November 2nd, 1948:

President Harry Truman confounds the political pundits in the race for the White House... as the incumbent Democrat narrowly defeats Republican challenger Thomas E. Dewey in an upset.

1963:

A coup in Southeast Asia, in what's then known as South Vietnam.

The country's leader Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother Nhu are killed after they are toppled from power.

Diem's generals carry out the coup after the United States decides to no longer support him.

1947:

Howard Hughes pilots his huge wooden flying boat --- known as the "Spruce Goose" --- on its only voyage.

His flight over Long Beach Harbor, California lasts about a minute and covers a mile.

1959:

In Washington, a bombshell rocks the world of television during its early years.

Charles Van Doren admits that he cheated as a contestant on NBC's game show "Twenty-One."

He tells House lawmakers that he had been given the show's questions and answers in advance.

And, 1961:

k.d. lang --- singer and songwriter --- is born in Consort, Alberta, Canada.

Today in History, November 2nd --- ___ ___, The Associated Press.