Executing an Order (Jan. 17): "Let's do it," says convicted killer Gary Gilmore. Seconds later, he is executed by a firing squad at Utah State Prison. Gilmore, who murdered two college students, lobbied for his own execution, the first in the United States in 10 years. His story will be recounted in Norman Mailer's 1979 book, "Executioner's Song."

	President and Mrs. Carter at an inaugural ball

Stroll Down the Avenue (Jan. 20): Jimmy Carter takes the oath of office as the nation's 39th president and then astonishes the crowd by walking from the Capitol to the White House, at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue.

Searching for 'Roots' (Jan. 23-30): In one of the most remarkable events in TV history, "Roots" captivates the nation for eight straight nights on ABC. The 12-hour miniseries, based on author Alex Haley's moving search for his African ancestors, is the highest-rated series of all time. All eight telecasts rank among the top 13 highest-rated programs ever, and the final segment tops all shows. The A.C. Nielsen Co. estimates that about 130 million viewers -- about half the U.S. population -- watch at least a part of "Roots."

A Slew of Wins (June 11): Seattle Slew, ridden by jockey Jean Cruguet, wins the 109th Belmont Stakes, following victories at the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, to become the 10th horse to capture racing's Triple Crown.

	Mitchell

Watergate Conspirator (June 22): John Mitchell, attorney general in the Nixon administration, begins a 30-month sentence in federal prison in Alabama for conspiracy, obstruction of justice and perjury in the Watergate cover-up.

Computers at Home (Aug. 3): Tandy Corp. introduces its Radio Shack TRS-80 home computer. The $600 machine becomes a hot seller.

Son of Sam (Aug. 10): New York police arrest 24-year-old David Berkowitz in the slayings of six people and the wounding of seven others. During the 13-month killing spree, Berkowitz carries on a cryptic correspondence with police and tabloid newspapers, calling himself Son of Sam. He says a black dog named Sam ordered him to kill. Clinically paranoid, Berkowitz will plead insanity but be found competent to stand trial. In 1978, he will plead guilty and be sentenced to 25 years to life for each of the killings.

The King Is Dead (Aug 16): Millions of fans are plunged into mourning by the death of 42-year-old Elvis Aaron Presley, "The King" of rock 'n' roll for two decades. As news of his death spreads, thousands of fans gather outside the gates of his sprawling Graceland mansion gates to weep for their fallen idol. Although he is still wildly popular at time of his death, Presley's career has been mostly erratic since his breakthrough triumphs in the 1950s and early '60s. He battled weight problems and allegations of drug abuse in his final years.

Canal Turnover (Sept. 7): President Carter and Panamanian Brig. Gen. Omar Torrijos Herrera sign treaties to transfer control of the Panama Canal to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999.

Catalyst for Freedom (Sept. 12): The name of Steve Biko, a leader of South Africa's "black consciousness" movement, becomes a rallying cry in the fight against white-minority rule after he dies Sept. 12 in Pretoria of massive head injuries while in police custody. A magistrate exonerates the police in Biko's death, but they admit that he was forced to spend 19 days naked in a cell and was shackled in handcuffs and leg irons for 50 straight hours. Biko's life and brutal death will be detailed in a 1987 film, "Cry Freedom."

Making Peace (Nov. 21): Egyptian President Anwar Sadat ends a historic visit to Israel, during which he joined hands with Prime Minister Menachem Begin and addressed the Knesset, declaring "no more war."