George Henry Thomas
Union General in the American Civil War
A prominent Union general during the American Civil War, played a crucial role in several significant battles. Graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1840 and initially served in the Mexican-American War. Commanded Union forces at the Battle of Chickamauga and the Battle of Nashville, where decisive victories were achieved against Confederate troops. Earned the nickname 'Rock of Chickamauga' for steadfastness during the Battle of Chickamauga. After the war, served in various military roles, including overseeing the Department of the Cumberland.
Played a key role in the Union victory at the Battle of Nashville
Earned the nickname 'Rock of Chickamauga' at the Battle of Chickamauga
Other People Born on July 31st
João Gomes
Brazilian singer and songwriter
Born
July 31st, 2002 23 years ago
Emergence as a prominent figure in Brazilian music occurred with the release of the single 'Meu Pedaço de Pecado', which achieved widespread popularity. Notable for blending genres such as sertanejo and pagode, contributed to the modern sound of Brazilian pop. Debut album 'Eu Sou João' further solidified presence in the music industry, showcasing a range of emotional themes and lyrical depth established early as a influential voice among the youth of Brazil.
Continue ReadingVictoria Azarenka
Belarusian tennis player, two-time Grand Slam champion
Born
July 31st, 1989 36 years ago
This Belarusian tennis player achieved significant success in women's singles tennis. Azarenka won the Australian Open in 2012 and 2013, becoming the first Belarusian player to win a Grand Slam title. Consistent performances propelled her to the world No. 1 ranking in 2012. Additional achievements include reaching the finals of the US Open in 2009 and 2015. Azarenka also played a pivotal role in Belarus's national team during the Fed Cup competition, contributing to their remarkable performances.
Continue ReadingKyle Larson
Race car driver, 2021 NASCAR champion
Born
July 31st, 1992 33 years ago
This race car driver competed in NASCAR and established a reputation in dirt racing. Achieved significant success in the NASCAR Cup Series, winning the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Championship. Recorded multiple wins in various prestigious NASCAR events. Also participated in open-wheel racing, demonstrating versatility and skill in different racing disciplines.
Continue ReadingBrian Orakpo
American football linebacker, Pro Bowler
Born
July 31st, 1986 39 years ago
Played as a linebacker in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins and the Tennessee Titans. Achieved Pro Bowl selections in 2009 and 2010 during tenure with the Redskins. Known for impactful defensive plays and significant contribution to team performance. After several seasons, transitioned to a successful career in sports analysis and commentary.
Continue ReadingRyan Johansen
Ice hockey player and All-Star forward
Born
July 31st, 1992 33 years ago
An ice hockey player, achieved recognition in the NHL. Played for the Columbus Blue Jackets before being traded to the Nashville Predators. Participated in the 2015 NHL All-Star Game and contributed significantly to the Predators' run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017. Known for strong offensive skills and playmaking abilities, playing a key role in his teams' successes.
Continue ReadingDeMarcus Ware
American football linebacker, Super Bowl champion
Born
July 31st, 1982 43 years ago
Played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) primarily for the Dallas Cowboys and later for the Denver Broncos. Drafted by the Cowboys in 2005 as the 11th overall pick, contributed to the team's defense and recorded numerous sacks. Won Super Bowl 50 with the Broncos in 2016, marking a significant achievement in a career that spanned over a decade. Selected to the Pro Bowl multiple times and earned first-team All-Pro honors, showcasing consistent high-level performance on the field.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 28th
Gene Saks
American actor and theater director
Born
1921 105 years ago
Died
March 28th, 2015 10 years ago — 94 years old
An influential figure in American theater, played a significant role in numerous Broadway productions. Directed several acclaimed plays, particularly those written by Neil Simon. Achieved success as both an actor and director, working on various productions across different genres. Contributions to theater spanned decades, leaving a lasting legacy in dramatic arts.
Continue ReadingWilliam Giauque
Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 12th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
March 28th, 1982 43 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent chemist and academic, engaged in significant research in thermodynamics, particularly at low temperatures. Contributed to the understanding of the physical behavior of substances. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1949 for pioneering work in the field of chemical thermodynamics. Served as a professor and influenced numerous students and researchers in the discipline.
Continue ReadingJerry Brudos
Serial Killer and Criminal Profile
Born
January 31st, 1939 87 years ago
Died
March 28th, 2006 19 years ago — 67 years old
Born in 1939 and raised in Oregon, this individual became a notorious criminal during the late 1960s. Known for committing a series of murders in the Portland area, he garnered significant attention due to the peculiar items left at crime scenes, which reflected personal obsessions. Captured in 1969, a detailed investigation revealed a pattern of violent behavior linked to fetishism. Convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, this figure's case has been studied extensively in criminal psychology for its unusual psychological motivations and the impact of childhood trauma on criminal behavior.
Continue ReadingMaria von Trapp
Austrian-American singer and composer
Born
January 26th, 1905 121 years ago
Died
March 28th, 1987 38 years ago — 82 years old
Born in Austria, a career as a singer began in the early 20th century. Joined the Trapp Family Singers in the 1930s, performing in various venues across Europe and later in the United States. This group gained fame for its performances of traditional Austrian music and for contributing to the American folk music revival. Their story was adapted into the Broadway musical 'The Sound of Music' and the 1965 film of the same name, which increased their international recognition. Later years involved philanthropic efforts and a focus on music education, emphasizing the importance of singing and musicianship.
Continue ReadingIvan the Terrible
Russian Tsar and first ruler of Russia
Born
August 25th, 1530 495 years ago
Died
March 28th, 1584 441 years ago — 53 years old
Ruled as the Tsar of Russia from 1547 until death in 1584. The first ruler to be crowned as Tsar, Ivan centralized power and expanded the territory of Russia. Through military campaigns, he expanded into Siberia, gaining significant land and resources. His reign was marked by the establishment of the Oprichnina, a policy that involved political repression and the creation of a loyal military force. His legacy is characterized by both his expansionist policies and the sociopolitical turmoil of his reign.
Continue ReadingRyuichi Sakamoto
Pianist and composer of film scores
Born
January 17th, 1952 74 years ago
Died
March 28th, 2023 2 years ago — 71 years old
A pianist and composer, significant contributions included film scores and collaborations across various musical genres. Debuted with the electronic music group Yellow Magic Orchestra in the late 1970s, which pioneered synth-pop and techno. Created acclaimed scores for films such as 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence' and 'The Last Emperor', the latter winning an Academy Award. Collaborated with numerous artists and showed a versatile approach to composition, merging Eastern and Western musical influences.
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