August 12, 1990
The world’s largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton is discovered. A group of archaeologists were preparing to leave after exploring a region in western South Dakota when they discovered they had a flat tire on their vehicle. While most of the group went back to town to repair the truck, Sue Hendrickson stayed behind to explore some nearby cliffs. There she discovered a number of exposed bones. They turned out to be a 67-million-year-old T-Rex. With more than 80% of the skeleton recovered, it was the most complete and largest T-Rex ever discovered.
Berlin Wall
August 13, 1961
East German Communists begin building a wall through the city to prevent the flow of people seeking the freedoms of the West. The wall cut off West Berlin from virtually all of surrounding East Germany and East Berlin until government officials opened it in 1989.
World War II – V-J Day
August 14, 1945
Japan surrenders ending the war. “V-J” stands for “Victory over Japan.” Japan would sign formal surrender terms two weeks later aboard the USS Missouri.