Guy Gibson
Indian-English Victoria Cross recipient
An Indian-English commander served during World War II. Led the famous Dambusters raid on May 17, 1943, targeting German dams with innovative bouncing bombs. Achieved the rank of Wing Commander in the Royal Air Force. Received the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor for bravery, for exceptional leadership and bravery during the raid. Became a symbol of valor in the RAF.
Led the Dambusters raid
Received the Victoria Cross
Achieved the rank of Wing Commander
Other People Born on August 12th
Toby Perkins
English businessman and politician
Born
August 12th, 1970 55 years ago
A businessman and politician with a background in public service. Served as the Member of Parliament for Chesterfield from 2010 to 2019. Played a role in shaping local policies and participated in various parliamentary committees. Engaged in discussions related to business and education during tenure in Parliament. Has a history of advocating for regional developments and business interests.
Continue ReadingJohn Nathan-Turner
Television producer for Doctor Who
Born
August 12th, 1947 78 years ago
Died
2002 24 years ago — 55 years old
An English author and television producer, significant contributions were made to the long-running series Doctor Who. Serving as producer from 1980 to 1989, introduced new elements to the series, refreshing its narrative style and character development. Oversaw the transition of the show to a more modern format and expanded its reach to new audiences. Worked on various other television projects and has written books on media and television production.
Continue ReadingMichael Hagan
Rugby league player and coach
Born
August 12th, 1964 61 years ago
Played as a professional rugby league player, primarily in the position of halfback. Represented the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League (NRL) during the 1980s and 1990s. Transitioned to coaching after retiring as a player, serving as head coach for teams including the Newcastle Knights and the Queensland State of Origin team. Achieved success as a coach, leading teams to compete in major tournaments and finals.
Continue ReadingTony Capaldi
Footballer with Cardiff City achievements
Born
August 12th, 1981 44 years ago
Born in Norway and raised in Northern Ireland, a footballer played primarily as a left-back. Professional career began at Southampton FC before moving to Cardiff City, where significant contributions helped the team secure promotions and reach the FA Cup final in 2008. Later played for various clubs including Derry City and Newry City. Represented Northern Ireland at the international level, earning multiple caps during participation in various qualifying campaigns.
Continue ReadingCecil B. DeMille
Film director and producer of epics
Born
August 12th, 1881 144 years ago
Died
January 21st, 1959 67 years ago — 77 years old
An American director, producer, and screenwriter contributed significantly to the film industry, particularly in the genre of epic films. Directed classics such as 'The Ten Commandments' (1956) and 'Ben-Hur' (1925), which showcased grand scale productions and elaborate storytelling. Helped establish the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, overseeing the first Academy Awards in 1929. Renowned for pioneering techniques in cinematography and special effects within the early days of Hollywood. Worked extensively with both silent films and talkies, adapting to the evolving landscape of the motion picture industry.
Continue ReadingPete Sampras
Tennis player, 14-time Grand Slam champion
Born
August 12th, 1971 54 years ago
A professional tennis player achieved significant success during the 1990s and early 2000s. Sampras dominated the sport with a powerful serve and aggressive style of play. He secured 14 Grand Slam singles titles, a record that stood for several years. His most notable achievements include winning Wimbledon seven times and the US Open five times. After retiring in 2002, he remained an influential figure in tennis, known for his sportsmanship.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 19th
Konstantin Tsiolkovsky
Rocket science pioneer and theorist
Born
September 17th, 1857 168 years ago
Died
September 19th, 1935 90 years ago — 78 years old
Tsiolkovsky contributed significantly to the early theoretical foundations of astronautics and rocket science. His works laid out the mathematics required for spaceflight and concepts for the use of rockets for human exploration of space. Tsiolkovsky formulated the rocket equation, which describes the motion of vehicles in space. He wrote extensively, with one of his most influential works being 'Exploration of Cosmic Space by Means of Reaction Devices'. His ideas encompassed not only the mechanics of flight but also the philosophical implications of space travel and the future of humanity.
Continue ReadingItalo Calvino
Italian novelist and short story writer
Born
October 15th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
September 19th, 1985 40 years ago — 61 years old
An influential Italian novelist, short story writer, and journalist, the individual contributed significantly to 20th-century literature. Works often blend fantasy and realism, exploring themes of identity, existence, and narrative structure. Important literary contributions include works such as 'Invisible Cities', 'If on a winter's night a traveler', and 'The Baron in the Trees'. The writing style reflects a unique approach to storytelling, characterized by playful language and complex ideas. The individual was also active in journalism and literary criticism, influencing subsequent generations of writers.
Continue ReadingLionel Terray
French mountaineer and climber
Born
July 25th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
September 19th, 1965 60 years ago — 44 years old
A prominent figure in the field of mountaineering, this individual made significant contributions to alpine climbing in the mid-20th century. He participated in many notable ascents, including the first ascent of the famous north face of the Grandes Jorasses in 1938. Additionally, he played a key role in the establishment of climbing routes in the French Alps and the Himalayas. His writings and experiences have inspired generations of climbers and adventurers.
Continue ReadingRino Ferrario
Italian footballer and coach
Born
1926 100 years ago
Died
September 19th, 2012 13 years ago — 86 years old
Ferrario played as a forward primarily for Atalanta, where he had significant success during the 1960s and 1970s. After concluding a playing career that included a notable stint in Serie A, he transitioned into coaching, where he worked with various clubs and contributed to the development of young players. His legacy includes a reputation for versatile playing style and tactical understanding of the game.
Continue ReadingSkeeter Davis
American Country Music Singer-Songwriter
Born
December 30th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
September 19th, 2004 21 years ago — 72 years old
Emergence in the 1950s brought national attention with a unique blend of country and pop music. Best recognized for the hit single "The End of the World" which reached the top of the country charts and crossed over to pop music success. Released several albums throughout the 1960s and 1970s, contributing to the popularity of the Nashville sound. Collaborated with fellow artists and was a prominent figure in the Grand Ole Opry, showcasing significant talent in live performances.
Continue ReadingOrville Redenbacher
Popcorn entrepreneur and brand founder
Born
July 16th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
September 19th, 1995 30 years ago — 88 years old
Founded a popcorn company specializing in gourmet popcorn, creating a distinctive brand with a unique marketing strategy. Developed an innovative hybrid popcorn seed that garnered significant consumer popularity. Played a pivotal role in the growth of the microwave popcorn market. Became a recognizable figure through television advertisements and promotional campaigns featuring his own image.
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