1949End of an early cold war crisis as the last US transport plane makes its run in the Berlin airlift. The American organized airlift brought millions of tons of food and fuel and other supplies to what was then West Berlin during a Soviet Blockade.

1962A pivotal struggle for America Civil Rights movement reaches its climax at the University of Mississippi. That's where James Meredith under federal protection succeeds on his fourth try, becoming the first black student to register for classes. He is admitted after deadly riots on campus leave two people dead and President John F. Kennedy puts National Guard troops under federal command to try to restore order. "Americans are free and sure to disagree with the law, but not to disobey it."1791The Magic Flute, the opera composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, premieres in Vienna, Austria.

And 1955"You're tearing me apart."Actor James Dean is killed when his car smashes into another on a California highway. The rebel icon was just 24 years old.

Today in History, September 30th, Tim Maguire, the Associated Press.