April 13: Oxygen Tank Explodes on Apollo 13
1970 Apollo 13 in Trouble
An oxygen tank exploded on Apollo 13, causing the shuttle to lose electricity. The lunar mission was aborted as NASA scrambled to bring the astronauts home safely. Astronauts James A. Lovell, John L. Swigert and Fred W. Haise successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean April 17, 1970.
1981 Youth Riot in London
High unemployment among Brixton's youth was a factor in a violent clash with police. Hundreds of people were injured during the riots, and fire damaged 30 buildings.
1986 Pope John Paul II Visits Synagogue of Rome
Pope John Paul II was the first modern pope to pray in a synagogue. The Vatican stressed that the pope's visit was motivated by religion, not politics.
Famous Birthdays
1946 Al Green
1950 Ron Perlman
1963 Garry Kasparov
1964 Caroline Rhea
1970 Rick Schroder
1976 Jonathan Brandis
1976 Glenn Howerton
1978 Kyle Howard