Chesty Puller
US Marine Corps General
Served as a United States Marine Corps officer. Participated in several major conflicts including World War II and the Korean War. Commanded troops in key battles and received significant military decorations. His leadership and tactical skills were recognized throughout his career, making him a prominent figure in military history.
Received the Navy Cross five times
Led Marines during the Battle of Okinawa
Commanded forces in the Chosin Reservoir
Other People Born on June 26th
George Hainsworth
Ice hockey player and politician
Born
June 26th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
October 9th, 1950 75 years ago — 55 years old
A notable ice hockey player and politician, played as a goaltender in the National Hockey League. Achieved significant success while with the Montreal Canadiens. Later transitioned into politics, serving in various capacities, including as a Member of Parliament.
Continue ReadingBartolomé Mitre
Historian and sixth President of Argentina
Born
June 26th, 1821 204 years ago
Died
January 19th, 1906 120 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent historian and politician, served as the sixth President of Argentina from 1862 to 1868. Played a significant role in the Argentine War of Independence and the unification of the country. Established and contributed to multiple literary and historical journals, influencing the study of Argentine history. Advocated for liberal policies and modernization during presidency, initiating important educational reform.
Continue ReadingNatalya Antyukh
Olympian Russian sprinter and hurdler
Born
June 26th, 1981 44 years ago
Competed in track and field, specializing in sprinting and hurdles. Achieved success at the international level, representing Russia in various competitions. Won a gold medal in the 400 meters hurdles at the 2012 London Olympics. Secured numerous titles at the European Championships and World Championships throughout a distinguished athletic career.
Continue ReadingWilly Messerschmitt
German engineer and aircraft designer
Born
June 26th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
September 15th, 1978 47 years ago — 80 years old
An influential engineer and businessman focused on aircraft design and production. Founded Messerschmitt AG, leading the development of the Messerschmitt Bf 109, a prominent fighter aircraft used by the Luftwaffe in World War II. Contributed to the design of innovative aircraft post-war, establishing a reputation for engineering excellence in the aviation industry. Actively participated in the development of the Me 262, the world's first operational jet-powered fighter.
Continue ReadingSam Watkins
American soldier and author of memoir
Born
June 26th, 1839 186 years ago
Died
1901 125 years ago — 62 years old
Served as a Confederate soldier during the American Civil War. Fought in multiple battles including the Battle of Shiloh and the Siege of Vicksburg. Authored 'Co. Aytch', a memoir detailing experiences as a soldier, which provides insight into the life of a Confederate private. This work remains a significant account of the Civil War from the perspective of an enlisted man.
Continue ReadingPearl S. Buck
American novelist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
June 26th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
March 6th, 1973 52 years ago — 80 years old
An American novelist and essayist, won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938. Notable works include 'The Good Earth', which depicts the life of a Chinese farmer and his family, highlighting the struggles and resilience of rural life. Her writing often focused on the experiences of women and the influence of cultural backgrounds. In addition to novels, authored numerous essays and wrote children's literature. Advocated for cultural understanding and humanitarian causes, contributing to the founding of Welcome House, the first international, interracial adoption agency.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 11th
Clifford Husbands
Barbadian politician and Governor-General
Born
1926 100 years ago
Died
October 11th, 2017 8 years ago — 91 years old
Served as the Governor-General of Barbados from 1996 to 2012. Before this role, served as a member of the Senate and as an ambassador to various countries. Held the position of President of the Senate for several years and contributed to the legislative process in Barbados. Participated in various diplomatic efforts representing Barbados at international forums. His tenure included a focus on national development and governance.
Continue ReadingTex Hill
General and World War II pilot
Born
1915 111 years ago
Died
October 11th, 2007 18 years ago — 92 years old
A South Korean-American general and pilot, significant contributions were made during World War II as a member of the Flying Tigers, a volunteer group of pilots fighting against Japanese forces. After the war, served in various capacities, including as a general in the U.S. Air Force, where leadership impacted military aviation strategy.
Continue ReadingWerner von Trapp
Austrian-American singer in The Sound of Music
Born
1915 111 years ago
Died
October 11th, 2007 18 years ago — 92 years old
Born into a prominent musical family in Austria, a member of the Trapp Family Singers achieved fame through performances in Europe and the United States. The family's story inspired the Broadway musical and film, The Sound of Music. Following World War II, they emigrated to the U.S., where they continued to perform and promote their music. The group became known for their choral arrangements of traditional Austrian and German folk songs. They toured extensively, bringing their music to a wide audience until their eventual retirement in the 1950s.
Continue ReadingGuillaume Amontons
Physicist and instrument maker
Born
August 31st, 1663 362 years ago
Died
October 11th, 1705 320 years ago — 42 years old
Worked on the study of friction and temperature measurement. Developed the concept of the coefficient of friction and constructed early thermometers. Amontons's work laid foundational principles for modern physics and thermodynamics.
Continue ReadingErich Priebke
German military officer involved in WWII
Born
July 29th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
October 11th, 2013 12 years ago — 100 years old
A German military officer served as a captain during World War II. Played a significant role in the Italian campaign and was involved in the Ardeatine massacre in Rome, which resulted in the execution of 335 Italian civilians in reprisal for partigiano attacks. After the war, evaded capture for several years before being apprehended in Argentina, where he lived after the conflict. Extradition to Italy occurred in the early 1990s, leading to a trial and conviction for aiding and abetting murder. His death occurred in 2013.
Continue ReadingBob Such
Australian educator and politician
Born
1944 82 years ago
Died
October 11th, 2014 11 years ago — 70 years old
An Australian educator and politician, a member of the South Australian House of Assembly for 24 years. Played a significant role in various educational reforms and served as an advocate for education policy. His influence extended to community service and local governance, focusing on health, education, and welfare. Held various committee positions, contributing to the legislative processes within the state government until retirement.
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