Deaths on August 31

William Pershing Benedict

Died on August 31, 1974

William Pershing Benedict, American soldier and pilot (b. 1928)

William Pershing Benedict (July 20, 1918 – Aug 31, 1974) was an American pilot who was born in Ruth, Nevada and raised in California. He was a highly decorated World War II fighter pilot who served in both the RCAF and the U.S. Army Air Forces. 18 months after joining the U.S. Army Air Forces, at 26 years of age, Benedict achieved the rank of Major and was made Squadron Commander. He is best known for being the first American man to land an aircraft on the North Pole.

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William Pershing Benedict

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Events on 1974

18 Jan

Yom Kippur War
A Disengagement of Forces agreement is signed between the Israeli and Egyptian governments, ending conflict on the Egyptian front of the Yom Kippur War.
27 Jun

Richard Nixon
U.S. president Richard Nixon visits the Soviet Union.
27 Jul

Richard Nixon
Watergate scandal: The House of Representatives Judiciary Committee votes 27 to 11 to recommend the first article of impeachment (for obstruction of justice) against President Richard Nixon.
9 Aug

Richard Nixon
As a direct result of the Watergate scandal, Richard Nixon becomes the first President of the United States to resign from office. His Vice President, Gerald Ford, becomes president.
8 Sep

Gerald Ford
Watergate scandal: US President Gerald Ford pardons former President Richard Nixon for any crimes Nixon may have committed while in office.

Deaths on August 31

William Pershing Benedict

Died on August 31, 1974

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Events on 1974

Yom Kippur War

Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon

Gerald Ford