances
Purple Heart Day · National Lighthouse Day · National Sea Serpents Day · National Raspberries and Cream Day