Historical Events
- 1939 NFL Draft: Ki Aldrich from TCU first pick by Chicago Cardinals
- State of California uses gas chamber instead of hanging for 2nd time in a week: Wesley Eudy and Fred Barnes executed for roles in Folsom Prison escape attempt resulting in murder of warden and guard (San Quentin State Prison, Marin County)
Famous Birthdays
- Deacon Jones, American Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end (8 × Pro Bowl; 5 × First-team All-Pro; LA Rams, SD Chargers), born in Eatonville, Florida (d. 2013)
- Rina Venter, South African Minister of National Health and Population Development (1989-94)
- William Thomas McKinley, American composer and jazz pianist, born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania (d. 2015)
Famous Deaths
- Johannes van Laar, Dutch chemist (thermodynamics), dies at 78
About December 9, 1938
Day of the Week: Friday
How Long Ago? 84 years, 5 months and 27 days
Leap Year: No
Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Tiger
Star Sign: Sagittarius
