Historical Events
- King Baudouin of Belgium visits Congo
- Ray Lindwall scores his 2nd Test Cricket century 118 at Bridgetown
Boxing Title Fight
Rocky Marciano beats Don Cockell by TKO in the 9th round at Kezar Stadium, San Francisco to retain his world heavyweight boxing title

Rocky Marciano
Famous Birthdays
- Debra Winger, American actress (Terms of Endearment, Officer & Gentleman), born in Columbus, Ohio
- Hazel O'Connor, Coventry England, singer/actress (Breaking Glass)
- Jack Morris, Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher (4-time World Series 1984, 91-3 Tigers, Twins, Blue Jays), born in Saint Paul, Minnesota
Olga Korbut
Olga Korbut, Soviet gymnast (4 x Olympic gold 1972, 76), born in Grodno, Belarus

Olga Korbut
Famous Deaths
- James Agee, American author (African Queen, Death in Family), dies at 45
1955 Highlights
About May 16, 1955
Day of the Week: Monday
How Long Ago? 65 years, 9 months and 24 days
Leap Year: No
Generation Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Goat/Sheep
Star Sign: Taurus