Dom Mintoff
Maltese politician and Prime Minister
Served as the 8th Prime Minister of Malta and was a prominent figure in the Maltese Labour Party. Played a significant role in Malta's independence from the UK. Mintoff advocated for a strong welfare state and pursued policies that aimed to enhance the social and economic wellbeing of Maltese citizens. Also served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works, focusing on infrastructure development. His tenure was marked by efforts to transform Malta into a more self-sufficient nation.
Served as Prime Minister from 1955 to 1958 and 1971 to 1984
Advocated for Malta's independence from British colonial rule
Played a major role in nationalizing key industries
Other People Born on August 6th
Gordon Freeth
Australian politician and foreign minister
Born
August 6th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
2001 25 years ago — 87 years old
Held the position of the 24th Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs. Served in the Australian House of Representatives from 1949 to 1969, representing the Liberal Party. Engaged in significant discussions around foreign policy during the post-war period. Known for his involvement in international affairs and contributions to the shaping of Australia's diplomatic relations.
Continue ReadingNicolas Malebranche
French philosopher of occasionalism
Born
August 6th, 1638 387 years ago
Died
October 13th, 1715 310 years ago — 77 years old
Born in 1638, a French priest and philosopher blended theology with theories of perception and metaphysics. Developed the philosophical doctrine of occasionalism, asserting that God's intervention is necessary for any causal connection in the world. His influential work, 'Search After Truth', provided a comprehensive examination of knowledge, perception, and the relationship between mind and body. He engaged with Cartesian philosophy and critiqued the nature of human understanding. Promoted the idea that true knowledge comes from divine illumination rather than sensory experience.
Continue ReadingHerb Moford
American baseball player, MLB pitcher
Born
August 6th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
December 3rd, 2005 20 years ago — 77 years old
This individual played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. Debuted in the league on September 17, 1956, and concluded the career in 1961. Played for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs during the tenure. Achieved a total of 15 wins and maintained an earned run average of 4.30 over the career spanning five seasons.
Continue ReadingDavid McLetchie
Scottish lawyer and politician, former MSP
Born
August 6th, 1952 73 years ago
Died
August 12th, 2013 12 years ago — 61 years old
Served as a Member of the Scottish Parliament for Lothians from 1999 to 2003. Held the position of leader of the Scottish Conservative Party from 2002 to 2005, contributing to key party strategies during a significant period in Scottish politics. Engaged in legal practice and politics throughout a career marked by commitment to public service and party leadership. Actively involved in various parliamentary committees and maintained a focus on legal and constitutional matters.
Continue ReadingHelen Jacobs
American tennis player and commander
Born
August 6th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 1997 28 years ago — 88 years old
This individual achieved prominence in the tennis world, becoming one of the top players in the late 1920s and early 1930s. A two-time Grand Slam singles champion, with victories at the 1936 French Open and the 1939 U.S. Open, competition included matchups against other leading players of the era. After an extensive career in tennis, transitioned to military service during World War II, reaching the rank of commander in the Waves, the women's branch of the U.S. Naval Reserve. This shift from sports to service marked a significant phase of commitment to the country.
Continue ReadingOctavio Getino
Filmmaker and screenwriter of 'The Hour of the Furnaces'
Born
August 6th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
October 1st, 2012 13 years ago — 77 years old
A significant figure in cinema and a prominent director, this individual contributed to the Latin American film movement. Co-directed 'The Hour of the Furnaces,' a landmark film that explored social issues in Argentina and Latin America. With a focus on political themes, also engaged in theoretical writings about cinema, linking film to social transformation. Worked closely with other filmmakers to promote necessary changes in the film industry, advocating for a new wave of cinema in the region. Throughout a career spanning several decades, emphasized the importance of film as a tool for social commentary.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 20th
İzzettin Çalışlar
Turkish general
Born
1882 144 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1951 74 years ago — 69 years old
A notable Turkish general served in the Ottoman Army during World War I and the Turkish War of Independence. Played a significant role in various military campaigns, demonstrating tactical leadership and strategic planning. Post-war, contributed to the establishment of the modern Turkish Republic and held various military positions until retirement. Was recognized for contributions to military reforms and national defense.
Continue ReadingRashid Minhas
Pakistani soldier and pilot
Born
February 17th, 1951 74 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1971 54 years ago — 20 years old
A soldier and pilot in the Pakistan Air Force, served during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. Launched a mission on August 20, 1971, in an F-6 fighter aircraft. Engaged in action against an enemy aircraft. Demonstrated bravery and dedication to duty, ultimately sacrificing life during an attempt to thwart the hijacking of his aircraft. Awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan's highest military award, posthumously in recognition of valor.
Continue ReadingLeona Helmsley
American hotelier and real estate leader
Born
July 4th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2007 18 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent business figure in the hotel and real estate industry, operated the Helmsley Hotels. Gained notoriety for operating high-end hotels in New York City, including the famous Parker Meridien and the Grand Hyatt. Her business strategies and controversies garnered significant media attention throughout her career. Became a key figure in the New York social scene during the 1980s, often associated with luxury living and extravagant lifestyles. Her legal troubles in the late 1980s and her eventual conviction for tax evasion, which led to a four-year prison sentence, marked significant turning points in her life.
Continue ReadingDonald O. Hebb
Canadian psychologist and academic
Born
1904 122 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1985 40 years ago — 81 years old
Contributed significantly to the fields of psychology and neuroscience. Developed the theory of Hebbian learning, which describes how neuronal pathways strengthen through repeated activation. Worked at McGill University, where served as a professor and director of the psychology department. Authored influential publications, including 'The Organization of Behavior' in 1949, which is considered a foundational work in neuropsychology. Advocated for the integration of psychology and biological science.
Continue ReadingEd Freeman
Medal of Honor recipient and soldier
Born
November 20th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2008 17 years ago — 80 years old
Served as a soldier and helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. Participated in the Battle of Ia Drang, where he made multiple rescue flights to evacuate wounded soldiers under enemy fire. Demonstrated exceptional bravery and dedication, which led to the awarding of the Medal of Honor for actions during this conflict. Later had a career in various roles, including leadership positions within the military. His legacy is honored through the recognition of his courage and service.
Continue ReadingHua Guofeng
Chinese politician, 2nd Premier of China
Born
1921 105 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2008 17 years ago — 87 years old
Served as a prominent political figure in China during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Held the position of Premier from 1976 to 1980, succeeding Zhou Enlai, and served as Chairman of the Communist Party of China. Played a significant role in the transition following Mao Zedong's death, promoting policies that continued the direction of economic reform initiated by Deng Xiaoping. Advocated for agricultural and economic improvements as part of the modernization agenda. Oversaw China's state affairs during a critical period in its history, influencing political stability and reforms.
Continue Reading