This Week in American History: 1978 -Monster Blizzard Hits Northeastern U.S.

By ANDY KOBER
Here is what happened this week in American History.
• Feb. 5. On this day in 1950, South Korean, UN and US forces are moving again, driving communist forces – North Korean and Chinese – back toward North Korea. What had started as a series of reconnaissance-in-force operations has turned into a general attack called Operation Thunderbolt. As probing operations and air attacks continue, two tank battalions, two infantry battalions, an artillery battalion, and a company of engineers known as Task Force Allen are poised and ready to exploit a breakthrough. Meanwhile smaller armored units are probing the Chinese and North Korean defenses. In addition, the US Navy prepares for an amphibious landing at Inchon to draw defenders from the main efforts. Units from I Corps reach the Han River largely unimpeded.
• Feb. 6. In 1978, a nor-easter – or extratropical cyclone in the northeast US – strikes Connecticut, Massachusetts, New England, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and New York City. Some of the areas receive record-breaking amounts of snowfall per hour along with record-breaking overall accumulation of snow ever received from a single storm. The storm packs winds of 86 miles per hour causing whiteout conditions in some areas. Known as the Blizzard of 1978, the storm will claim the lives of 100 people and leave 4,500 people suffering various injuries.
• Feb. 7. Today in 1962, the US bans all imports from and exports to Cuba. The ban came as a result of Cuba seizing American assets in the island nation after the Cuban Revolution. Though it remains today, the ban has been loosened and tightened since then.
• Feb. 8. In 1924, the first case of execution by gas chamber in the US takes place in Nevada. Gee Jon, 29, a member of the Hip Sing Tong criminal society was put to death for the murder of Tom Quong Kee, 74, a member of the Bing Kung Tong society. Born in Canton, Qing China, Jon had immigrated to the US sometime between 1907 and 1908.
• Feb. 9. On this day in 1949, Judith Light is born in Trenton, New Jersey. She graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in drama with her first professional appearance in Richard III at the 1970 California Shakespeare Festival. With acting roles few and far between, Light almost quit acting when she landed a leading role on a soap opera. Light moved into mainstream television and movies and is remembered by many as Angela Bower on the sitcom Who’s the Boss? Now 76, Light remains active.
• Feb. 10. In 1950, Operation Thunderbolt continues as Task Force Allen follows the US 25th Division with the goal of seizing the Inchon-Yougdungp’o road, which is accomplished hours ahead of the projected schedule. Driving into the Kimpo peninsula, Task Force Allen splits into two sections with one attacking and securing the airfield and the other attacking up the center of the peninsula. Rangers from the Eighth Army enter Inchon to find the Korean Peoples Army had fled, leaving behind a force that was quickly overwhelmed. Operation Thunderbolt officially ends the next day. US forces suffer 2,228 killed while the Chinese suffer about 18,000 killed in action.
• Feb. 11. Today in 1946, the New Testament of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible is first published in the US. It will be followed by the Old Testament in 1952. The publication draws considerable condemnation and controversy.