1828 - The Greek city of Patras is liberated by the French expeditionary force in Peloponnese under General Maison
1919 - KLM (Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij), Royal Dutch Airlines, is founded in Amsterdam, making it one of the world's oldest airlines
1928 - Paavo Nurmi runs a world record 10 miles (50:15.0)
1957 - "How to Marry a Millionaire," the first movie to become a TV sitcom, premieres
1993 - Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded to American writer Toni Morrison
1912 - Fernando Belaúnde, Peruvian politician (President of Peru 1963–68, and 1980–85), born in Lima, Peru (d. 2002)
1937 - Dino Valenti [Chester Powers, Jr.], American rock guitarist and singer (Quicksilver Messenger Service - "Fresh Air"), born in Danbury, Connecticut (d. 1994)
1941 - Larry Young [aka Khalid Yasin], American hard-bop and jazz-fusion Hammond B-3 organist (Unity), born in Newark, New Jersey (d. 1978)
1946 - Bernard Lavilliers [Oulion], French jazz singer and songwriter, born in Saint-Étienne, France
1976 - Santiago Solari, Argentinian footballer, born in Rosario, Argentina
929 - Charles III, "The Simple", King of West Francia (893-923), granted Vikings the Duchy of Normandy, dies dethroned and in prison at 50
1577 - George Gascoigne, English poet
2004 - Hildy Parks, American stage and screen actress, and Emmy Award-winning producer and writer (Tony Award presentations), dies of complications from a stroke at 78
2008 - Peter Copley, British actor (Victim, Kingdom of Heaven, King and Country), dies at 93
2008 - Leslie Hardman, Jewish Orthodox rabbi (b. 1913)
On October 7, 2001, a U.S.-led coalition begins attacks on Taliban-controlled Afghanistan with an intense bombing campaign by American and British forces. Logistical support was provided by other nations including France, Germany, Australia and Canada and, later, troops were provided by the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance rebels. The invasion of Afghanistan was the opening salvo in […]