1954
The U.S.'s first hydrogen bomb detonation took place at Eniwetok Atoll.
Dr. Jonas Salk - developer of the anti-polio vaccine, began testing his final version on school children in Pittsburgh. The serum would be approved for national vaccine programs the next year.
Nationally televised hearings and an Edward R. Murrow interview in which Senator Joseph McCarthy was caught in several lies - helped end McCarthy's witch hunt for Communists in show business and the armed forces. The senator was later rebuked by a condemnation in the Senate for his tactics and behavior.
Congress and the Pentagon authorized creation of the U.S. Air Force Academy.
The Iwo Jima statue was dedicated in Arlington National Cemetery.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against racial segregation in schools.
Hurricanes killed 170 Americans and over 200 Canadians.
A massive air raid drill was conducted in June in the 48 states, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
The Yankee Clipper, Joe DiMaggio, began hosting a Yankees TV pre-game show.
Captain Midnight encouraged kids to be popular by using the 
advertiser's products.
Successes at the box office included Bing Crosby in White Christmas, Humphrey Bogart in The Caine Mutiny and Ethel Merman & Marilyn Monroe in There's No Business Like Show Business.
Hit songs included Mr. Sandman, Sh-Boom, Hernando's Hideaway and the first rock & roll tune to make the hit parade, Joe Turner's Shake, Rattle & Roll.
