Bill Downs

American journalist and WWII correspondent

Bill Downs - American journalist and WWII correspondent
Born

August 17th, 1914
110 years ago

Died

May 3rd, 1978
46 years ago — 63 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

United States

Links & References

Contributed significant coverage of World War II as a war correspondent for the CBS network. Reported from various battlefronts, providing firsthand accounts of major events such as the liberation of Paris and the Normandy invasion. Played a pivotal role in the development of radio journalism during wartime, showcasing the power of live reporting. Continued to work in broadcasting post-war, influencing the field of journalism for decades.

Covered the liberation of Paris for CBS

Reported live from the Normandy invasion

Other People Born on August 17th

Reggie Duff

Australian cricketer; Test match player
Born
August 17th, 1878 146 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1911 113 years ago — 33 years old

Born in 1878, a cricketer represented Australia at the international level. Played in the early years of Test cricket, participating in significant series that helped establish the sport in Australia. Made notable contributions as an opening batsman and was recognized for his aggressive playing style. Competed in several Ashes series, contributing to the team's efforts against England.

Continue Reading

Wilfrid Scawen Blunt

English poet and social activist
Born
August 17th, 1840 184 years ago
Died
September 10th, 1922 102 years ago — 82 years old

Born in 1840, a poet and activist focused on social justice and the rights of marginalized communities. Active in the movement for Irish Home Rule, he also opposed the British intervention in Egypt. His poetry often reflected his political views and his engagement with issues of imperialism and freedom. Blunt published several volumes of poetry and wrote extensively on Middle Eastern politics and society, advocating for the rights of the Arab people against colonial powers.

Continue Reading

Christian Laettner

Basketball player and coach, NCAA champion
Born
August 17th, 1969 55 years ago

A basketball player and coach, recognized for contributions to college basketball. Played college basketball at Duke University, leading the Blue Devils to consecutive NCAA championships in 1991 and 1992. Achieved fame in the 1992 NBA Draft, selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Played for several teams in the NBA, including the Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons, with notable performances in playoff games. Also represented the United States in international competitions, being a member of the Dream Team at the 1992 Summer Olympics, which won the gold medal. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, sharing knowledge and experience with future players.

Continue Reading

Monty Woolley

American actor in 'The King's Row'.
Born
August 17th, 1888 136 years ago
Died
May 6th, 1963 61 years ago — 74 years old

An American actor and playwright, achieved recognition for roles in both theater and film. Gained prominence for the performance in the Broadway play 'The Man Who Came to Dinner' and starred in the film adaptation. Woolley's career included various productions and he contributed as a raconteur and commentator on social and political issues. His unique personality and wit left an imprint on his performances and public appearances.

Continue Reading

Andriy Kuzmenko

Ukrainian singer-songwriter and actor
Born
August 17th, 1968 56 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 2015 10 years ago — 46 years old

A prominent figure in Ukrainian music and cinema, contributed significantly to the cultural landscape through songwriting and performance. Achieved widespread recognition as the lead vocalist of the band Okean Elzy, which became one of the most popular rock bands in Ukraine. Transitioned to acting, featuring in several films and productions. His work resonated deeply with audiences, reflecting the social and emotional fabric of Ukrainian life.

Continue Reading

Tony Wrigley

Historian and demographer, academic
Born
August 17th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2022 3 years ago — 91 years old

An English historian and demographer focused on economic history and population studies. Contributed significantly to the understanding of historical demography, especially regarding the transition from pre-industrial to industrial society. Held prominent academic positions and published extensively on economic history, demographic transitions, and the role of population in economic development. His works explored the impact of population changes on societal structures and economic performance. Developed theories that influenced both historical methodology and demographic analysis.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 3rd

Harry Miller

American engineer and automotive innovator
Born
December 9th, 1875 149 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1943 81 years ago — 67 years old

Born in December 1875, contributed significantly to automotive engineering. Established the Harry Miller Company, which specialized in precision engineering and manufacturing components for racing cars. Developed the Miller engine, known for its efficiency and performance, which became widely adopted in the 1920s and 1930s. Worked with various racing teams and is attributed with winning numerous races in the Indianapolis 500, becoming a notable figure in the American racing scene.

Continue Reading

Patrick Pearse

Irish rebel leader of the 1916 Rising
Born
1879 146 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1916 108 years ago — 37 years old

A teacher and writer, played a significant role in the Easter Rising of 1916 against British rule in Ireland. Served as the president of the provisional government and was a key figure in the events that unfolded during the uprising. Pearse was executed by the British authorities shortly after the rebellion, becoming a martyr for the Irish nationalist cause. Authored numerous works promoting Irish culture and the Irish language, contributing to the cultural revival in Ireland during the early 20th century.

Continue Reading

Howard Taylor Ricketts

Pathologist known for Rickettsial diseases
Born
February 9th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1910 114 years ago — 39 years old

Contributed significantly to the understanding of Rickettsial diseases. Conducted research that identified the causative agents of typhus and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Developed key methods for diagnosing these diseases, which improved treatment protocols. His research led to advancements in public health and epidemiology at a time when these diseases posed major threats to populations.

Continue Reading

Clément Ader

French engineer and aviation pioneer
Born
April 2nd, 1841 184 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1925 99 years ago — 84 years old

An early aviation pioneer, contributed significantly to the development of flying machines. Designed the Ader Avion III, one of the first powered aircraft, and became a key figure in the history of aviation. Conducted numerous tests and experiments that laid groundwork for future developments in aviation technology. His work was among the first to explore the principles of powered flight, despite varying levels of success in achieving sustained flight.

Continue Reading

Adolphe Adam

French composer of ballet music
Born
July 24th, 1803 221 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1856 168 years ago — 52 years old

A prominent French composer, contributed significantly to the world of ballet and opera in the 19th century. Composed the well-known ballet Giselle, which premiered in 1841, showcasing the Romantic style of the era. Also wrote the score for the opera Le Postillon de Lonjumeau, which enjoyed considerable success. Worked as a music critic and published articles on various musical topics, enhancing the understanding of music during his time. Held a position at the Paris Conservatoire where he influenced upcoming musicians.

Continue Reading

Gene Raymond

American actor and pilot in films
Born
August 13th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1998 26 years ago — 89 years old

Active in the film industry from the 1930s to the 1960s, Gene Raymond appeared in significant roles in movies such as 'The Wedding Night' and 'Murder in the Blue Room'. In addition to acting, he served as a pilot during World War II, contributing to the war effort. After the war, he continued to perform in various productions, including television series. His career spanned several decades, showcasing his talents in both film and theater.

Continue Reading