Kenneth S. Kleinknecht

NASA manager and Apollo program leader

Kenneth S. Kleinknecht - NASA manager and Apollo program leader
Born

July 24th, 1919
105 years ago

Died

November 20th, 2007
17 years ago — 88 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United States

Links & References

Served as a NASA manager, overseeing the Apollo program and lunar missions from the early 1960s through the 1970s. Directed efforts that led to successful moon landings, particularly the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Played a crucial role in the development and management of the Saturn V launch vehicle, which enabled human space exploration. Also held positions in various engineering and managerial roles within NASA, contributing to advancements in space technology and exploration.

Oversaw the Apollo program

Managed the Saturn V launch vehicle development

Contributed to Apollo 11 moon landing success

Other People Born on July 24th

Zack Sabre Jr.

Professional wrestler and grappler
Born
July 24th, 1987 37 years ago

Established a reputation in professional wrestling with a unique grappling style. Competed in various promotions including New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where gained significant acclaim for technical excellence. Captured the RevPro British Heavyweight Championship and the Ring of Honor World Television Championship. Recognized for contributions to the British wrestling scene, helping to elevate its international profile.

Continue Reading

Maria of the Palatinate-Simmern

Noblewoman and Landgravine of Hesse
Born
July 24th, 1561 463 years ago
Died
1589 436 years ago — 28 years old

Born in 1561, a member of the Palatinate-Simmern family, served as Landgravine of Hesse-Cassel through marriage. Became an influential figure in the region, involved in various political and social affairs of her time. Managed numerous responsibilities associated with noble duties and alliances during the late Renaissance period.

Continue Reading

Quinlan Terry

Architect who designed Brentwood Cathedral
Born
July 24th, 1937 87 years ago

An English architect, the focus was on traditional and classical architecture. Key projects included the design of Brentwood Cathedral, completed in 1991. The architectural style integrated modern techniques with classical forms, emphasizing harmony and context. Contributions included various public and ecclesiastical buildings across the UK, showcasing a commitment to classical principles in contemporary settings. The work aimed to create structures that fostered a sense of place and community.

Continue Reading

Pam Tillis

Singer-songwriter and actress in country music
Born
July 24th, 1957 67 years ago

Acclaimed as a prominent figure in country music, contributed significantly as a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actress. Released multiple successful albums during the 1990s, including 'Put Yourself in My Place' and 'All of This Love.' Achieved several number one hits and garnered prestigious awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals. Starred in the film 'The Long Way Home,' showcasing talents beyond music. Continues to perform and engage with fans across the country music landscape.

Continue Reading

Maurkice Pouncey

American football center, 2× Pro Bowler
Born
July 24th, 1989 35 years ago

Drafted in 2010 as a center, played for the Pittsburgh Steelers through 2020. Contributed to the team's offensive line, protecting quarterbacks and facilitating running plays. Helped lead the Steelers to a Super Bowl XLV appearance in 2011. Selected to the Pro Bowl twice, recognizing outstanding performance during pivotal seasons. Notable for versatility, playing both center and guard positions throughout the career.

Continue Reading

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki

Japanese author and literary figure
Born
July 24th, 1886 138 years ago
Died
July 30th, 1965 59 years ago — 79 years old

Tanizaki was a prominent Japanese author whose works explored themes of beauty and cultural identity. Writing during the 20th century, significant contributions included novels, essays, and translations. The literary style often reflected the tension between traditional Japanese aesthetics and Western influences. Received the Akutagawa Prize in 1929 for the short novel 'Shunkinshū'. Important works included 'The Makioka Sisters', which depicted a declining upper-class family, and 'In Praise of Shadows', an essay that examined Japanese aesthetics.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on November 20th

Mike Muuss

Computer programmer, creator of Ping
Born
1958 67 years ago
Died
November 20th, 2000 24 years ago — 42 years old

A computer programmer focused on network utilities, played a significant role in the development of tools for diagnosing network connectivity issues. Created the program Ping, which became widely used in networking for its ability to test the reachability of hosts on an Internet Protocol (IP) network. Contributed to various advancements in computer science during a career marked by innovation in network programming and protocol analysis. Passed away in 2000, leaving a legacy in the field of computer networking.

Continue Reading

John Jellicoe

Admiral and Governor-General of New Zealand
Born
December 5th, 1859 165 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1935 89 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1859, served as a distinguished admiral in the Royal Navy. Commanded the British fleet at the Battle of Jutland during World War I. Contributed to naval strategy and operations in the war. Later appointed as the 2nd Governor-General of New Zealand, overseeing important developments in the country's governance.

Continue Reading

Wataru Misaka

Basketball player, first Asian-American in NBA
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
November 20th, 2019 5 years ago — 96 years old

A basketball player participated in the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the 1940s. Played for the New York Knicks, becoming the first Asian-American player in the league's history. His career spanned a brief period during which he contributed to the team's dynamics and performance on the court. Later, he played in the Basketball Association of America (BAA) before the leagues merged. After retirement, he worked in various roles, including coaching youth basketball and serving as a successful businessman.

Continue Reading

Mikołaj Potocki

Polish nobleman and military leader
Born
1595 430 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1651 373 years ago — 56 years old

A Polish nobleman played a significant role in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth's military engagements during the 17th century. Engaged in the wars against Russia and Sweden, Potocki held important military positions in the Commonwealth. His leadership was crucial during the Khmelnytsky Uprising, where he commanded royal forces. Potocki's contributions to Poland's military strategies and operations were noted during this turbulent period. He served as starosta of various cities and was an influential figure among the Polish nobility.

Continue Reading

Dieter Hildebrandt

Actor and screenwriter, 'Die Dritte Halbzeit'
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
November 20th, 2013 11 years ago — 86 years old

Born in Poland and immigrated to Germany, a career spanned decades in television and film. Gained recognition as a satirical actor and writer, especially for the television program 'Die Dritte Halbzeit' which addressed political and social issues. Worked as a prominent figure in the German cabaret scene and contributed significantly to the cultural landscape through various performances and screenplays.

Continue Reading

Leo Tolstoy

Russian author of War and Peace
Born
September 9th, 1828 196 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1910 114 years ago — 82 years old

One of the most prominent authors in world literature, contributions include novels, plays, and essays. War and Peace, published in 1869, illustrated the impact of the Napoleonic Wars on Russian society and is widely regarded as a literary masterpiece. Another major work, Anna Karenina, explores themes of love and morality. Tolstoy's later life involved a strong focus on philosophy and spirituality, culminating in an embrace of nonviolent resistance and a critique of established institutions.

Continue Reading