Massive riots took place in the US city of Los Angeles, California, following the acquittal of police officers that had been charged with the beating of Rodney King. The riots lasted three days and cost the lives of 54 people.

British film director, Alfred Hitchcock, died at the age of 80. He was one of the most influential film directors of his generation, who pioneered many techniques in the suspense and thriller genres.

The last American citizens were evacuated from Saigon shortly before the city's tajeover by North Vietnamese forces. With the evacuation, came the end of the US's involvement in the Vietnam war.

American tennis player, Andre Agassi, was born in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a former number 1 ranked player, who won eight Grand Slam singles in his career. Agassi is married to fellow former tennis champion, Steffi Graf.

American actress, Uma Thurman, was born in Boston, Massachusetts. She is known as one of the most versatile actresses of her generation, having starred in such movies as Dangerous Liaisons, Pulp Fiction, Gattaca and the Kill Bill.

The boxing champion of the world, Muhammad Ali, was stripped of his boxing title after refusing induction into the United States Army, citing religious reasons.

American actress, Michelle Pfeiffer, was born in Santa Ana, California. He career was launched when she took place in the Miss California competition, which she did not win, but instead acquired an agent who helped her secure several television commercial roles.

Irish actor, Daniel Day-Lewis, was born in London, England. He is widely considered as one of the best film actors of his generation. He became an Irish citizen in 1993.

American comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, was born in Brooklyn, New York. He is best known for playing a semi-fictional version of himself in the long-running sitcom Seinfeld, which he co-created and executive produced.

German forces stationed in Italy unconditionally surrendered to the Allies.

German dictator, Adolf Hitler married his long time partner Eva Braun during a ceremony at a Berlin bunker.

The Dachau concentration camp was liberated by United States troops.

Emperor of Japan, Hirohito, was born in Tokyo. His reign was the longest of any historical Japanese emperor and he was the emperor of Japan during World War II.