Historical Events
- East German border guards shot and kill Peter Fechter, 18, attempting to cross Berlin Wall into western sector
Famous Birthdays
- Buddy Landel 'Nature Boy', American professional wrestler, born in Knoxville, Tennessee (d. 2015)
- Gilby Clarke, American rock guitarist (Guns N' Roses, 1991-94; Rock Star Supernova), born in Cleveland, Ohio
Famous Weddings
Jack Lemmon
Actor Jack Lemmon (37) weds actress and model Felicia Farr (29) in Paris, France
Famous Deaths
- Peter Fechter, East German bricklayer who was shot trying to cross the Berlin Wall at 18
Died in 1962 1962 Highlights
About August 17, 1962
Day of the Week: Friday
How Long Ago? 61 years, 8 months and 8 days
Leap Year: No
Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Tiger
Star Sign: Leo
Music Charts
#1 Song: Breaking Up Is Hard To Do - Neil Sedaka
#1 Song: I Remember You - Frank Ifield
