James Stockdale

Admiral and Medal of Honor recipient

James Stockdale - Admiral and Medal of Honor recipient
Born

December 23rd, 1923
101 years ago

Died

July 5th, 2005
19 years ago — 81 years old

Category

Military & Warriors

Country

United States

Links & References

A United States Navy admiral and aviator who served during the Vietnam War, received the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism as a prisoner of war. Stockdale spent over seven years in captivity, enduring severe hardships and torture. After his release, Stockdale became a prominent author and educator, and served as a Vice Presidential candidate in 1992. His leadership and resilience during captivity significantly contributed to the morale of fellow prisoners.

Received the Medal of Honor

Served as a Vice Presidential candidate

Other People Born on December 23rd

Samuel Lino

Footballer, top scorer in Liga Portugal
Born
December 23rd, 1999 25 years ago

Played as a forward for various clubs in Brazil before moving to Europe. Signed with the Portuguese club, Estoril Praia, where notable performance included contributing significantly to the team's success in Liga Portugal. The career included a transfer to another European club, where continued to showcase talent and scoring ability. Recognition came from performances that led to interest from larger teams in European leagues.

Continue Reading

John Sullivan

English screenwriter for 'Only Fools and Horses'
Born
December 23rd, 1946 78 years ago
Died
April 23rd, 2011 13 years ago — 64 years old

An English screenwriter and producer, this individual is recognized for creating the long-running television sitcom 'Only Fools and Horses', which gained immense popularity since its debut in 1981. The show featured the lives and misadventures of two brothers, Del Boy and Rodney, who engaged in various get-rich-quick schemes. The writing combined humor with social commentary, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated audience. The series concluded in 2003 but has continued to influence British comedy. This individual also produced other television projects and collaborated with various writers and actors throughout a successful career.

Continue Reading

Martin Opitz

German poet and composer of Baroque era
Born
December 23rd, 1597 427 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1639 385 years ago — 41 years old

A prominent poet and composer during the Baroque period, contributions to the German literary landscape included a significant role in establishing the German language in poetry. Opitz published 'Buch von der deutschen Poeterey', which laid theoretical foundations for German poetry and advocated for the use of the German language in literature. His works reflected a blend of classical influences and new forms of expression and played an essential role in the development of German drama and lyrical poetry.

Continue Reading

Henri-Alexandre Wallon

Historian and French statesman
Born
December 23rd, 1812 212 years ago
Died
1904 121 years ago — 92 years old

A prominent historian and statesman, contributed significantly to the development of educational policy in France. Advocated for universal education and worked on several reform projects. Engaged in politics and served in various capacities, including serving as a deputy in the National Assembly. His scholarly work focused on the history of education and political thought, influencing educational systems and practices in France. His interest in philosophical and educational issues led to several notable publications that explored the relationship between politics and education.

Continue Reading

Willie Wood

American football player, Green Bay Packers
Born
December 23rd, 1936 88 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 84 years old

A prominent safety in American football, this individual played for the Green Bay Packers from 1960 to 1971. Contributed to the team's success in winning the NFL Championships in 1961, 1962, and 1965, as well as the first two Super Bowls in 1966 and 1967. Recognized for exceptional defensive skills, this player was part of the NFL All-Pro team for several years. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989, highlighting a significant professional career in the sport.

Continue Reading

Alexander I of Russia

Emperor of Russia and Napoleonic Wars leader
Born
December 23rd, 1777 247 years ago
Died
1825 200 years ago — 48 years old

Reigned as Emperor of Russia from 1801 to 1825. Initially promoted Enlightenment reforms, gradually adopting conservative policies. Played a significant role in the coalition against Napoleon during the Napoleonic Wars. Participated in the major battles of the period, including the Battle of Borodino in 1812. Advocated for the creation of the Holy Alliance in 1815, aiming to maintain a balance of power in Europe after the defeat of Napoleon. His foreign policy emphasized the importance of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, influencing the Congress of Vienna.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on July 5th

Crinitus

Italian scholar and academic
Born
1475 550 years ago
Died
July 5th, 1507 517 years ago — 32 years old

Active during the Renaissance, a prominent scholar contributed significantly to the field of education and literary criticism. Resided in Italy, focusing on humanistic studies and literature, and became known for writing influential texts that explored classical works and educational reform. Engaged in academic discourse, promoting the revival of ancient Greek and Roman texts, and played a key role in shaping Renaissance thought. His work laid foundational principles that influenced future generations of scholars and educators.

Continue Reading

Jonas Lie

Norwegian author and playwright
Born
1833 192 years ago
Died
July 5th, 1908 116 years ago — 75 years old

A prominent Norwegian author, poet, and playwright. His literary career spanned several decades during the late 19th century. Lie's work often explored themes of Norwegian nature and national identity. He was a significant figure in the Norwegian literary environment, contributing to the development of realism in literature. Major works include novels such as 'The Family at Gilje' and 'The Visionary'. His writings reflect the struggles and challenges of both the individual and society during a transformative period in Norwegian history.

Continue Reading

Tom Mboya

Kenyan politician and minister
Born
1930 95 years ago
Died
July 5th, 1969 55 years ago — 39 years old

Served as the first Kenyan Minister of Justice after independence. Played a key role in the formation of the Kenya Youth Movement, which aimed to promote education and employment for young Kenyans. Actively participated in the constitutional development of the country and was integral in negotiating for Kenya's independence. Advocated for trade union rights and social justice. Tragically assassinated in 1969, leaving a significant legacy in Kenyan politics.

Continue Reading

Georges Bernanos

French writer and author of "Diary of a Country Priest"
Born
February 20th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
July 5th, 1948 76 years ago — 60 years old

A French author and soldier, contributions include influential novels that explore themes of faith, morality, and the human condition. Published seminal works such as "Diary of a Country Priest" and "The Last Inquisitor," which are significant in 20th-century literature. Bernanos served in World War I, which deeply influenced his writing and philosophical outlook. His literary style combined vivid imagery with deep psychological insight, earning a place among notable French writers of the time. Throughout life, engaged with political issues and expressed strong Catholic beliefs.

Continue Reading

Heinrich Georg Bronn

German geologist and paleontologist
Born
March 3rd, 1800 225 years ago
Died
July 5th, 1862 162 years ago — 62 years old

Born in 1800, a significant figure in geology and paleontology. Contributed extensively to the understanding of fossil species and stratigraphy. Published comprehensive works on the geology of Germany and the classification of fossil species. His major work, the 'Lethaea Geognostica,' detailed fossil plants, animals, and geological formations in a systematic manner.

Continue Reading

Rosemary Murphy

American actress in film and television
Born
January 13th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
July 5th, 2014 10 years ago — 89 years old

An accomplished actress, this individual appeared in numerous films and television series throughout a lengthy career. Notable works included a role in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and the television series 'The Alfred Hitchcock Hour'. Recognized for strong performances, participation in theatre productions also formed a significant part of the artistic journey, leading to critical acclaim in various roles. This person continued to work in the industry until the 1990s, demonstrating versatility across different genres.

Continue Reading