Historical Events
- Radio Australia begins overseas shortwave service
Famous Birthdays
- Bill Keith, American bluegrass, country, and session banjoist, and tuning instrument tuner inventor, born in Boston, Massachusetts (d. 2015)
- Dianne Arndt, American artist and photographer, born in Springfield, Massachusetts
- Kathryn Joosten, American actress (Desperate Housewives), born in Chicago, Illinois (d. 2012)
- Kim Weston, American soul singer (with Marvin Gaye - "It Takes Two"), born in Detroit, Michigan
- Klaus Schweizer, German composer, born in Albstadt, Germany
Famous Deaths
- Hans Langsdorff, German Kriegsmarine (navy) captain commits suicide after scuttling his ship, the 'Admiral Graf Spee,' due to damage from the Battle of the River Plat (near Argentina)
Died in 1939 1939 Highlights
About December 20, 1939
Day of the Week: Wednesday
How Long Ago? 84 years and 4 months
Leap Year: No
Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rabbit
Star Sign: Sagittarius
