Josef Priller
German colonel and pilot in WWII
Served as a Luftwaffe pilot during World War II. Achieved the rank of colonel and gained prominence for his role in the Battle of Britain. Participated in numerous aerial operations, demonstrating significant skill in fighter combat. Credited with being one of the notable Luftwaffe aces and recognized for his contributions to air warfare strategies. After the war, transitioned to military aviation roles, contributing to training and operational planning.
Achieved the rank of colonel in the Luftwaffe
Participated in the Battle of Britain
Recognized as a Luftwaffe ace
Other People Born on July 27th
Steve Tilson
Footballer and manager, Lincoln City.
Born
July 27th, 1966 59 years ago
Played as a defender in professional football for several clubs including Southend United and Lincoln City. Transitioned to management, leading Lincoln City during critical periods. Achieved notable success in the lower divisions of English football, developing teams and nurturing young talent throughout the managerial career.
Continue ReadingGeorge L. Street III
American Medal of Honor recipient
Born
July 27th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
February 26th, 2000 26 years ago — 86 years old
Served as a captain in the United States Army during World War II. Displayed exceptional bravery in combat during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. After leading troops through intense enemy fire, facilitated the successful withdrawal of wounded soldiers. Received the Medal of Honor for valor displayed in action.
Continue ReadingErnst May
Architect and urban planner in Germany
Born
July 27th, 1886 139 years ago
Died
1970 56 years ago — 84 years old
Born in Germany, an architect and urban planner specialized in modernist architecture. Played a key role in urban planning during the Weimar Republic. Instrumental in the development of the Frankfurt Kitchen, which revolutionized kitchen design. Overseen numerous housing projects aimed at addressing the post-World War I housing crisis in Germany. Advocated for the principles of functionalism in architecture. His work during the 1920s significantly influenced residential building design in Germany.
Continue ReadingMax Scherzer
Professional Baseball Player - Three-time Cy Young Award Winner
Born
July 27th, 1984 41 years ago
A distinguished pitcher in Major League Baseball, achieved recognition for exceptional performance on the mound. Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 1st round of the 2006 MLB Draft, debuted in 2008. Played for teams including the Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, and New York Mets. Secured three Cy Young Awards in 2013, 2016, and 2017, establishing a reputation as one of the leading pitchers in the league. Won the World Series in 2019 with the Washington Nationals, contributing significantly to the team's success during the postseason.
Continue ReadingDiane Webber
Model and actress from 'The Naked City'
Born
July 27th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
2008 18 years ago — 76 years old
Engaged in modeling, dancing, and acting from the mid-20th century. Featured as a pin-up and appeared in several publications. Gained recognition for the role in the television series 'The Naked City'. Worked with various filmmakers and contributed to the entertainment industry during her career.
Continue ReadingLudovico Sforza
Duke of Milan, patron of the arts
Born
July 27th, 1452 573 years ago
Died
May 27th, 1508 517 years ago — 55 years old
Served as Duke of Milan from 1494 until his capture in 1499. A significant patron of the Renaissance, supported artists including Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante. Commissioned the famous painting 'The Last Supper' for the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Engaged in various military campaigns, sought to expand and maintain the power of Milan. Captured by the Swiss and died in captivity in 1508.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 20th
Damaskinos of Athens
Greek Archbishop and ecclesiastical leader
Born
March 3rd, 1891 135 years ago
Died
May 20th, 1949 76 years ago — 58 years old
Occupied the position of Archbishop of Athens from 1938 to 1941 and again from 1944 to 1949. Played a significant role in religious and political life in Greece during turbulent times, including World War II. Led efforts to protect Jewish citizens during the Nazi occupation of Greece. Contributed to the restoration of the Orthodox Church after the war, emphasizing educational and social initiatives.
Continue ReadingJohn Clare
English poet and nature writer
Born
July 13th, 1793 232 years ago
Died
May 20th, 1864 161 years ago — 70 years old
Born in 1793, this individual became a prominent figure in English poetry during the Romantic period. Known for a deep appreciation of nature, the writings reflected rural life and the beauty of the English countryside. Significant works include 'The Shepherd's Calendar' and 'Poems Descriptive of Rural Life and Scenery'. While facing challenges related to mental health later in life, the contributions to literature remain influential in the study of pastoral poetry.
Continue ReadingErnest Noel
Scottish businessman and politician
Born
August 18th, 1831 194 years ago
Died
May 20th, 1931 94 years ago — 99 years old
Born in 1831, a businessman and politician active in Scotland. Served as a Member of Parliament, representing constituencies and advocating for local business interests. Engaged in notable legislative activities and contributed to discussions concerning commerce and community development. Active in various civic organizations and promoted economic growth in the region.
Continue ReadingJon Pertwee
English actor and Doctor Who star
Born
July 7th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
May 20th, 1996 29 years ago — 76 years old
An English actor gained prominence through significant roles in television and film. Best recognized for portraying the Third Doctor in the long-running sci-fi series Doctor Who, the performance spanned from 1970 to 1974. Pertwee's career included various works in theater, radio, and television, showcasing versatility in character roles. His portrayal of the Doctor brought a blend of charm and authority, influencing the iconic character's future development. Apart from Doctor Who, Pertwee starred in the sitcom Worzel Gummidge as the title character, a scarecrow who comes to life, which became a beloved series in the UK.
Continue ReadingGero the Great
Saxon ruler and military leader
Died
May 20th, 965 1060 years ago — None years old
Ruled as the Margrave of the Saxon East Mark. Integrated various Slavic tribes into the Saxon realm. Established the territory of the March of Gerony in the early medieval period. Played a critical role in combating the expansion of Slavic influence in Central Europe. Extended the boundaries of Saxony and fortified them against invasions. His leadership contributed to the stabilization of the region during a turbulent era.
Continue ReadingOsman II
Ottoman Sultan and military leader
Born
November 3rd, 1604 421 years ago
Died
May 20th, 1622 403 years ago — 17 years old
Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1618 until 1622, played a pivotal role in military campaigns against Poland and Persia. Attempted to reform the military and administrative structures, advocating for a stronger central authority. His reign was marked by tensions with the Janissaries, leading to a power struggle that resulted in his deposition and execution. This significant period in Ottoman history showed the challenges of governance and the influence of military factions.
Continue Reading