Albert Ball
English fighter pilot in World War I
Born
August 14th, 1896
128 years ago
Died
May 7th, 1917
108 years ago — 20 years old
Category
Military & Warriors
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
A British fighter pilot, notable contributions occurred during World War I. Activities included combat missions in the Royal Flying Corps. Achieved high acclaim for aerial victories and strategic aerial reconnaissance. Recognized as a skilled pilot, ranked as a captain, and awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery. His engagements with enemy aircraft established a reputation for exceptional flying skills.
Achieved 44 confirmed aerial victories
Received the Victoria Cross for bravery
Served with the Royal Flying Corps
Other People Born on August 14th
Stig Tøfting
Played professional football primarily as a midfielder. Represented the Danish national team, earning multiple caps. Played for clubs including Aalborg BK, Herfølge BK, and Hamburg SV. Known for tenacity and leadership on the pitch, contributing to team dynamics throughout a lengthy career.
Continue ReadingRusty Wallace
A prominent race car driver in American motorsports, achieved significant success in the NASCAR series. Competed in the series primarily for Penske Racing, securing multiple victories throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In 1989, earned the NASCAR Cup Series Championship, solidifying a reputation as one of the top drivers of the era. After retiring from full-time racing, contributed to the sport as a commentator and analyst on various media platforms.
Continue ReadingDebbie Meyer
An accomplished swimmer, this athlete rose to prominence in the 1960s. Dominated the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, winning three gold medals in the 200-meter, 400-meter, and 800-meter freestyle events. Set multiple world records during her career, showcasing exceptional endurance and speed in long-distance swimming. After retiring from competitive swimming, engaged in coaching and motivational speaking, inspiring younger generations of swimmers.
Continue ReadingRichard R. Ernst
A Swiss chemist and academic contributed significantly to the field of chemistry, particularly in the development of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Played a pivotal role in transforming NMR into a powerful analytical tool, enabling advancements in various scientific fields, including pharmaceuticals and materials science. In 1991, awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for contributions that laid the groundwork for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in medicine. Held a distinguished academic career, serving as a professor at ETH Zurich and engaging in extensive research that influenced both academic study and practical applications of NMR technology.
Continue ReadingRobert Comtesse
Born in 1847, this individual served as a prominent figure in Swiss politics. Contributed to legal reforms and engaged in public service as a member of the Swiss Federal Council, serving from 1881 to 1889. Held the position of head of the Department of Justice and Police, focusing on legislative and judicial matters. Played a significant role in the establishment of modern Swiss legal frameworks and governance structures.
Continue ReadingCharlotte Fowler Wells
A phrenologist and publisher in the United States, significant contributions were made to the field of phrenology. Published works that detailed theories connecting personality traits with skull shapes. Engaged in public speaking to promote phrenological ideas and advocated for women's rights within the context of scientific inquiry.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 7th
Steve Albini
A prominent record producer and musician, gained recognition in the alternative and indie rock scenes. Founded the recording studio Electrical Audio in Chicago, serving as a key location for producing albums across various genres. As a musician, played guitar in the bands Big Black and Shellac, contributing to the development of noise rock and post-hardcore music. Worked with numerous notable artists, particularly during the 1990s, and emphasized a no-frills approach to recording, allowing artists' sounds to be captured authentically. Maintained a strong advocacy for artistic integrity and independent music production throughout a lengthy career.
Continue ReadingErnst A. Lehmann
A captain and pilot, served as commander of the Hindenburg airship. Participated in transatlantic flights and played a significant role in the air transport operations during the time of commercial airships. The Hindenburg, the largest airship ever built, tragically caught fire and was destroyed during landing in 1937, marking the end of the airship era. Prior to this disaster, Lehmann commanded several successful flights, contributing to the operational history of airships in the 1930s.
Continue ReadingWarner Baxter
An actor active during the silent era and early sound films, participated in numerous productions. Gained significant recognition for performances in films such as 'The Temple of Doom' and 'The Last of Mrs. Cheyney'. Won an Academy Award for Best Actor for the role in 'In Old Arizona', marking a notable achievement in a successful film career.
Continue ReadingPeter Rodino
Served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1949 to 1989 representing New Jersey. Played a significant role as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee during the Watergate scandal. Oversaw the impeachment proceedings against President Richard Nixon. Advocated for civil rights legislation and immigration reform throughout a lengthy congressional career.
Continue ReadingClement Greenberg
Contributions to the field of art criticism established a foundation for understanding Modernist art. Promoted Abstract Expressionism, influencing key artists within the movement. Worked for various publications, including The Nation, where critiques on contemporary art were widely read. Authored influential essays that shaped art criticism, notably 'Avant-Garde and Kitsch,' which argued for the authenticity of Modernist art against popular culture. Articulated the importance of medium specificity in painting, which became a central tenet in art discussions.
Continue ReadingGeorge Lansbury
An English journalist and politician, played a significant role in the Labour Party during the early 20th century. Served as the leader of the Labour Party from 1932 to 1935 and was an advocate for various social causes including women's rights and housing reform. Elected as a Member of Parliament for the first time in 1910 and represented several constituencies over the years. Established a strong connection with the working class and emphasized social justice throughout his political career. Pushed for policies that aimed to improve the living conditions of the poor and was influential in the development of the party's platform.
Continue Reading