A bomb detonates on Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing 270 people, including 189 Americans. The terrorist attack, perpetrated by two Libyans, was viewed as an attack against the United States for multiple attacks against Libyan targets in the 1980s.
Geneva Conference opens
Following the 1973 Yom Kippur War between Israel and Egypt and Syria, the Geneva Conference opens under the guidance of the United Nations. The United States and the Soviet Union chaired the conference, which hosted diplomats from Israel, Egypt, and Jordan. Syria boycotted the conference after the Palestine Liberation Organization was not admitted.
Sherman captures Savannah
Completing his "March to the Sea", Union General William T. Sherman captures Savannah, Georgia. Sherman delivered Savannah as a Christmas present to President Lincoln, as he had captured artillery, ammunition, and about 25,000 bales of cotton.
