What Happened On This Day – June 15
1991 Mount Pinatubo explodes
The stratovolcano's eruption was one of the most violent of the 20th century. About 800 people died, but the event had also global consequences. For example, it caused a global temperature drop of 0.5 °C (0.9 °F).
1977 Spain holds the first free elections since 1936
The transition to democracy followed nearly four decades of right-wing dictatorship under Francisco Franco. Adolfo Suárez became Spain's first democratically elected Prime Minister.
1954 The Union of European Football Associations is founded
The UEFA is the umbrella organization for association football in Europe. It comprises 54 member countries in Europe and Asia.
1844 Charles Goodyear patents vulcanization
The American inventor is credited with developing the basic concept of strengthening rubber by adding sulfur or similar materials. Vulcanized rubber is today used for a wide array of products, such as tires and shoe soles.
1667 The first human blood transfusion is administered
Jean-Baptiste Denys, physician to King Louis XIV of France, transfused sheep blood into a 15-year-old boy. He survived, most likely due to the relatively small amount of blood used.
Births On This Day – June 15
1984 Tim Lincecum
American baseball player
1969 Oliver Kahn
German footballer
1964 Michael Laudrup
Danish footballer
1941 Neal Adams
American artist
1941 Harry Nilsson
American singer-songwriter, musician
Deaths On This Day – June 15
1996 Ella Fitzgerald
American singer
1993 James Hunt
English Grand Prix driver, 1976 World Drivers' Champion
1941 Evelyn Underhill
English poet
1888 Frederick III, German Emperor
1849 James K. Polk
American politician, 11th President of the United States