Today in history: May 23
In 1975, comedian Jackie “Moms” Mabley, 81, died in White Plains, New York.
1939: USS Squalus
In 1939, the Navy submarine USS Squalus sank during a test dive off the New England coast. Thirty-two crew members and one civilian were rescued, but 26 others died; the sub was salvaged and recommissioned the USS Sailfish.
1945: Heinrich Himmler
In 1945, Nazi official Heinrich Himmler committed suicide by biting into a cyanide capsule while in British custody in Luneburg, Germany.
1975: Jackie “Moms” Mabley
In 1975, comedian Jackie “Moms” Mabley, 81, died in White Plains, New York.
1984: General C. Everett Koop
On May 23, 1984, Surgeon General C. Everett Koop issued a report saying there was “very solid” evidence linking cigarette smoke to lung disease in non-smokers.
2007: George W. Bush
In 2007, President George W. Bush, speaking at the U.S. Coast Guard commencement, portrayed the Iraq war as a battle between the U.S. and al-Qaida and said Osama bin Laden was setting up a terrorist cell in Iraq to strike targets in America.
2012: Mohammed Morsi
Ten years ago: Egypt held the Arab world’s first competitive presidential vote. (Islamist Mohammed Morsi was ultimately named the winner following a runoff.)
2021: Eric Carle
Children’s author and illustrator Eric Carle, known for the classic “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” died at 91 in Massachusetts.
2021: Phil Mickelson
At age 50, Phil Mickelson won the PGA Championship in South Carolina to become the oldest major champion in golf history.