John Olof Dahlgren
Medal of Honor recipient, soldier
Served as a soldier in the United States Army during World War II. Achieved the rank of sergeant and received the Medal of Honor for bravery in combat. Participated in significant military actions and contributed to various operations during his service. Demonstrated exceptional courage and dedication while in the line of duty, which led to the distinguished recognition.
Received the Medal of Honor for bravery
Served in World War II
Other People Born on September 14th
Brandon Brown
American race car driver with NASCAR win
Born
September 14th, 1993 32 years ago
A race car driver participated in NASCAR events, achieving significant success in the sport. Competed in various series, showcasing talent on different tracks. Won the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Alabama, marking a notable moment in racing career. Became a prominent figure in the racing community, recognized for skills behind the wheel.
Continue ReadingJacobo Árbenz
Guatemalan politician and president
Born
September 14th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
January 27th, 1971 54 years ago — 57 years old
A significant political figure in Guatemala, served as the 25th President from 1951 to 1954. Implemented agrarian reform aimed at redistributing land to improve economic conditions for the rural population. Oversaw policies that promoted education and healthcare, while also facing opposition from powerful landowners and the United States government. His presidency ended in a U.S.-backed coup, which led to the eventual long-term civil conflict in Guatemala.
Continue ReadingAlberto Naranjo
Venezuelan drummer and bandleader
Born
September 14th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 79 years old
Born in 1941, this Venezuelan drummer, composer, and bandleader contributed significantly to Latin jazz and the Venezuelan music scene. As a member of several orchestras, he gained recognition for his virtuosic drumming skills and innovative compositions. Naranjo also led the renowned band "The Latin Jazz Ensemble," which showcased a blend of traditional Latin rhythms and jazz improvisation. His work in developing the Venezuelan music genre and composing for various ensembles left a lasting influence in the industry.
Continue ReadingLord William Bentinck
Governor-General of India, reformer
Born
September 14th, 1774 251 years ago
Died
June 17th, 1839 186 years ago — 64 years old
Served as the 14th Governor-General of India from 1828 to 1835. Implemented significant reforms in India, including the abolition of sati and promotion of education. Focused on reducing corruption within the East India Company and improving infrastructure. Advocated for social reforms that aimed to modernize India.
Continue ReadingKay Medford
American actress and singer
Born
September 14th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
April 10th, 1980 45 years ago — 60 years old
An actress and singer contributed significantly to film and theatre. Gained recognition for the role of ‘Rose’ in the Broadway musical ‘Funny Girl’. Performed in various productions, showcasing vocal talent and acting skills. Appeared in films such as ‘The Music Man’ and ‘The Great Race’, further establishing a career in entertainment. Received nominations for various awards acknowledging performances in both film and stage. Later transitioned to television, with notable appearances in shows that reflected her musical prowess.
Continue ReadingMae Boren Axton
American singer-songwriter with hits
Born
September 14th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1997 28 years ago — 82 years old
Contributed significantly to the music industry as a singer-songwriter. Composed numerous songs, including 'Heartbreak Hotel,' which became a hit for Elvis Presley. Worked as a music promoter and nurtured the careers of various artists. Played a vital role in the country music genre, both in songwriting and performance.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 11th
James Bryant Conant
Chemist and Harvard University president
Born
March 26th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
February 11th, 1978 47 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent chemist and educator served as the president of Harvard University from 1933 to 1953. Conant contributed significantly to the field of chemistry through extensive research and was a key figure in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. He played a pivotal role in advancing education in the United States, advocating for the reform of science education and emphasizing the importance of high-quality public education. After his presidency, he continued to influence educational policies and international science collaboration.
Continue ReadingKevin Randleman
Mixed martial artist and wrestler champion
Born
August 10th, 1971 54 years ago
Died
February 11th, 2016 9 years ago — 44 years old
This individual was an American mixed martial artist and wrestler who gained prominence in the sport during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Randleman competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and was known for his powerful wrestling background. He won the UFC Heavyweight Championship title in 1999, becoming one of the early stars in mixed martial arts. His athletic career also included significant accomplishments in collegiate wrestling, establishing a solid foundation for his transition to MMA. Randleman's dynamic fighting style and resilience were significant aspects of his career, influencing many athletes within the sport until his untimely death in 2016.
Continue ReadingBob Simon
Journalist and 60 Minutes correspondent
Born
May 29th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
February 11th, 2015 10 years ago — 73 years old
A prominent journalist who worked for CBS News, recognized for reporting on major events and conflicts. Covered the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War. Served as a foreign correspondent for decades, providing in-depth interviews and reports from various global hotspots. Received multiple awards for journalistic excellence, including the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award. Featured prominently on the news program 60 Minutes, contributing to its reputation as a leading investigative journalism platform.
Continue ReadingEstelle Bennett
American singer and Ronettes member
Born
July 22nd, 1941 84 years ago
Died
February 11th, 2009 16 years ago — 67 years old
Active during the 1960s and 1970s, she was part of the girl group The Ronettes, which was influential in the pop and rock music scene. Their hit single "Be My Baby" became an iconic song of the era and helped pave the way for future girl groups. The Ronettes were known for their distinctive sound, style, and their association with producer Phil Spector. After the group's initial success, she faced challenges but continued contributing to music, including some solo performances and collaborations. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, recognizing their influence on music and culture.
Continue ReadingLéon Foucault
French physicist known for pendulum experiment
Born
September 18th, 1819 206 years ago
Died
February 11th, 1868 157 years ago — 48 years old
Contributed significantly to experimental physics and is recognized for the invention of the Foucault pendulum, demonstrating the Earth's rotation. Conducted experiments in optics, notably measuring the speed of light with an accuracy that improved upon previous efforts. Served as a professor at the Collège de France, influencing the academic landscape of physics in the 19th century.
Continue ReadingPeter Benchley
American author of Jaws
Born
May 8th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
February 11th, 2006 19 years ago — 65 years old
An American author and screenwriter, notable for writing the thriller novel 'Jaws' published in 1974. The book depicts the story of a monstrous great white shark that terrorizes a beach town. The novel's immense popularity catapulted it to the top of bestseller lists and led to a major film adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg in 1975, which became a cultural sensation and established the summer blockbuster phenomenon. Benchley also wrote several other novels, including 'The Deep' and 'Beast', and served as a screenwriter for various movies. Beyond literature, Benchley became an advocate for ocean conservation.
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