→July: Fixed broken anchor by linking to the updated section name
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{{Events by month|1972}}
{{Events by month|1972}}
{{About year|1972}}
{{About year|1972}}
[[File:1972 Events Collage.jpg|300x300px|thumb|Clockwise from top-left: an [[1972 Nicaragua earthquake|earthquake]] in [[Nicaragua]] kills 4,000–11,000 people; the first commercial home [[video game console]], the [[Magnavox Odyssey]], is released; a photo of the [[Earth]] known as ''[[The Blue Marble]]'' is taken during [[Apollo program|Apollo's]] [[Apollo 17|final mission]]; during the [[1972 Summer Olympics]] in [[Munich]], a [[Munich massacre|terrorist attack]] carried out; [[Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty]] is signed; [[Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571]] crashes at the [[Andes]], survivors resort to cannibalism to survive; President [[Ferdinand Marcos]] announces on television that the entirety of the Philippines is under [[Martial law under Ferdinand Marcos|martial law]] (eventually lifted in [[1981]]); US President [[Richard Nixon]] is implicated in a [[Watergate scandal|scandal]] involving the theft of documents from the [[Watergate complex]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]]]
{{Multiple image
| image_style = border:none;b
| perrow = 3/3/3
| image1 = Nixon edited transcripts.jpg
| image2 = President Richard Nixon and Premier Chou En-Lai Shake Hands at the Nixons' Arrival in Peking, China.jpg
| image3 = Germany Israel Olympics Attack.jpg
| image4 = Eugene Cernan at the LM, Apollo 17, AS17-134-20378.jpg
| image8 = Andes Plane Crash Victims Near Wreckage, Dec. 27, 1972.jpg
| image9 = 1972Nicaraguaquake2.jpg
| total_width = 350
| footer = From top to bottom, left to right: the [[Watergate scandal]] begins with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, leading to a major U.S. political crisis; U.S. President [[Richard Nixon]] makes a historic [[1972 visit by Richard Nixon to China|visit to China]], opening diplomatic relations between the two nations; the [[1972 Summer Olympics]] in Munich are marred by the [[Munich massacre]] as terrorists attack Israeli athletes; [[Apollo 17]] launches as the final mission of the Apollo program, marking humanity’s last crewed Moon landing of the 20th century; [[Bloody Sunday (1972)|Bloody Sunday]] in Northern Ireland sees British troops shoot unarmed protesters, intensifying the Troubles; the [[1972 Iran blizzard]] kills thousands, becoming one of the deadliest blizzards in history; the [[Magnavox Odyssey]] is released, pioneering home video game consoles; [[Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571]] crashes in the Andes, leading to a harrowing survival story; and the [[1972 Nicaragua earthquake]] devastates Managua, killing thousands and leaving much of the city in ruins.
}}
{{Year nav|1972}}
{{Year nav|1972}}
{{C20 year in topic}}
{{C20 year in topic}}
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* [[January 4]] – The first scientific hand-held calculator ([[HP-35]]) is introduced (price $395).<ref>{{cite book|title=1976 WESCON Technical Papers: Western Electronic Show and Convention : Papers Presented at the Western Electronic Show and Convention in Los Angeles, California, September 14–17, 1976|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2klGAQAAIAAJ|year=1976|publisher=Western Electronic Show and Convention|page=1}}</ref>
* [[January 4]] – The first scientific hand-held calculator ([[HP-35]]) is introduced (price $395).<ref>{{cite book|title=1976 WESCON Technical Papers: Western Electronic Show and Convention : Papers Presented at the Western Electronic Show and Convention in Los Angeles, California, September 14–17, 1976|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2klGAQAAIAAJ|year=1976|publisher=Western Electronic Show and Convention|page=1}}</ref>
* [[January 7]] – [[Iberia Airlines Flight 602]] crashes into a 462-meter peak on the island of [[Ibiza]]; 104 are killed.
* [[January 7]] – [[Iberia Airlines Flight 602]] crashes into a 462-meter peak on the island of [[Ibiza]]; 104 are killed.
* [[January 9]] – The [[RMS Queen Elizabeth|RMS ''Queen Elizabeth'']] catches fire and sinks in Hong Kong's Victoria harbor while undergoing conversion to a floating university.
* [[January 9]] – The [[RMS Queen Elizabeth|RMS ''Queen Elizabeth'']] catches fire and sinks in Hong Kong's Victoria harbor while undergoing conversion to a floating university.<ref>{{Cite web |author=|date=2009-11-13 |title=Fire breaks out on former RMS Queen Elizabeth {{!}} January 9, 1972 |url=https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/january-9/fire-breaks-out-on-queen-elizabeth |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=HISTORY |language=en}}</ref>
* [[January 10]] – Independence leader [[Sheikh Mujibur Rahman]] returns to [[Bangladesh]] after spending over nine months in prison in Pakistan.<ref name="Johari1991">{{cite book|author=J. C. Johari|title=Governments and Politics of South Asia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZF0hAQAAIAAJ|year=1991|publisher=Link Press|isbn=978-1-873444-00-9|page=378}}</ref>
* [[January 10]] – Independence leader [[Sheikh Mujibur Rahman]] returns to [[Bangladesh]] after spending over nine months in prison in Pakistan.<ref name="Johari1991">{{cite book|author=J. C. Johari|title=Governments and Politics of South Asia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZF0hAQAAIAAJ|year=1991|publisher=Link Press|isbn=978-1-873444-00-9|page=378}}</ref>
* [[January 11]] – Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declares a new constitutional government in Bangladesh, with himself as president.<ref name="Johari1991"/>
* [[January 11]] – Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declares a new constitutional government in Bangladesh, with himself as president.<ref name="Johari1991"/>
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* [[January 30]]
* [[January 30]]
** [[Bloody Sunday (1972)|Bloody Sunday]]: The British Army kills 14 unarmed [[Irish nationalism|nationalist]] civil rights marchers in [[Derry]], Northern Ireland.
** [[Bloody Sunday (1972)|Bloody Sunday]]: The British Army kills 14 unarmed [[Irish nationalism|nationalist]] civil rights marchers in [[Derry]], Northern Ireland.
** [[Pakistan]] withdraws from the [[Commonwealth of Nations]].
** [[Pakistan]] withdraws from the [[Commonwealth of Nations]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=1972-01-31 |title=Bhutto Removes Pakistan From the Commonwealth (Published 1972) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/01/31/archives/bhutto-removes-pakistan-from-the-commonwealth-he-acts-after-being.html |access-date=2025-09-14 |language=en}}</ref>
* [[January 31]] – King [[Birendra of Nepal|Birendra]] succeeds his father as King of [[Nepal]].
* [[January 31]] – King [[Birendra of Nepal|Birendra]] succeeds his father as King of [[Nepal]].
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* [[March 22]]
* [[March 22]]
**The [[92nd U.S. Congress]] votes to send the proposed [[Equal Rights Amendment]] to the states for ratification.
**The [[92nd U.S. Congress]] votes to send the proposed [[Equal Rights Amendment]] to the states for ratification.
**''[[Eisenstadt v. Baird]]'': The Supreme Court of the U.S. rules that unmarried people have the right to access contraception on the same basis as married couples
**''[[Eisenstadt v. Baird]]'': The Supreme Court of the U.S. rules that unmarried people have the right to access contraception on the same basis as married couples<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eisenstadt v. Baird, 405 U.S. 438 (1972) |url=https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/405/438/ |access-date=2025-09-27 |website=Justia Law |language=en}}</ref>
* [[March 25]] – "[[Après toi]]" sung by [[Vicky Leandros]] (music by Klaus Munro & Mario Panas, lyric by Klaus Munro & Yves Dessca) wins the [[Eurovision Song Contest 1972]] (staged in Edinburgh) for [[Luxembourg]].
* [[March 25]] – "[[Après toi]]" sung by [[Vicky Leandros]] (music by Klaus Munro & Mario Panas, lyric by Klaus Munro & Yves Dessca) wins the [[Eurovision Song Contest 1972]] (staged in Edinburgh) for [[Luxembourg]].
* [[March 26]] – An [[avalanche]] on [[Mount Fuji]] in Japan kills 19 climbers.
* [[March 26]] – An [[avalanche]] on [[Mount Fuji]] in Japan kills 19 climbers.
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* [[April 13]] – The [[Universal Postal Union]] decides to recognize the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate Chinese representative, effectively expelling the [[Republic of China]] administering [[Taiwan]].
* [[April 13]] – The [[Universal Postal Union]] decides to recognize the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate Chinese representative, effectively expelling the [[Republic of China]] administering [[Taiwan]].
* [[April 16]]
* [[April 16]]
** [[Apollo 16]] ([[John Young (astronaut)|John Young]], [[Ken Mattingly]], [[Charlie Duke]]) is launched.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-15 |title=50 Years Ago: Apollo 16 Launches to the Moon - NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/history/50-years-ago-apollo-16-launches-to-the-moon/ |access-date=2025-04-05 |language=en-US}}</ref> During the mission, the astronauts, driving the [[Lunar Roving Vehicle]], achieve a [[lunar rover]] speed record of 18 km/h.{{Citation needed|reason=other Wikipedia articles say the 18 km/h speed was achieved only during the Apollo 17 mission|date=May 2022}}
** [[Apollo 16]] ([[John Young (astronaut)|John Young]], [[Ken Mattingly]], [[Charlie Duke]]) is launched.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-15 |title=50 Years Ago: Apollo 16 Launches to the Moon - NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/history/50-years-ago-apollo-16-launches-to-the-moon/ |access-date=2025-04-05 |language=en-US}}</ref> During the mission, the astronauts, driving the [[Lunar Roving Vehicle]], achieve a [[lunar rover]] speed record of 17 km/h.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apollo 16 Essay |url=https://www.honeysucklecreek.net/msfn_missions/Apollo_16_mission/hl_apollo16.html |access-date=2025-07-10 |website=www.honeysucklecreek.net}}</ref>
** [[Vietnam War]]: Nguyen Hue Offensive – Prompted by the [[North Vietnam]]ese offensive, the United States resumes bombing of [[Hanoi]] and [[Haiphong]].
** [[Vietnam War]]: Nguyen Hue Offensive – Prompted by the [[North Vietnam]]ese offensive, the United States resumes bombing of [[Hanoi]] and [[Haiphong]].
* [[April 26]] – The [[Lockheed L-1011 TriStar]] enters service with [[Eastern Airlines]].
* [[April 26]] – The [[Lockheed L-1011 TriStar]] enters service with [[Eastern Airlines]].
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{{Main|May 1972}}
{{Main|May 1972}}
* [[May 2]] – Fire at the [[Sunshine Mine]], a [[silver]] mine in [[Idaho]], kills 91.<ref>{{cite web|title=1972 Sunshine Mining Company Mining Disaster, Kellogg, Idaho|url=https://arlweb.msha.gov/DISASTER/SUNSHINE/ss1.asp|website=Mining Disasters – An Exhibition|publisher=U.S. Dept. of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration|access-date=December 15, 2018|archive-date=December 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215070337/https://arlweb.msha.gov/DISASTER/SUNSHINE/ss1.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[May 2]] – Fire at the [[Sunshine Mine]], a [[silver]] mine in [[Idaho]], kills 91.<ref>{{cite web|title=1972 Sunshine Mining Company Mining Disaster, Kellogg, Idaho|url=https://arlweb.msha.gov/DISASTER/SUNSHINE/ss1.asp|website=Mining Disasters – An Exhibition|publisher=U.S. Dept. of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration|access-date=December 15, 2018|archive-date=December 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215070337/https://arlweb.msha.gov/DISASTER/SUNSHINE/ss1.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[May 5]] – An [[Alitalia]] [[DC-8]] [[Alitalia Flight 112|crashes]] west of [[Palermo]], [[Sicily]]; 115 die.
* [[May 5]] – An [[Alitalia]] [[DC-8]] [[Alitalia Flight 112|crashes]] west of [[Palermo]], [[Sicily]]; 115 die.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=Accident Douglas DC-8-43 I-DIWB, Friday 5 May 1972 |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/330520 |access-date=2025-09-28 |website=asn.flightsafety.org}}</ref>
* [[May 7]] – [[1972 Italian general election|General elections]] are held in Italy.
* [[May 7]] – [[1972 Italian general election|General elections]] are held in Italy.
* [[May 10]] – [[Operation Linebacker]] and [[Operation Custom Tailor]] begin with large-scale bombing operations against North Vietnam by tactical fighter aircraft.
* [[May 10]] – [[Operation Linebacker]] and [[Operation Custom Tailor]] begin with large-scale bombing operations against North Vietnam by tactical fighter aircraft.
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** [[Richard Nixon]] and [[Leonid Brezhnev]] sign the [[SALT I treaty]] in Moscow, as well as the [[Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty]] and other agreements.
** [[Richard Nixon]] and [[Leonid Brezhnev]] sign the [[SALT I treaty]] in Moscow, as well as the [[Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty]] and other agreements.
** [[Willandra National Park]] is established in Australia.
** [[Willandra National Park]] is established in Australia.
* [[May 27]] – [[Mark Donohue]] wins the [[1972 Indianapolis 500|Indianapolis 500]] in a [[Penske Racing]] [[McLaren]]–[[Offenhauser]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Xe9VAAAAIBAJ&pg=2494%2C7042731|work=Eugene Register-Guard|location=(Oregon)|agency=Associated Press|title=Donohue bides time, then charges to victory|date=May 28, 1972|page=1B}}</ref>
* [[May 27]] – [[Mark Donohue]] wins the [[1972 Indianapolis 500|Indianapolis 500]] in a [[Penske Racing]] [[McLaren]]–[[Offenhauser]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Xe9VAAAAIBAJ&pg=2494%2C7042731|work=Eugene Register-Guard|location= Oregon |agency=Associated Press|title=Donohue bides time, then charges to victory|date=May 28, 1972|page=1B}}</ref>
* [[May 30]]
* [[May 30]]
** [[Lod Airport massacre]]: Three [[Japanese Red Army]] members operating on behalf of the [[Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – External Operations]] kill 26 and injure 80 people at [[Lod Airport]], [[Israel]].<ref>Jeffrey D. Simon, ''The Terrorist Trap: America's Experience with Terrorism'', [[Indiana University Press]], p. 324. {{ISBN|0-253-21477-7}}</ref>
** [[Lod Airport massacre]]: Three [[Japanese Red Army]] members operating on behalf of the [[Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – External Operations]] kill 26 and injure 80 people at [[Lod Airport]], [[Israel]].<ref>Jeffrey D. Simon, ''The Terrorist Trap: America's Experience with Terrorism'', [[Indiana University Press]], p. 324. {{ISBN|0-253-21477-7}}</ref>
** [[The Troubles]]: The [[Official Irish Republican Army]] declares a ceasefire.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/may/30/newsid_2973000/2973759.stm|title=1972: Official IRA declares ceasefire|date=May 30, 1972|publisher=BBC News}}</ref>
** [[The Troubles]]: The [[Official Irish Republican Army]] declares a ceasefire.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/may/30/newsid_2973000/2973759.stm|title=1972: Official IRA declares ceasefire|date=May 30, 1972|publisher=BBC News}}</ref>
=== June ===
=== June ===
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* [[June 23]]
* [[June 23]]
** [[Watergate scandal]]: U.S. President [[Richard M. Nixon]] and [[White House]] chief of staff [[H. R. Haldeman]] are taped talking about using the [[Central Intelligence Agency|C.I.A.]] to obstruct the investigation by the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|F.B.I.]] into the Watergate break-ins.
** [[Watergate scandal]]: U.S. President [[Richard M. Nixon]] and [[White House]] chief of staff [[H. R. Haldeman]] are taped talking about using the [[Central Intelligence Agency|C.I.A.]] to obstruct the investigation by the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|F.B.I.]] into the Watergate break-ins.
** The United Kingdom [[Chancellor of the Exchequer]], [[Anthony Barber]], announces a decision for the [[pound sterling]] to move to a [[floating exchange rate]]. Although intended to be temporary, this remains permanent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/june/23/newsid_2518000/2518927.stm|title=Chancellor orders pound flotation|work=On This Day|publisher=BBC News|access-date=2008-01-27|date=June 23, 1972|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307113551/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/june/23/newsid_2518000/2518927.stm|archive-date=2008-03-07|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Foreign exchange controls]] are applied to most members of the [[sterling area]].
** The United Kingdom [[Chancellor of the Exchequer]], [[Anthony Barber]], announces a decision for the [[pound sterling]] to move to a [[floating exchange rate]]. Although intended to be temporary, this remains permanent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/june/23/newsid_2518000/2518927.stm|title=Chancellor orders pound flotation|work=On This Day|publisher=BBC News|access-date=2008-01-27|date=June 23, 1972|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307113551/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/june/23/newsid_2518000/2518927.stm|archive-date=2008-03-07|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Foreign exchange controls]] are applied to most members of the [[sterling area]].
* [[June 30]] – The [[International Time Bureau]] adds the first [[leap second]] (23:59:60) of this year to [[Coordinated Universal Time]] (UTC).
* [[June 30]] – The [[International Time Bureau]] adds the first [[leap second]] (23:59:60) of this year to [[Coordinated Universal Time]] (UTC).
=== July ===
=== July ===
{{Main|July 1972}}
{{Main|July 1972}}
* [[July 1]] – The Canadian ketch ''[[Greenpeace#First campaigns after Amchitka|Vega]]'', flying the [[Greenpeace]] III banner, collides with the French naval minesweeper ''La Paimpolaise'' while in [[international waters]] to protest French nuclear weapon [[Moruroa|tests]] in the [[Oceania|South Pacific]].
* [[July 1]] – The Canadian ketch ''[[Greenpeace#After Amchitka|Vega]]'', flying the [[Greenpeace]] III banner, collides with the French naval minesweeper ''La Paimpolaise'' while in [[international waters]] to protest French nuclear weapon [[Moruroa|tests]] in the [[Oceania|South Pacific]].
* [[July 2]] – Following [[Pakistan]]'s surrender to India in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], both nations sign the historic [[Simla Agreement]], agreeing to settle their disputes bilaterally.
* [[July 2]] – Following [[Pakistan]]'s surrender to India in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], both nations sign the historic [[Simla Agreement]], agreeing to settle their disputes bilaterally.
* [[July 4]] – The first [[Rainbow Gathering]] is held in [[Colorado]].
* [[July 4]] – The first [[Rainbow Gathering]] is held in [[Colorado]].
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** The long anticipated [[World Chess Championship 1972|chess match]] between world champion [[Boris Spassky]] of the Soviet Union, and United States champion [[Bobby Fischer]], begins in [[Iceland]] at [[Reykjavík]].
** The long anticipated [[World Chess Championship 1972|chess match]] between world champion [[Boris Spassky]] of the Soviet Union, and United States champion [[Bobby Fischer]], begins in [[Iceland]] at [[Reykjavík]].
** [[Curtis Mayfield]] releases the [[soundtrack]] to the 1972 film, ''[[Super Fly (soundtrack)|Super Fly]]''.
** [[Curtis Mayfield]] releases the [[soundtrack]] to the 1972 film, ''[[Super Fly (soundtrack)|Super Fly]]''.
* [[July 10]]–[[July 14|14]] – The [[Democratic National Convention]] meets in [[Miami Beach]]. Senator [[George McGovern]], who backs the immediate and complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from [[South Vietnam]], is nominated for president. He names fellow Senator [[Thomas Eagleton]] as his running mate.
* [[July 10]]–[[July 14|14]] – The [[1972 Democratic National Convention|Democratic National Convention]] meets in [[Miami Beach]]. Senator [[George McGovern]], who backs the immediate and complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from [[South Vietnam]], is nominated for president. He names fellow Senator [[Thomas Eagleton]] as his running mate.
* [[September 10]] – Brazilian driver [[Emerson Fittipaldi]] wins the Italian Grand Prix at [[Monza]] and becomes the youngest [[Formula One]] World Champion at the age of 25.<ref>{{cite book|author=Norris McWhirter|title=Guinness Book of Sports Records, Winners & Champions|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0mZYAAAAYAAJ|year=1982|publisher=Sterling Publishing Company|isbn=978-0-8069-0234-0|page=24}}</ref>
* [[September 10]] – Brazilian driver [[Emerson Fittipaldi]] wins the Italian Grand Prix at [[Monza]] and becomes the youngest [[Formula One]] World Champion at the age of 25.<ref>{{cite book|author=Norris McWhirter|title=Guinness Book of Sports Records, Winners & Champions|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0mZYAAAAYAAJ|year=1982|publisher=Sterling Publishing Company|isbn=978-0-8069-0234-0|page=24}}</ref>
* [[September 14]] – West Germany and Poland renew diplomatic relations.<ref>{{cite book|title=The World Book Year Book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ShUMAAAAIAAJ|year=1973|publisher=World Book – Childcraft International|isbn=978-0-7166-0473-0|page=353}}</ref>
* [[September 14]] – West Germany and Poland renew diplomatic relations.<ref>{{cite book|title=The World Book Year Book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ShUMAAAAIAAJ|year=1973|publisher=World Book – Childcraft International|isbn=978-0-7166-0473-0|page=353}}</ref>
* [[September 23]] – [[Philippines|Philippine]] [[President of the Philippines|president]] [[Ferdinand Marcos]] announces on national television the issuance of [[Proclamation No. 1081]] placing the entire country under [[Martial law under Ferdinand Marcos|martial law]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/146939-martial-law-explainer-victims-stories|title=Martial Law, the dark chapter in Philippine history|last=Francisco|first=Katerina|date=September 22, 2016|work=Rappler|access-date=2018-06-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923155126/https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/146939-martial-law-explainer-victims-stories|archive-date=September 23, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/featured/the-fall-of-the-dictatorship/|title=The Fall of the Dictatorship|website=Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903153904/http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/featured/the-fall-of-the-dictatorship/|archive-date=2017-09-03|url-status=dead|access-date=2018-09-09}}</ref>[[File:Martiallawjf9906 09.JPG|thumbnail|180px|right|[[September 23]]: [[Martial law]] in the [[Philippines]].]]
* [[September 23]] – [[Philippines|Philippine]] [[President of the Philippines|president]] [[Ferdinand Marcos]] announces on national television the issuance of [[Proclamation No. 1081]] placing the entire country under [[Martial law under Ferdinand Marcos|martial law]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/146939-martial-law-explainer-victims-stories|title=Martial Law, the dark chapter in Philippine history|last=Francisco|first=Katerina|date=September 22, 2016|work=Rappler|access-date=2018-06-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923155126/https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/146939-martial-law-explainer-victims-stories|archive-date=September 23, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[September 24]] – An [[F-86]] fighter aircraft leaving an air show at [[Sacramento Executive Airport]] fails to become airborne and crashes into a [[Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour]], killing 12 children and 11 adults.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.check-six.com/Crash_Sites/Sabrejet_crash_site.htm|title=Crash at Farrell's|access-date=2008-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320003854/http://www.check-six.com/Crash_Sites/Sabrejet_crash_site.htm|archive-date=March 20, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[September 24]] – An [[F-86]] fighter aircraft leaving an air show at [[Sacramento Executive Airport]] fails to become airborne and crashes into a [[Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour]], killing 12 children and 11 adults.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.check-six.com/Crash_Sites/Sabrejet_crash_site.htm|title=Crash at Farrell's|access-date=2008-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320003854/http://www.check-six.com/Crash_Sites/Sabrejet_crash_site.htm|archive-date=March 20, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[September 25]] – [[1972 Norwegian EC referendum]]: Norway rejects membership of the European Economic Community.
* [[September 25]] – [[1972 Norwegian EC referendum]]: Norway rejects membership of the European Economic Community.
* [[September 28]] – The [[Canada men's national ice hockey team]] defeats the [[Soviet national ice hockey team]] in the eighth and final game of the 1972 [[Summit Series]] 6–5 to win the series 4–3–1.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Montreal Gazette|title=Foster Hewitt, 81, was voice of hockey|date=April 22, 1985|page=C1|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ikYwAAAAIBAJ&pg=2775%2C115416}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Lucas|first=Dean|title=Famous Pictures Magazine – Shot Heard around the world|url=http://www.famouspictures.org/1972-canada-soviet-hockey-goal/|access-date=April 30, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=Montreal Gazette|page=1|date=September 29, 1972|title=...6–5 and it's all over|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KIs0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=fqEFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1689%2C8033183|first=Ted|last=Blackman}}</ref>
* [[September 28]] – The [[Canada men's national ice hockey team]] defeats the [[Soviet national ice hockey team]] in the eighth and final game of the 1972 [[Summit Series]] 6–5 to win the series 4–3–1.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Montreal Gazette|title=Foster Hewitt, 81, was voice of hockey|date=April 22, 1985|page=C1|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ikYwAAAAIBAJ&pg=2775%2C115416}}</ref>
* [[September 29]] – [[China–Japan relations]]: The Joint Communiqué of the Government of Japan and the Government of the People's Republic of China is signed in Beijing, which normalizes Japanese diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China after breaking official ties with the [[Republic of China]] (Taiwan).
* [[September 29]] – [[China–Japan relations]]: The Joint Communiqué of the Government of Japan and the Government of the People's Republic of China is signed in Beijing, which normalizes Japanese diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China after breaking official ties with the [[Republic of China]] (Taiwan).
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* [[December 16]]
* [[December 16]]
** The [[Constitution of Bangladesh]] comes into effect.
** The [[Constitution of Bangladesh]] comes into effect.
** The Portuguese army kills 400 Africans in [[Tete, Mozambique|Tete]], [[Portuguese Mozambique|Mozambique]].
** [[Mozambican War of Independence|Mozambican War of independence]]: The Portuguese army kills 400 Africans in [[Tete, Mozambique|Tete]], [[Portuguese Mozambique|Mozambique]].
* [[December 19]] – [[Apollo program]]: [[Apollo 17]] returns to [[Earth]], concluding the program of lunar exploration.
* [[December 19]] – [[Apollo program]]: [[Apollo 17]] returns to [[Earth]], concluding the program of lunar exploration.
* [[December 21]] – [[ZANLA]] troopers attack Altera Farm in north-east [[Rhodesia]].
* [[December 21]] – [[Rhodesian Bush War]]: [[ZANLA]] troopers attack Altera Farm in north-east [[Rhodesia]].
* [[December 22]]
* [[December 22]]
** Australia establishes diplomatic relations with China and East Germany.
** Australia establishes diplomatic relations with China and East Germany.
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<!--[[File:Take That (3604354113).jpg|thumb|100px|[[Mark Owen]]]]-->
<!--[[File:Take That (3604354113).jpg|thumb|100px|[[Mark Owen]]]]-->
[[File:Pedro Sánchez in 2018d.jpg|thumb|100px|[[Pedro Sánchez (politician)|Pedro Sánchez]]]]
[[File:Pedro Sánchez in 2018d.jpg|thumb|100px|[[Pedro Sánchez (politician)|Pedro Sánchez]]]]
* [[February 1]]
* [[February 1]]
** [[Tego Calderón]], Puerto Rican hip hop musician and actor<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 7, 2015|title=Tego Calderon – Profile of 'El Abayarde' Tego Calderon|url=http://latinmusic.about.com/od/artists/p/PRO01TEGOC.htm|access-date=2024-03-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907135957/http://latinmusic.about.com/od/artists/p/PRO01TEGOC.htm|archive-date=September 7, 2015}}</ref>
** [[Tego Calderón]], Puerto Rican hip hop musician and actor
* [[June 2]] – [[Wentworth Miller]], British-born American actor and screenwriter<ref>{{cite book|author=((Editors of Chase's))|title=Chase's Calendar of Events 2021: The Ultimate Go-to Guide for Special Days, Weeks and Months|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CPcCEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA306|date=October 27, 2020|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-1-64143-424-9|pages=306}}</ref>
* [[June 2]] – [[Wentworth Miller]], British-born American actor and screenwriter<ref>{{cite book|author=((Editors of Chase's))|title=Chase's Calendar of Events 2021: The Ultimate Go-to Guide for Special Days, Weeks and Months|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CPcCEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA306|date=October 27, 2020|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-1-64143-424-9|pages=306}}</ref>
[[File:Josh Duhamel SXSW 2017 (cropped).jpg|thumb|100px|[[Josh Duhamel]]]]<!--[[File:Jonny Lee Miller Comic-Con 2012 (cropped).jpg|thumb|100px|[[Jonny Lee Miller]]]]-->
[[File:Josh Duhamel SXSW 2017 (cropped).jpg|thumb|100px|[[Josh Duhamel]]]]<!--[[File:Jonny Lee Miller Comic-Con 2012 (cropped).jpg|thumb|100px|[[Jonny Lee Miller]]]]-->
* [[March 4]] – [[Harold Barrowclough|Sir Harold Barrowclough]], New Zealand general, lawyer and chief justice (b. [[1894]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/5b12/barrowclough-harold-eric|title=Barrowclough, Harold Eric|first=New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu|last=Taonga|website=teara.govt.nz}}</ref>
* [[March 8]] – [[Erich von dem Bach-Zelewski]], German Nazi politician and [[Schutzstaffel|SS]] functionary (b. [[1899]])
* [[March 8]] – [[Erich von dem Bach-Zelewski]], German Nazi politician and [[Schutzstaffel|SS]] functionary (b. [[1899]])
* [[March 11]]
* [[March 11]]
** [[Fredric Brown]], American science fiction and mystery writer (b. [[1906]])<ref>{{cite book|last=Seabrook|first=Jack|title=Martians and misplaced clues : the life and work of Fredric Brown|publisher=Bowling Green State University Popular Press|location=Bowling Green, OH|year=1993|isbn=9780879725914|page=10}}</ref>
** [[Fredric Brown]], American science fiction and mystery writer (b. [[1906]])<ref>{{cite book|last=Seabrook|first=Jack|title=Martians and misplaced clues : the life and work of Fredric Brown|publisher=Bowling Green State University Popular Press|location=Bowling Green, OH|year=1993|isbn=9780879725914|page=10}}</ref>
** [[Zack Wheat]], American baseball player (b. [[1888]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/wheat-zack|title=Wheat, Zack | Baseball Hall of Fame|website=baseballhall.org}}</ref>
** [[Zack Wheat]], American baseball player (b. [[1888]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/wheat-zack|title=Wheat, Zack | Baseball Hall of Fame|website=baseballhall.org}}</ref>
* [[March 17]] – [[Claude J. Crenshaw]], American Air Force officer and [[flying ace]] (b. [[1918]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=1114|title=Claude J. Crenshaw|newspaper=Veteran Tributes|access-date=September 29, 2023}}</ref>
* [[March 20]] – [[Marilyn Maxwell]], American actress (b. [[1921]])
* [[March 20]] – [[Marilyn Maxwell]], American actress (b. [[1921]])
* [[March 23]] – [[Cristóbal Balenciaga]], Spanish couturier (b. [[1895]])<ref>{{cite web|last=Charleston|first=Beth Duncuff|title=Cristobal Balenciaga (1895–1972)|work=Timeline of Art History|publisher=[[Metropolitan Museum of Art]]|date=October 2004|url=http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/bale/hd_bale.htm|access-date=December 23, 2020}}</ref>
* [[March 23]] – [[Cristóbal Balenciaga]], Spanish couturier (b. [[1895]])<ref>{{cite web|last=Charleston|first=Beth Duncuff|title=Cristobal Balenciaga (1895–1972)|work=Timeline of Art History|publisher=[[Metropolitan Museum of Art]]|date=October 2004|url=http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/bale/hd_bale.htm|access-date=December 23, 2020}}</ref>
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===April===
===April===
[[File:George Sanders Allan Warren.jpg|thumb|100px|[[George Sanders]]]]
[[File:George Sanders Allan Warren.jpg|thumb|100px|[[George Sanders]]]]
* [[April 2]] – [[Franz Halder]], German general (b. [[1884]])
* [[April 2]] – [[Franz Halder]], German general (b. [[1884]])
* [[April 3]] – [[Ferde Grofé]], American pianist and composer (b. [[1892]])
* [[April 3]] – [[Ferde Grofé]], American pianist and composer (b. [[1892]])
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* [[May 15]] – [[Nigel Green]], South African-English actor (b. [[1924]])
* [[May 15]] – [[Nigel Green]], South African-English actor (b. [[1924]])
* [[May 17]] – [[Gordon Lowe|Sir Gordon Lowe, Bt.]], British tennis player (b. [[1884]])
* [[May 17]] – [[Gordon Lowe|Sir Gordon Lowe, Bt.]], British tennis player (b. [[1884]])
* [[May 18]] – [[Sidney Franklin (director)|Sidney Franklin]], American film director (b. [[1893]])
* [[May 22]]
* [[May 22]]
** [[Cecil Day-Lewis]], British poet (b. [[1904]])
** [[Cecil Day-Lewis]], British poet (b. [[1904]])
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** [[Violette Leduc]], French writer (b. [[1907]])
** [[Violette Leduc]], French writer (b. [[1907]])
* [[May 29]] – [[Prithviraj Kapoor]], Indian actor and director (b. [[1906]])
* [[May 29]] – [[Prithviraj Kapoor]], Indian actor and director (b. [[1906]])
* [[May 30]] – [[Watchman Nee]], Chinese Christian preacher and church leader (b. [[1903]])<ref>[https://www.watchmannee.org Watchman Nee (1903-1972)]</ref>
* [[May 31]] – [[Walter Jackson Freeman II]], American neurologist (b. [[1895]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Walter-Jackson-Freeman-II|title=Walter Jackson Freeman II | American Neurologist & Neurosurgeon | Britannica|date=November 10, 2024|website=Encyclopædia Britannica}}</ref>
* [[May 31]] – [[Walter Jackson Freeman II]], American neurologist (b. [[1895]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Walter-Jackson-Freeman-II|title=Walter Jackson Freeman II | American Neurologist & Neurosurgeon | Britannica|date=November 10, 2024|website=Encyclopædia Britannica}}</ref>
* [[June 10]] – [[Edward Milford]], Australian general (b. [[1894]])<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/milford-edward-james-11121|title=Australian Dictionary of Biography|first=S. N.|last=Gower|publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University|via=Australian Dictionary of Biography}}</ref>
* [[June 9]] – [[Rudolf Belling]], German sculptor (b. [[1886]])
* [[June 12]]
* [[June 12]]
** [[Saul Alinsky]], American political activist (b. [[1909]])
** [[Saul Alinsky]], American political activist (b. [[1909]])
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<!--[[File:Talal of Jordan.jpg|thumb|100px|[[Talal of Jordan]]]]-->
<!--[[File:Talal of Jordan.jpg|thumb|100px|[[Talal of Jordan]]]]-->
* [[August 20]] – [[Juan Manuel Gálvez]], 39th [[President of Honduras]] (b. [[1887]])
* [[August 20]] – [[Juan Manuel Gálvez]], 39th [[President of Honduras]] (b. [[1887]])
* [[August 24]] – [[Jinichi Kusaka]], Japanese admiral (b. [[1888]])
* [[August 24]] – [[Jinichi Kusaka]], Japanese admiral (b. [[1888]])
* [[August 26]] – [[Francis Chichester|Sir Francis Chichester]], British sailor and aviator (b. [[1901]])
* [[August 26]] – [[Francis Chichester|Sir Francis Chichester]], British sailor and aviator (b. [[1901]])
* [[August 28]] – [[Prince William of Gloucester]] (b. [[1941]])<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/august/28/newsid_2536000/2536275.stm|title=1972: Prince William killed in plane crash|publisher=BBC News|work=On This Day|access-date=April 28, 2011|date=August 28, 1972}}</ref>
* [[August 28]] – [[Prince William of Gloucester]] (b. [[1941]])<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/august/28/newsid_2536000/2536275.stm|title=1972: Prince William killed in plane crash|publisher=BBC News|work=On This Day|access-date=April 28, 2011|date=August 28, 1972}}</ref>
* [[August 29]] – [[René Leibowitz]], French composer (b. [[1913]])
* [[August 29]]
** [[Lale Andersen]], German singer (b. [[1905]])<ref>{{cite book|title=The Historic Record & AV Collector Quarterly|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7Cs5AQAAIAAJ|year=1992|publisher=J. R. Wrigley|page=27}}</ref>
** [[René Leibowitz]], French composer (b. [[1913]])
[[File:Arnold Jackson 1912.jpg|100px|thumb|[[Arnold Jackson (athlete)|Arnold Jackson]]]]
<!--[[File:Arnold Jackson 1912.jpg|100px|thumb|[[Arnold Jackson (athlete)|Arnold Jackson]]]]-->
* [[November 1]] – [[Ezra Pound]], American poet (b. [[1885]])<ref>{{cite book|author=Peter Ackroyd|title=Ezra Pound and His World|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IccfAQAAIAAJ|year=1980|publisher=Scribner|isbn=978-0-684-16798-5|page=116}}</ref>
* [[November 1]] – [[Ezra Pound]], American poet (b. [[1885]])<ref>{{cite book|author=Peter Ackroyd|title=Ezra Pound and His World|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IccfAQAAIAAJ|year=1980|publisher=Scribner|isbn=978-0-684-16798-5|page=116}}</ref>
* [[November 5]] – [[Reginald Owen]], English actor (b. [[1887]])
* [[November 5]] – [[Reginald Owen]], English actor (b. [[1887]])
* [[November 12]]
* [[November 12]]
** [[Rudolf Friml]], Czech composer (b. [[1879]])<ref>{{cite book|author1=Ian Herbert|author2=Christine Baxter|author3=Robert E. Finley|title=Who's who in the Theatre: A Biographical Record of the Contemporary Stage|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lAC1AAAAIAAJ|year=1977|publisher=Pitman|isbn=978-0-273-00163-8|page=1382}}</ref>
** [[Rudolf Friml]], Czech composer (b. [[1879]])<ref>{{cite book|author1=Ian Herbert|author2=Christine Baxter|author3=Robert E. Finley|title=Who's who in the Theatre: A Biographical Record of the Contemporary Stage|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lAC1AAAAIAAJ|year=1977|publisher=Pitman|isbn=978-0-273-00163-8|page=1382}}</ref>
** [[José Nucete Sardi]], Venezuelan historian and diplomat (b. 1897)<ref>Mireya SOSA DE LEÓN: «Nucete Sardi, José». En: [http://bibliofep.fundacionempresaspolar.org/dhv/entradas/n/nucete-sardi-jose-vicente/ ''Diccionario de Historia de Venezuela'']. Venezuela: Fundación Empresas Polar, 1997. 980-6397-37-I.</ref>
** [[José Nucete Sardi]], Venezuelan historian and diplomat (b. 1897)<ref>Mireya SOSA DE LEÓN: «Nucete Sardi, José». En: [http://bibliofep.fundacionempresaspolar.org/dhv/entradas/n/nucete-sardi-jose-vicente/ ''Diccionario de Historia de Venezuela'']. Venezuela: Fundación Empresas Polar, 1997. 980-6397-37-I.</ref>[[File:Prinsessan Sibylla.png|thumb|134x134px|[[Princess Sibylla of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha]]]]
* [[November 13]] – [[Arnold Jackson (athlete)|Arnold Jackson]], British Olympic athlete (b. [[1891]])
* [[November 13]] – [[Arnold Jackson (athlete)|Arnold Jackson]], British Olympic athlete (b. [[1891]])
* [[November 14]] – [[Martin Dies Jr.]], American politician (b. [[1900]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Martin-Dies-Jr|title=Martin Dies, Jr. | Texas Congressman, House Un-American Activities Committee | Britannica|website=www.britannica.com}}</ref>
* [[November 14]] – [[Martin Dies Jr.]], American politician (b. [[1900]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Martin-Dies-Jr|title=Martin Dies, Jr. | Texas Congressman, House Un-American Activities Committee | Britannica|website=www.britannica.com}}</ref>
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** [[Havergal Brian]], English composer (b. [[1876]])
** [[Havergal Brian]], English composer (b. [[1876]])
** [[Princess Sibylla of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha]] (b. [[1908]])
** [[Princess Sibylla of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha]] (b. [[1908]])
* [[November 29]] – [[Carl W. Stalling]], American musician (b. [[1891]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://musicianguide.com/biographies/1608004257/Carl-Stalling.html|title=Carl Stalling Biography|website=musicianguide.com}}</ref>
* [[November 29]] – [[Carl W. Stalling]], American musician (b. [[1891]])
[[File:TRUMAN 58-766-06 (cropped).jpg|thumb|100px|[[Harry S. Truman]]]]
[[File:TRUMAN 58-766-06 (cropped).jpg|thumb|100px|[[Harry S. Truman]]]]
[[File:Lester B. Pearson (1963 ABC press photo).jpg|thumb|100px|[[Lester B. Pearson]]]]
* [[December 1]] – [[Antonio Segni]], 34th [[Prime Minister of Italy]] and 4th [[President of the Italian Republic]] (b. [[1891]])
* [[December 1]] – [[Antonio Segni]], 34th [[Prime Minister of Italy]] and 4th [[President of the Italian Republic]] (b. [[1891]])
* [[December 2]] – [[Ettore Bastico]], Italian field marshal (b. [[1876]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://comandosupremo.com/ettore-bastico/|title=General Ettore Bastico (1876–1972)|first=Robert|last=Hansen|date=February 12, 2019}}</ref>
* [[December 2]]
** [[Ettore Bastico]], Italian field marshal (b. [[1876]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://comandosupremo.com/ettore-bastico/|title=General Ettore Bastico (1876–1972)|first=Robert|last=Hansen|date=February 12, 2019}}</ref>
** [[Ip Man]], Chinese martial artist (b. [[1893]])
* [[December 9]]
* [[December 9]]
** [[William Dieterle]], German film director (b. [[1893]])
** [[William Dieterle]], German film director (b. [[1893]])
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* [[December 13]] – [[René Mayer]], 91st [[Prime Minister of France]] (b. [[1895]])
* [[December 13]] – [[René Mayer]], 91st [[Prime Minister of France]] (b. [[1895]])
* [[December 20]] – [[Günter Eich]], German lyricist, dramatist and author (b. [[1907]])
* [[December 20]] – [[Günter Eich]], German lyricist, dramatist and author (b. [[1907]])
* [[December 21]] – [[Paul Hausser]], German Waffen SS general and commander (b. [[1880]])<ref>{{cite book|last1=Williamson|first1=Gordon|title=German Commanders of World War II (2): Waffen-SS, Luftwaffe and Navy|date=2006|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=1-8417-6597-X|page=8}}</ref>
* [[December 21]]
** [[Horace Mann Bond]], American historian and college administrator (b. [[1904]])<ref>[https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/bond-horace-mann Bond, Horace Mann]</ref>
** [[Paul Hausser]], German Waffen SS general and commander (b. [[1880]])<ref>{{cite book|last1=Williamson|first1=Gordon|title=German Commanders of World War II (2): Waffen-SS, Luftwaffe and Navy|date=2006|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=1-8417-6597-X|page=8}}</ref>
* [[December 26]] – [[Harry S. Truman]], 33rd [[President of the United States]] (b. [[1884]])
* [[December 26]] – [[Harry S. Truman]], 33rd [[President of the United States]] (b. [[1884]])
* [[December 27]] – [[Lester B. Pearson]], 14th [[Prime Minister of Canada]], recipient of the [[Nobel Peace Prize]] (b. [[1897]])<ref>{{cite news|url=http://v1.theglobeandmail.com/series/primeministers/stories/obit-LBP.html|title=Lester Pearson dies in Ottawa|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=December 28, 1972|access-date=September 17, 2014|archive-date=June 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622024840/http://v1.theglobeandmail.com/series/primeministers/stories/obit-LBP.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[December 27]] – [[Lester B. Pearson]], 14th [[Prime Minister of Canada]], recipient of the [[Nobel Peace Prize]] (b. [[1897]])<ref>{{cite news|url=http://v1.theglobeandmail.com/series/primeministers/stories/obit-LBP.html|title=Lester Pearson dies in Ottawa|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=December 28, 1972|access-date=September 17, 2014|archive-date=June 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622024840/http://v1.theglobeandmail.com/series/primeministers/stories/obit-LBP.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[December 29]] – [[Joseph Cornell]], American sculptor (b. [[1903]])<ref>[https://americanart.si.edu/artist/joseph-cornell-995 Artist Joseph Cornell]</ref>
* [[December 31]] – [[Roberto Clemente]], Puerto Rican baseball player (b. [[1934]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/bday/0818.html|title=Clemente, Pirates' Star, Dies in Crash of Plane Carrying Aid to Nicaragua|work=The New York Times|date=January 2, 1973|access-date=January 3, 2019}}</ref>
* [[December 31]] – [[Roberto Clemente]], Puerto Rican baseball player (b. [[1934]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/bday/0818.html|title=Clemente, Pirates' Star, Dies in Crash of Plane Carrying Aid to Nicaragua|work=The New York Times|date=January 2, 1973|access-date=January 3, 2019}}</ref>
January 11 – Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declares a new constitutional government in Bangladesh, with himself as president.[6]
January 12 – In a 10-hour siege, a cell of 4 left-wing insurgents hold off a task force of 2500 army soldiers and police agents in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: eight members of the security forces and the entire insurgent cell are killed in the course of the siege.[7]
January 14 – Queen Margrethe II of Denmark succeeds her father, King Frederik IX, on the throne of Denmark, the first queen regnant of Denmark since 1412 and the first Danish monarch not named Frederick or Christian since 1513.
January 19 – The Libertarian enclave Minerva on a platform in the South Pacific, sponsored by the Phoenix Foundation, declares independence. Soon neighboring Tonga annexes the area and dismantles the platform.
February 28 – The Asama-Sansō incident ends in a standoff between 5 members of the Japanese United Red Army and the authorities, in which two policemen are killed and 12 injured.
March
Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote".
Eisenstadt v. Baird: The Supreme Court of the U.S. rules that unmarried people have the right to access contraception on the same basis as married couples[23]
April 29 – The fourth anniversary of the Broadway musical Hair is celebrated with a free concert at a Central Park bandshell, followed by dinner at the Four Seasons. There, 13 Black Panther protesters and the show's co-author, Jim Rado, are arrested for disturbing the peace and for using marijuana.
May
Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote".
Hong Kong's worst flooding and landslides in recorded history with Template:Convert of rainfall in the previous three days. 67 people die due to building collapses in Mid-levels districts landslide and building collapses, with a further 83 due to flooding-related fatalities. It is the second worst fatality due to building collapses, and the worst flooding in Hong Kong's recorded history.
July 10 – At least 24 people have been killed by elephants crazed by heat and drought in separate incidents in the Chandka Forest of India, according to news agency reports.
July 25 – U.S. health officials admit that African-American men were used as guinea pigs in the Tuskegee Syphilis Study without their informed consent.
August 1972 solar storms: A huge solar flare (one of the largest ever recorded) knocks out cable lines in the U.S. It begins with the appearance of sunspots on August 2; an August 4 flare kicks off high levels of activity until August 10.
September 29 – China–Japan relations: The Joint Communiqué of the Government of Japan and the Government of the People's Republic of China is signed in Beijing, which normalizes Japanese diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China after breaking official ties with the Republic of China (Taiwan).
October
Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote".
The first publication reporting the production of a recombinant DNA molecule, by Paul Berg and colleagues, marks the birth of modern molecular biology methodology.[49]
October 26 – A coup in the Republic of Dahomey (later Benin) led by Mathieu Kérékou removes a civilian government (which has been headed by a triumvirate consisting of Ahomadégbé, Apithy and Maga).
November 28 – The last executions in Paris, France. Roger Bontems and Claude Buffet – the Clairvaux Mutineers – are guillotined at La Santé Prison by chief executioner André Obrecht. Bontems, found not guilty of murder by the court, is condemned as Buffet's accomplice. President Georges Pompidou, in private an abolitionist, upholds both death sentences in deference to French public opinion.[54]
United Airlines Flight 553 crashes short of a runway in Chicago, killing 43 of 61 passengers and two people on the ground. A day later, over $10,000 cash is found in the purse of Watergate conspirator Howard Hunt's wife, who was on board.[57]
December 31 – For the first and last time, a 2nd leap second is added (23:59:60) to a year, making 1972 366 days and two seconds long, the longest year ever within the context of UTC.
Date unknown
Colombian looters find the lost 1st millennium city of Ciudad Perdida; it is not reached by official archaeologists until 1976.