Today in history 6/24/2021

June 24th, 1948:

An early Cold War crisis as the Soviet Union cuts off all land and water routes between West Germany and what’s then, West Berlin. It’s an attempt to force the United States and its Western allies to abandon the city, amid Soviet expansion across Eastern Europe. The U.S. and its allies organised a massive airlifted supplies into West Berlin. The blockade ends the next year.

1895:

Jack Dempsey, world heavyweight boxing champ, and a sport icon during the early 20th century, is born in Manassa, Colorado.

1987:

Comedian and actor Jackie Gleason, known as “The Great One”, dies at his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Gleason, starred the early TV classic sitcom, “The Honeymooners”, was 71.