Historical Events
- "Pacific Paradise" opens at Palace Theater NYC for 5 performances
- 2 members of the Official Irish Republican Army are shot dead by the British Army in County Tyrone
- A Protestant youth member (15) of the Ulster Defence Association, and a UDA member (26) are run over by British Army vehicles during riots in east Belfast
- Rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival break up
Famous Birthdays
- Darius Kasparaitis, Lithuanian ice hockey defenseman (Olympic gold Unified Team 1992; silver 1998, bronze 2002 Russia; NY Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, NY Rangers), born in Elektrėnai, Lithuania
- Darren Balmforth, Australian rower (Olympics 1996)
- Emily Doolittle, Canadian composer, and zoomusicologist (Social Sounds From Whales At Night; Dàn nan Ròn; A Short, Slow Life), born in Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Kordell Stewart, NFL quarterback/wide receiver (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Famous Deaths
- (Thomas) Hale Boggs, American politician (US Representative from Louisiana, 1947-73), presumed killed in a plane crash at 58
- Leo G. Carroll, British actor (Topper; Strangers On A Train; Man From U.N.C.L.E.), dies at 85
About October 16, 1972
Day of the Week: Monday
How Long Ago? 50 years, 5 months and 7 days
Leap Year: Yes
Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Libra
Music Charts
#1 Song: My Ding-A-Ling - Chuck Berry
#1 Song: Mouldy Old Dough - Lieutenant Pigeon