John W. Morris
American general, World War II veteran
A general in the United States Army, distinguished military career included service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Played significant roles in various military operations and leadership positions. Achieved the rank of brigadier general, showcasing extensive experience and dedication to military service. Contributed to strategic planning and execution of operations during critical periods of conflict.
Served as a key leader during World War II
Held various command positions in the Army
Achieved the rank of brigadier general
Other People Born on September 10th
Ricky Ledo
Professional Basketball Player
Born
September 10th, 1992 34 years ago
Played collegiate basketball at Providence College, where averaged 15.7 points per game. Entered the NBA draft in 2013 and was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers. Spent time with the Dallas Mavericks and later played for various teams in the NBA Development League. Also played professionally overseas in countries like Italy. Known for his scoring ability and shooting skills.
Continue ReadingCaspar Bartholin the Younger
Danish anatomist and medical educator
Born
September 10th, 1655 371 years ago
Died
1738 288 years ago — 83 years old
Anatomical studies were conducted, leading to significant contributions in the field of human anatomy. Published 'Anatomicae Institutiones', which became a major text in anatomy education. Served as a professor at the University of Copenhagen, influencing future generations of medical students. Collaborated with notable contemporaries in advancing anatomical knowledge during the 17th century.
Continue ReadingRoger Maris
Baseball player, 1961 home run champion
Born
September 10th, 1934 92 years ago
Died
December 14th, 1985 40 years ago — 51 years old
A Major League Baseball player, achieved significant acclaim during a career primarily with the New York Yankees. In 1961, set a then single-season home run record by hitting 61 home runs, surpassing the previous record held by Babe Ruth. Maris won the American League MVP award in the same year. Also played for the Kansas City Royals late in his career. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, contributing to the development of young players in the sport.
Continue ReadingHenry Purcell
English organist and composer of opera
Born
September 10th, 1659 367 years ago
Died
November 21st, 1695 330 years ago — 36 years old
An English composer and organist, contributed significantly to the Baroque music era. Served as the organist of Westminster Abbey and composed various sacred music, operas, and instrumental works. Purcell is notable for his opera 'Dido and Aeneas', recognized as one of the earliest English operas. His works exhibit a deep emotional thrust and innovative use of harmony, influencing subsequent generations of composers.
Continue ReadingCharles Collett
Engineer and designer of locomotives
Born
September 10th, 1871 155 years ago
Died
1952 74 years ago — 81 years old
An engineer, key in the design and development of steam locomotives for the Great Western Railway. Collett joined the railway as a chief mechanical engineer and held the position from 1922 until retirement in 1941. Contributions included the creation of the Castle class locomotives which became a framework for future designs. His work improved efficiency and performance of trains during the steam era.
Continue ReadingAlva R. Fitch
American general during World War II
Born
September 10th, 1907 119 years ago
Died
November 25th, 1989 36 years ago — 82 years old
Extended military career spanned over three decades. Held key roles during World War II, commanding troops in significant campaigns. Contributed to post-war military strategy and operations. Achieved the rank of Major General in the United States Army.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 20th
Edward Herbert
English-Welsh soldier and diplomat
Born
March 3rd, 1583 443 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1648 378 years ago — 65 years old
Born in 1583, served as a soldier and diplomat during the early 17th century. Engaged in military campaigns for the English crown. Achieved the title of 1st Baron Herbert of Cherbury. Contributed to historical documentation through writings that reflected on the political and social conditions of the time. His works offered insights into the complexities of his era, including religious and philosophical discussions.
Continue ReadingPaul Ehrlich
Physician and biologist, Nobel laureate
Born
March 14th, 1854 172 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1915 111 years ago — 61 years old
Contributions to immunology and chemotherapy marked significant advancements in medicine. Developed the first effective treatment for syphilis, employing Salvarsan, a compound that showed efficacy against the disease. Conducted pioneering work in the field of serology, and established concepts of antibodies and antigens, which laid the foundation for modern immunology. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1908, along with Emil von Behring, for work on immunity. His research influenced the development of vaccines and therapeutic agents.
Continue ReadingEnrique Flórez
Spanish historian and author
Born
February 14th, 1701 325 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1773 253 years ago — 72 years old
This individual contributed significantly to Spanish historiography during the 18th century. Authorship includes works such as 'España Sagrada', which detailed the history of the Spanish Church. Focused on documenting religious and historical aspects of Spain, this historian engaged in extensive research, producing texts that are still referenced in academic circles. In addition, Flórez was a member of the Royal Academy of History, where he influenced the study of history in Spain through scholarship and editorial efforts.
Continue ReadingIstván Horthy
Hungarian fighter pilot and deputy regent
Born
September 12th, 1904 122 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1942 84 years ago — 37 years old
Served as a fighter pilot during World War II, participating in various missions in the Eastern Front. Held the position of deputy regent of Hungary under Miklós Horthy from 1944 until the end of the war. Involved in political and military affairs during a tumultuous period in Hungarian history. Post-war, faced challenges as Hungary transitioned away from a monarchy.
Continue ReadingDom Mintoff
Maltese politician and Prime Minister
Born
August 6th, 1916 110 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2012 14 years ago — 96 years old
Served as the 8th Prime Minister of Malta and was a prominent figure in the Maltese Labour Party. Played a significant role in Malta's independence from the UK. Mintoff advocated for a strong welfare state and pursued policies that aimed to enhance the social and economic wellbeing of Maltese citizens. Also served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works, focusing on infrastructure development. His tenure was marked by efforts to transform Malta into a more self-sufficient nation.
Continue ReadingMeles Zenawi
Ethiopian Prime Minister and revolutionary leader
Born
May 9th, 1955 71 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2012 14 years ago — 57 years old
Served as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia from 1995 until 2012. Played a significant role in the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, which controlled the government after the overthrow of Mengistu Haile Mariam. Implemented economic reforms that spurred growth and attracted foreign investment. Also participated in regional politics, including peace negotiations in the Horn of Africa. Advocated for the role of the African Union in addressing continental issues.
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