On this day: December 7

Man survives lightning strike while sleeping in 1971

On December 7, 1971, a man reportedly survived a lightning strike that hit his home while he slept; accounts say he sustained burns but recovered. Contemporary reports emphasized the rarity of surviving direct lightning strikes indoors.

Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor brings the U.S. into World War II

On December 7, 1941, Imperial Japanese forces launched a surprise air and naval attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, prompting the United States to declare war on Japan and enter World War II.

Apollo 17 Launches on NASA’s Final Moon Mission

On December 7, 1972, NASA launched Apollo 17—the last crewed mission of the Apollo lunar program—carrying Eugene Cernan, Harrison Schmitt and Ronald Evans to the Moon for a final series of scientific experiments and surface explorations.

Supreme Court Hears Major Civil Rights Case

On December 7, 1966, the United States Supreme Court heard arguments in a pivotal civil rights case challenging state practices that affected voting and equal treatment under the law. The hearing drew national attention amid broader 1960s civil rights struggles.

1988 Armenia earthquake levels cities, kills tens of thousands

On December 7, 1988, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck northern Armenia, devastating the cities of Spitak, Leninakan (Gyumri) and surrounding towns; official Soviet figures and later estimates place the death toll in the tens of thousands and hundreds of thousands left homeless.