Deaths on December 24

Robert Hillyer, American poet and academic (b. 1895)

Robert Silliman Hillyer (June 3, 1895 – December 24, 1961) was an American poet.

8 Jan

Charles de Gaulle
In France a referendum supports Charles de Gaulle's policies in Algeria.
16 Apr

Fidel Castro
In a nationally broadcast speech, Cuban leader Fidel Castro declares that he is a Marxist-Leninist and that Cuba is going to adopt Communism.
1 May

Fidel Castro
The Prime Minister of Cuba, Fidel Castro, proclaims Cuba a socialist nation and abolishes elections.
25 Jul

NATO
In a speech John F. Kennedy emphasizes that any attack on Berlin is an attack on NATO.
10 Aug

Agent Orange
First use in Vietnam War of the Agent Orange by the U.S. Army.