What Happened on August 6, 1948

Historical Events

  • 17-year-old American Bob Mathias scores 7,139 points to edge out Ignace Heinrich of France by just 165 in the decathlon at the London Olympics
  • A Swedish 1-2 in the men's 1,500m at the London Olympics with Henry Eriksson (3:49.8) beating teammate Lennart Strand by 0.6 seconds
  • Dutch super athlete Fanny Blankers-Koen wins London Olympics 200m in 24.4s to become the first women to claim 3 individual track & field gold at a Games, having already won the 100m and 80m hurdles
  • Vicki Draves wins her second diving gold medal at the London Olympics beating American teammate Patsy Elsener in the 10m platform
  • Willem Drees forms Socialist government (KVP/Social Democratics/CHU/Liberal) in the Netherlands

Famous Birthdays

  • Michael Peters, choreographer (What's Love Got to Do with It)

Famous Deaths

  • Cyril Walker, English golfer (US Open 1924), dies of pleural pneumonia at 55
Died in 1948 1948 Highlights

About August 6, 1948

Day of the Week: Friday
How Long Ago? 75 years, 8 months and 21 days
Leap Year: Yes

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Leo