PHOTOS: Today in history — January 4

The Associated Press

Flying fortresses, flying at high altitude in a practice bombing raid over England leave vapor trails in the sky, on Jan. 4, 1943.

The Associated Press

Children play snowballs in front of Buckingham Palace, London, Jan.4, 1955, whilst a sentry stands in his box and a policemen patrols in front of the gates. (AP Photo/Staff/Smart)

Robert Kradin, The Associated Press

Resting his chin on the handle of his cane, Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dali studies an exhibit of contemporary Greek art in New York, Jan. 4, 1956. Dali called his trademark mustache his "inspirational antenna."

The Associated Press

A view of Loch Ness in Scotland, Jan. 4, 1934, where the quest is being eagerly pressed forward to discover the "monster" which is believed to be located in the waters.

Daugherty, The Associated Press

An aerial view of workmen searching the wreckage from the collision between an Amtrak passenger train and three Conrail diesel engines, in Chase Md., on Jan 4, 1987. Fifteen people were killed and more than 170 injured in the collision.

The Associated Press

U.S. Army bomber made her way back to her advanced base in Tunisia, Jan. 4, 1943 in spite of severe damaged absorbed during a raid on the Tunisian front in support of ground troops advancing against Rommel's forces. The service unit rushes repairs to get the plane in action against the axis in a day of two.

The Associated Press

Firefighting crews of an unnamed U.S. carrier battle flames in two planes, which were hit by Japanese bombs in the Philippines, Jan. 4, 1945 while on the flight deck of the flat top.

Don Brinn, The Associated Press

To keep the kids happy when out driving, Jack Fletcher, designer at 21st Century Home, has installed three miniature steering wheels and a plastic windshield in their car at West Covina, Calif., Jan. 4, 1955. In the car are: Joan Fletcher, left-front, Jack Fletcher, right-front and in the backseat are: Johnny, 21 mos., Janie, 3yrs. and Ricky, 21 mos. (AP Photo/Don Brinn)

The Associated Press

Happier landing for airplane survival crash victims is the purpose of the Micro-Moisture pneumatic safety cushion demonstrated by its designer, Assen Jordanoff, a pioneer aviator, on Jan. 4, 1957. The cushion, which is being studied by military and civil aviation authorities, is installed in the back of airplane seats. By throwing a single switch, the pilot can inflate a planeful in three seconds. The French poodle shows how a child on a parent's lap would be protected from the crushing jolt of a crash landing or ditching.

The Associated Press

Dripping water from a windmill pump water tower is formed into ice patterns as a result of sub-freezing temperatures in Dallas, Texas, Jan. 4, 1959.

The Associated Press

Actor Ronald Reagan answers questions at a news conference in Los Angeles, Ca., on Jan. 4, 1965, after announcing that he will campaign for the Republican nomination for governor of California. He has never before run for political office.

The Associated Press

Jack Swartz, an employee of Wheel Steel Co., hacks away delightful at his 115-day old beard in Wheeling on Jan. 4, 1960 which he be to growing at the start of the marathon steel strike. He vowed would not shave until the strike was over but at the time he said,” expected the strike - or my beard to be this long.”

Faas, The Associated Press

American Special Forces Troops in South Vietnam, working with Vietnamese Rangers, are frequently called upon to parachute into the almost inaccessible central highlands region considered a Communist guerrilla stronghold, to make intelligence patrols. These groups go through frequent training sessions to maintain their efficiency in jumping. One Special Forces man jumps from an H-21 helicopter in the area near Tacanh, north of Kontum, Jan. 4, 1963.

The Associated Press

A shipping crate containing the casket and body of Jack Ruby rests on a baggage cart at Dallas' Love Field in Dallas, Texas, Jan. 4, 1967. The body of Ruby was flown to Chicago where burial will take place on Jan. 6. In the background is the night skyline of downtown Dallas, where three years ago Ruby shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald, accused assassin of President John F. Kennedy.

The Associated Press

Italian actress Sophia Loren lying in a hospital bed and holding her son Carlo Ponti Jr. in her arms, introduces him to the press in the Main Hall of the maternity clinic of Geneva State Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland, on Jan. 4, 1969.

John Metzger, The Associated Press

In a log cabin in the wilds of Alaska, there's no plumbing as seen here, Jan. 4, 1972. A bath is a weekly affair over a small tin tub.

John Lent, The Associated Press

Jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie is seen performing in New York, Jan. 4, 1972.

J. Scott Applewhite, The Associated Press

House Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia gestures while meeting with the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 4, 1995. The Rangers were invited to Capitol Hill to entertain congressional children who attended the swearing-in ceremony for the 104th Congress. From left are, the Blue Ranger, Pink Ranger, White Ranger, Black Ranger, Gingrich, and the Red Ranger.

The Associated Press

British soldiers stand guard as a department store goes up in flames in the center of Londonderry, Northern Ireland, on Jan. 4, 1972. In center background, a fireman directs water into the blaze. The fire followed explosion of a bomb planted in the building by Irish Republican Army (IRA) terrorists.

Richard Drew, The Associated Press

From left to right: actress Candice Bergen, singer Rita Coolidge, singer/songwriter Kris Kristofferson, country singer Willie Nelson, and actor Burt Reynolds are seen backstage at New York's Bottom Line after Coolidge and Kristofferson's opening night, Jan. 4, 1979. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Lawrence Harris, The Associated Press

Not appearing her usual cool self, a shoeless Margaret Thatcher, Britain's Opposition leader, gets taken for a ride in a bosun's chair more usually used for transporting sailors between ships at sea at the 25th International Boat Show at London's Earls Court on Thursday, Jan. 4, 1979. Mrs. Thatcher had earlier opened the show, which features the best in the boating world.

Reed Saxon, The Associated Press

Actor Mark Harmon gestures as he describes how he rescued two teenagers from the flaming wreckage of their car that crashed near his house Wednesday evening, as his wife, actress Pam Dawber listens, right, at a news briefing Thursday, Jan. 4, 1996, in the Brentwood district of Los Angeles.