Portal:United States/Anniversaries/July/July 18

1863 – One of the first formal African American military units, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, unsuccessfully assaults Confederate-held Battery Wagner in the Second Battle of Fort Wagner (pictured). Despite suffering heavy losses, the 54th was widely acclaimed for its valor during the battle, and the event helped encourage the further enlistment and mobilization of African-American troops.
1914 – The U.S. Congress forms the Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps, indicating for the first time the Army's intent to make aircraft a permanent part of the military.
1921 – John Glenn, the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth, was born.
1937 – Hunter S. Thompson, the creator of Gonzo journalism, was born.
1969 – After a party on Chappaquiddick Island, Senator Ted Kennedy from Massachusetts drives off a wooden bridge into a tide-swept pond, leading to the death of his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne.

On this day for the United States

Events

1863 – American Civil War: Battle of Fort Wagner/Morris Island - The first formal African American military unit, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, unsuccessfully assaults Confederate-held Battery Wagner but their valiant fighting still proves the worth of African American soldiers during the war.
1914 – The U.S. Congress forms the Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps, this gives definite status to aircraft within the U.S. Army for the first time.
1966 – Gemini 10 launched.
1969 – After a party on Chappaquiddick Island, Senator Ted Kennedy from Massachusetts drives an Oldsmobile off a wooden bridge into a tide-swept pond and his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne, dies.
1984 – McDonald's massacre in San Ysidro, California: In a fast-food restaurant, James Oliver Huberty opens fire, killing 21 people and injuring 19 others before being shot dead by police.
1986 – A tornado is broadcast live on KARE television in Minnesota when the station's helicopter pilot makes a chance encounter.