Alexey Maresyev

Russian soldier and pilot, WWII hero

Alexey Maresyev - Russian soldier and pilot, WWII hero
Born

May 20th, 1916
109 years ago

Died

May 19th, 2001
24 years ago — 84 years old

Category

Military & Warriors

Country

Russia

Links & References

Served as a pilot in the Soviet Air Force during World War II. After being shot down, endured severe injuries and amputations, yet returned to active duty despite significant physical challenges. Participated in numerous combat missions and contributed to the Soviet effort in the war. His life story inspired literature and film, including the famous novella "The Story of a Real Man".

Flew over 100 combat missions

Received the title of Hero of the Soviet Union

Inspired the novella 'The Story of a Real Man'

Other People Born on May 20th

Jules Méline

French lawyer and Prime Minister
Born
May 20th, 1838 187 years ago
Died
1925 100 years ago — 87 years old

Served as the 65th Prime Minister of France from 1896 to 1898. Advocated for agricultural policies and sought to improve the economic conditions of rural France. Played a significant role in the establishment of the agricultural credit and rural banks. Held various roles in politics, contributing to the legislative process during a transitional period in French history.

Continue Reading

Max Euwe

Chess player and World Champion
Born
May 20th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
November 26th, 1981 43 years ago — 80 years old

An accomplished chess player and mathematician, this individual became the fifth World Chess Champion, holding the title from 1935 to 1937. Renowned for both competitive play and extensive contributions to chess literature, authored several books on the game. As a mathematician, engaged in research and teaching, combining a passion for the game with academic pursuits. Actively participated in chess initiatives promoting the sport during and after World War II.

Continue Reading

Susan Cowsill

Singer-songwriter with The Cowsills
Born
May 20th, 1959 66 years ago

Born in 1959, a singer-songwriter and member of The Cowsills, a band that gained prominence in the late 1960s. The group achieved major hits such as 'Hair' and 'The Rain, the Park and Other Things.' They are recognized as one of the first family bands to have significant success in the pop music scene. The Cowsills influenced the music industry with their harmonies and were a precursor to later family-oriented acts. Cowsill also pursued a solo career and contributed to various musical projects, showcasing talent in songwriting and performance.

Continue Reading

Ken Boyer

Baseball player and manager, World Series champ
Born
May 20th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
September 7th, 1982 43 years ago — 51 years old

A baseball player and manager, achieved significant success in Major League Baseball. Played primarily for the St. Louis Cardinals, where a standout career spanned from 1955 to 1965. Excelled as a third baseman and earned the National League Most Valuable Player award in 1964. Contributed to the Cardinals' victory in the 1964 World Series. Later transitioned to manage teams including the New York Mets and the Cardinals, further influencing the game behind the scenes.

Continue Reading

Moshe Dayan

Israeli general and politician
Born
May 20th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
October 16th, 1981 44 years ago — 66 years old

A prominent Israeli military leader and politician, played significant roles during key events in Israeli history. Served as the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Held the position of Minister of Defense during the Six-Day War in 1967, which resulted in a decisive Israeli victory. Later became the fifth Minister of Foreign Affairs, where contributed to peace negotiations with Egypt. His leadership and strategies shaped the course of Israel's defense and diplomatic relations.

Continue Reading

Petr Čech

Footballer and Chelsea FC goalkeeper
Born
May 20th, 1982 43 years ago

A prestigious goalkeeper in football, achieved significant success during a career that spanned several top clubs. Played for Chelsea FC from 2004 to 2015, contributing to the team's dynamic defense and securing key victories. Transferred to Arsenal FC, where continued to demonstrate high-level skills until retirement. Recognized as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, he holds several records in the Premier League. After concluding a notable playing career, transitioned to a sporting director role within the professional arena.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 19th

Jadunath Sarkar

Indian historian and biographer
Born
December 10th, 1870 154 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1958 67 years ago — 87 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of history, focusing primarily on the Mughal Empire. Authored several foundational texts including 'History of Aurangzeb' and 'Rise and Fall of the Mughal Empire'. Served as a professor of history at the University of Calcutta, shaping the study of Indian history through rigorous methodologies. Developed a reputation as a leading scholar and critic of earlier historiography, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of India's past. Engaged in various academic pursuits and contributed to the establishment of history as a formal discipline in India.

Continue Reading

Coleman Hawkins

American jazz saxophonist and bandleader
Born
November 21st, 1904 120 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1969 56 years ago — 64 years old

A prominent figure in jazz music, contributions to the genre included pioneering the tenor saxophone as a solo instrument. Initially played with the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra in the 1920s and became a central figure in the jazz scene. Recorded the landmark album 'Body and Soul' in 1939, which is considered one of the defining works of jazz improvisation. Collaborated with numerous renowned musicians and participated in the bebop movement in the 1940s.

Continue Reading

Claude Henri de Rouvroy

Economist and philosopher, Saint-Simon
Born
October 17th, 1760 265 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1825 200 years ago — 64 years old

Born in France, one of the prominent figures in early socialism. Developed theories on industrial society and the role of the industrial class in social progress. Advocated for a new social order that emphasized the importance of productive work and the coordination of industry. Founded the Saint-Simonian movement, which influenced socialist thought and later socialist movements across Europe. Writings included 'The New Christianity' and 'The Industrial System', which emphasized scientific and industrial development as key to societal advancement.

Continue Reading

James Boswell

Scottish biographer of Samuel Johnson
Born
October 29th, 1740 285 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1795 230 years ago — 54 years old

A prominent Scottish biographer and diarist, played a pivotal role in literary history with the creation of the biography of Samuel Johnson. This work, titled 'The Life of Mr. Johnson', provided profound insights into Johnson's life and thoughts. Boswell's meticulous documentation of Johnson's conversations and experiences contributed to the development of the biographical genre. His writings also included detailed accounts of his own travels and experiences, reflecting the social and cultural context of the 18th century. The biographer established a significant legacy through his thorough reporting and narrative style.

Continue Reading

Dmitry Donskoy

Grand Prince of Muscovy and military leader
Born
1350 675 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1389 636 years ago — 39 years old

Served as Grand Prince of Muscovy from 1359 until 1389, leading efforts to strengthen the principality against external threats. Played a pivotal role in the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380, where forces clashed with the Mongol-Tatar invaders, marking a significant moment in Russian history. Engaged in various campaigns to consolidate power and expand influence over neighboring territories. His reign was marked by efforts to solidify centralized authority and assert independence from the Golden Horde.

Continue Reading

Simon Andrews

English motorcycle racer
Born
1982 43 years ago
Died
May 19th, 2014 11 years ago — 32 years old

Competed professionally in motorcycle racing with a focus on road racing. Participated in the British Superbike Championship and was involved in the Isle of Man TT races. Gathered experience in various motorcycle competitions throughout the UK and Europe.

Continue Reading