François Joseph Paul de Grasse

French admiral and naval commander

François Joseph Paul de Grasse - French admiral and naval commander
Born

1722
303 years ago

Died

January 11th, 1788
237 years ago — 66 years old

Category

Military & Warriors

Country

France

Links & References

Served as a French admiral during the American Revolutionary War. Commanded the French fleet at the Battle of the Chesapeake in 1781, which played a crucial role in the victory of American and French forces over the British. His strategic leadership contributed to the successful Siege of Yorktown, leading to the surrender of British General Cornwallis. Returned to France after the war and continued to serve in various naval capacities until death.

Commanded French forces at the Battle of the Chesapeake

Played a key role in the Siege of Yorktown

Other People Who Died on January 11th

Pappy Boyington

Colonel and WWII fighter pilot
Born
1912 113 years ago
Died
January 11th, 1988 37 years ago — 76 years old

Served as a United States Marine Corps pilot during World War II. Commanded the famous Black Sheep Squadron, achieving significant aerial victories. Awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism while leading his squadron in the South Pacific. His experiences were later chronicled in the television series 'Baa Baa Black Sheep'.

Continue Reading

Cao

Empress of Later Tang dynasty
Died
January 11th, 937 1088 years ago — None years old

Served as the empress of the Later Tang dynasty. Her reign occurred during a tumultuous period of Chinese history marked by political strife and military struggle. As empress, played a significant role in court politics and governance, influencing the administration of the dynasty. Work focused on stabilizing the empire and managing the complexities of power dynamics within the royal family.

Continue Reading

Lewis Nixon

U.S. Army captain, World War II veteran
Born
September 30th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
January 11th, 1995 30 years ago — 76 years old

Served as a captain in the U.S. Army during World War II. Participated in the D-Day invasion and played a significant role in the Battle of the Bulge. Worked alongside close friend and fellow officer, Richard Winters. After the war, pursued a career in business, eventually becoming a successful entrepreneur and co-founding a manufacturing company. Later, Nixon's experiences were immortalized in the book and miniseries 'Band of Brothers,' based on the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

Continue Reading

Ariel Sharon

Israeli General and Prime Minister
Born
February 26th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
January 11th, 2014 11 years ago — 85 years old

Served as the 11th Prime Minister of Israel from 2001 to 2006. Held various significant military and governmental positions throughout career. Initially gained prominence as a military leader during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and later as a commander in multiple conflicts, including the Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War. Became a prominent figure in Israeli politics, shaping policies during critical periods, including the Lebanon War in 1982. Advocated for the disengagement from Gaza in 2005, which led to the withdrawal of Israeli troops and settlers from the region. His political career was marked by a blend of military and civilian leadership.

Continue Reading

Galeazzo Ciano

Italian politician and Foreign Minister
Born
March 18th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
January 11th, 1944 81 years ago — 40 years old

Served as Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1936 to 1943, overseeing key diplomatic relationships during World War II. Played a significant role in shaping Italy's foreign policy under Mussolini, particularly regarding alliances with Nazi Germany. Joined the Fascist Party and was involved in various military decisions. After the fall of Mussolini, was arrested for treason by the Fascist regime, later tried and executed in 1944.

Continue Reading

Isidor Isaac Rabi

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
July 29th, 1898 126 years ago
Died
January 11th, 1988 37 years ago — 89 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of physics, especially in the areas of atomic and molecular physics. Developed the method of molecular beam resonance, which allowed for significant advancements in the study of atomic structure. Held academic positions at Columbia University, influencing generations of physicists. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1944 for the discovery of the effect that bears his name, which led to important developments in quantum mechanics.

Continue Reading