On that day, only a few weeks had passed since the Soviet Union shot down Korean Air Flight 007, which killed all 269 on board, including a Congressman. The Soviets blew the plane up because they were suspicious it was a spy plane. Outrage ensued; it was considered nothing less than a crime against humanity by most of the non-communist world.
Meanwhile, in a bunker near Moscow, Colonel Stanislav Petrov was monitoring for signs of a nuclear launch. It was important to the Soviet Union that they be ready to retaliate. At once, a red button lit up, signifying a U.S. Attack was underway. Everyone was stunned, but Petrov thought it must be some mistake.
Petrov had only a couple of minutes to act. He went with his gut and did NOT launch a nuclear attack in response, contrary to the orders he had been given. For whatever reason, the world can be thankful that Petrov listened to his gut.
