Aimo Koivunen

Finnish soldier and war hero

Aimo Koivunen - Finnish soldier and war hero
Born

October 17th, 1917
107 years ago

Died

August 12th, 1989
35 years ago — 71 years old

Category

Military & Warriors

Country

Finland

Links & References

Served as a corporal in the Finnish Army during World War II. Participated in the Continuation War against the Soviet Union. Gained recognition for surviving a heroic solo escape after a severe battle in 1944, which involved traversing through enemy lines while wounded. Documented experiences in the Arctic warfare drew attention to the harsh conditions faced by soldiers in winter combat.

Survived a solo escape across enemy lines

Fought in the Continuation War

Other People Born on October 17th

Glenn Braggs

Baseball player, World Series champion
Born
October 17th, 1962 62 years ago

Played Major League Baseball as an outfielder. Debuted in 1987 with the Milwaukee Brewers, where achieved significant success. Contributed to the team's performance in the postseason. Played a critical role in the 1990s with the Cincinnati Reds, including participation in the team's 1990 World Series victory. Also played for the Kansas City Royals and had stints in minor league baseball over a career spanning multiple years.

Continue Reading

Carlos González

Venezuelan baseball player, MLB All-Star
Born
October 17th, 1985 39 years ago

Born in Venezuela, this baseball player made a significant mark in Major League Baseball. Debuting in 2008, he played primarily as an outfielder. His time with the Colorado Rockies was particularly notable, where he became an essential player. In 2010, achieved a batting title, showcasing impressive hitting skills. Received All-Star selections in 2010, 2013, and 2014, demonstrating consistent performance. Contributed to the Rockies' success, including a winning season in 2018. Played for the Oakland Athletics and the Chicago Cubs, also making contributions to their performances. Known for both his offensive and defensive capabilities, his career included multiple seasons with high batting averages and home run totals.

Continue Reading

José E. Días

Paraguayan general and military leader
Born
October 17th, 1833 191 years ago
Died
1867 158 years ago — 34 years old

Born in Paraguay, a prominent military leader rose through the ranks during the Paraguayan War. Commanded troops and played significant roles in numerous battles, contributing to the military strategies and operations of Paraguay. Notable for leadership qualities and tactical acumen in warfare, particularly during the conflict with Brazil and Argentina. Contributed to the defense of Paraguayan sovereignty and was instrumental in organizing military campaigns. His efforts in the war left a lasting mark on the nation’s military history.

Continue Reading

Nicolás Richotti

Argentine basketball player
Born
October 17th, 1986 38 years ago

Played professional basketball primarily as a guard. Contributed significantly to multiple teams in international leagues and was part of the Argentine national team. Made appearances in FIBA Basketball World Cup and participated in several international championships. His career includes stints in Spain's Liga ACB and the Argentine Liga Nacional de Básquet.

Continue Reading

Thomas Strudwick

British motorcycle road racer
Born
October 17th, 2001 23 years ago

Participation in motorcycle racing events started at a young age. Competed in various championships including the British Superbike Championship and Moto3. Secured notable positions and garnered recognition within the racing community. Consistently demonstrated skill and determination on the track, contributing to personal achievements in competitive motorcycle racing.

Continue Reading

Gregg Wallace

Television presenter and MasterChef host
Born
October 17th, 1964 60 years ago

A television presenter widely recognized for hosting the BBC's MasterChef and its various spin-offs. Began a career in the food industry, founding a successful fruit and vegetable company. Transitioned into television, where an engaging style and enthusiasm for cooking led to appearances on various culinary programs. Also hosted series such as Good Food Live and Inside the Factory. Made contributions to cookery books and has had a prominent media presence.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on August 12th

Pope Innocent XI

Pope and reformer of the Catholic Church
Born
May 16th, 1611 414 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1689 335 years ago — 78 years old

Served as Pope from 1676 to 1689, overseeing significant church reforms and confronting the rising power of secular authorities. Tackled issues such as ecclesiastical discipline and financial administration within the Church. He is recognized for his opposition to the abuses of the Jesuits and their influence in Europe. Under his papacy, the church sought to restore its moral authority and address corruption. Faced challenges from emerging modern states and worked towards strengthening the papal power.

Continue Reading

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Influential American painter and poet
Born
December 22nd, 1960 64 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1988 36 years ago — 27 years old

Emerging from the New York City art scene in the late 1970s, focused on graffiti art and neo-expressionism. His work combined text and imagery, often addressing themes of race, identity, and social commentary. Gained prominence through collaborations and exhibitions, including works at the Annina Nosei Gallery. Kicked off a unique fusion of street art and high art, becoming a pivotal figure in the art movement of the 1980s. Throughout his career, faced challenges associated with fame and the art market. Passed away in 1988, leaving a lasting legacy as an innovator in contemporary art.

Continue Reading

Guy de Beauchamp

10th Earl of Warwick, English nobleman
Died
August 12th, 1315 709 years ago — None years old

Served as the 10th Earl of Warwick and held significant power in medieval England. Engaged in the politics of the time and participated in the ongoing conflicts between the monarchy and the nobility. Associated with the royal courts and involved in matters of governance and military leadership. Played a role in the English civil wars during the late 13th and early 14th centuries, influencing local and national affairs.

Continue Reading

Alf Morris

English politician and activist
Born
1928 97 years ago
Died
August 12th, 2012 12 years ago — 84 years old

A prominent politician and activist, dedicated efforts focused on disability rights and health care reform. Served as the Member of Parliament for Wythenshawe from 1964 to 1997. Played a key role in the introduction of the first Disability Discrimination Act in 1995, which aimed to protect the rights of disabled individuals in the UK. Advocated for various other social causes throughout parliamentary career, contributing to significant legislative changes in health policies.

Continue Reading

Sixtus IV

Pope who initiated the Sistine Chapel
Born
1414 611 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1484 540 years ago — 70 years old

Served as pope from 1471 until 1484. Oversaw significant religious and cultural advancements within the Catholic Church. Commissioned the construction of the Sistine Chapel, which later became an artistic milestone in Renaissance architecture. Implemented reforms in the Church, including measures to enhance papal authority and improve the administration of justice. Played a vital role in the politics of the Italian city-states, often acting as a mediator in disputes.

Continue Reading

Friedrich Schottky

Mathematician and theoretical physicist
Born
July 24th, 1851 174 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1935 89 years ago — 84 years old

Born in 1851, contributions to mathematics and physics included the development of the Schottky diode, a semiconductor device vital in modern electronics. Worked extensively on thermionic emission and solid-state physics, enhancing the understanding of electron behavior in solids. Held academic positions, influencing the field of theoretical physics through research and publications.

Continue Reading