December 5: What Happened on This Day in History
December 5th marks the 339th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 340th in case of leap years). There are 26 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on December 5th in history, famous birthdays on December 5th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to December 5.
What happened on December 5?
Here's what happened on December 5th in history:
- 2021: A large-scale insurgent attack occurred in Tillabéri, Niger, involving hundreds of militants on motorcycles targeting an international military base. The intense battle resulted in significant casualties: 79 insurgents and 29 soldiers were killed during the confrontation.
- 2008: In December 2008, the United States reported a significant increase in unemployment, with over 500,000 jobs lost in November, marking the largest monthly job loss in 34 years. source: bls.gov
- 2006: On December 5, 2006, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, announced a military coup, deposing Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and dissolving Parliament. This marked Fiji's fourth coup in two decades. source: abc.net.au
- 2002: On December 5, 2002, United Airlines announced it was considering filing for bankruptcy due to mounting financial losses and the impact of the September 11 attacks on the airline industry. source: nytimes.com
- 1994: On December 5, 1994, the Budapest Memorandum was signed, providing security assurances to Ukraine in exchange for giving up its nuclear arsenal. This agreement was significant in post-Soviet geopolitics. source: state.gov
- 1987: On December 5, 1987, Tim Brown, a wide receiver and kick return specialist from the University of Notre Dame, was awarded the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first wide receiver to receive this honor. He secured 1,442 points in the nationwide balloting, surpassing quarterback Don McPherson of Syracuse, who received 831 points. Brown's exceptional performance throughout the season, including notable punt returns, solidified his position as the nation's top college football player. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1985: On December 5, 1985, the United Kingdom conducted a nuclear test at Christmas Island, part of a series of tests known as the 'Operation Grapple' series. This test was part of the UK's efforts to develop and maintain its nuclear deterrent capabilities during the Cold War. The test raised significant international concern regarding nuclear proliferation and environmental impacts. source: britannica.com
- 1981: On December 5, 1981, Marcus Allen of the University of Southern California was awarded the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. He set 12 NCAA records and led the nation in scoring and all-purpose running. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1977: On December 5, 1977, Egypt broke diplomatic relations with five Arab nations—Algeria, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and South Yemen—in response to their opposition to Egypt's peace negotiations with Israel. Egyptian President Anwar Sadat ordered their diplomats to leave within 24 hours and recalled Egypt's envoys from these countries. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1975: On December 5, 1975, the British government announced the end of preventive detention in Northern Ireland, a controversial measure that had been in place during the Troubles. This decision was part of broader efforts to address civil unrest and political tensions. source: bbc.com
What famous birthdays are on December 5?
On December 5th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Little Richard]()
Little Richard (1932)Little Richard was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and pianist, often regarded as one of the founding fathers of rock and roll. With his electrifying performances, flamboyant persona, and genre-defining sound, he played a pivotal role in shaping the music scene of the 1950s and influenced countless artists across multiple generations. [bio]
![Frankie Muniz]()
Frankie Muniz (1985)Frankie Muniz is an American actor, musician, and racing driver, best known for his starring role as Malcolm in the Fox television family sitcom 'Malcolm in the Middle' (2000–2006). He has also pursued a career in professional racing and music. [bio]
![Joan Didion]()
Joan Didion (1934)Joan Didion was an influential American writer known for her sharp, observant prose in novels, essays, and screenplays. A major figure in New Journalism, she explored themes of social fragmentation, culture, and personal loss. [bio]
![Keri Hilson]()
Keri Hilson (1982)Keri Hilson is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her R&B, pop, and hip hop-influenced music. She gained international fame both as a solo artist and as a songwriter for other high-profile artists. [bio]
![Bhumibol Adulyadej]()
Bhumibol Adulyadej (1927)Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as King Rama IX, was the King of Thailand from 1946 until his death in 2016. His reign of 70 years made him the longest-serving head of state in Thai history and, at the time, the world's longest-reigning monarch. Deeply respected in Thailand, he was known for his commitment to rural development, social welfare, and stability … [bio]
![Margaret Cho]()
Margaret Cho (1968)Margaret Cho is an American comedian, actress, and musician known for her stand-up comedy, her outspoken advocacy, and her roles in television and film. [bio]
![Hanif Kureishi]()
Hanif Kureishi (1954)Hanif Kureishi is a British playwright, screenwriter, novelist, and filmmaker known for his works exploring themes of race, sexuality, and identity, particularly centered on British-Asian experiences. [bio]
![Otto Preminger]()
Otto Preminger (1905)Otto Preminger was an influential Austro-Hungarian-born American film director, producer, and actor renowned for his work in Hollywood during the mid-20th century. Known for tackling taboo subjects in his films, he established himself with innovative filmmaking and challenging the Motion Picture Production Code. [bio]
![Amy Acker]()
![Paula Patton]()
Paula Patton (1975)Paula Patton is an American actress and producer best known for her roles in films such as 'Precious,' 'Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,' and 'Déjà Vu.' She has earned acclaim for her dynamic performances across a range of film genres. [bio]
How to check someone's birthday?
If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide
Who died on December 5?
On December 5th the following celebrities died:
![Bob Dole]()
![Kirstie Alley]()
Kirstie Alley (2022)Kirstie Alley was an American actress and spokesmodel, widely known for her roles in popular television series and films from the 1980s onward. [bio]
![Jorge Negrete]()
Jorge Negrete (1953)Jorge Negrete was a celebrated Mexican singer and actor, widely recognized as one of the icons of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Renowned for his powerful baritone voice and charismatic screen presence, he was instrumental in popularizing ranchera music and starred in numerous influential films. [bio]
![Robert Walker]()
Robert Walker (2019)Robert Walker was an American actor best known for his roles in classic Hollywood films during the 1940s, particularly his critically acclaimed performance as the villain Bruno Antony in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Strangers on a Train' (1951). [bio]
![Nina Foch]()
![Beverly Garland]()
Beverly Garland (2008)Beverly Garland was an American film and television actress, best known for her work in B-movies of the 1950s and for her prominent roles in television series such as 'My Three Sons' and 'Scarecrow and Mrs. King.' She had a career spanning over five decades and also became known as a successful hotel owner. [bio]
![Norman Lear]()
Norman Lear (2023)Groundbreaking television producer who revolutionized American sitcoms by addressing social issues and creating culturally significant shows...
![Dave Brubeck]()
Dave Brubeck (2012)Legendary jazz pianist and composer who revolutionized the genre with innovative time signatures and complex rhythms.
![Don Meredith (football)]()
Don Meredith (football) (2010)Don Meredith was a legendary NFL quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys who later became a beloved Monday Night Football commentator, famous for...
![Sri Aurobindo]()
What day of the year is December 5?
December 5th marks the 339th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 340th in case of leap years).
There are 26 days remaining until the end of the year.
December 5th is the 5th day of the month of December.
What day of the week is December 5?
On December 5th, 2026 the day of the week is Saturday.
| December | 2026 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||
What zodiac sign is associated with the day December 5?
The zodiac sign associated with December 5th is Sagittarius according to the Western Zodiac.
