Louis Zamperini
Runner and WWII veteran
Born
January 26th, 1917
108 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 2014
11 years ago — 97 years old
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
Born on January 26, 1917, a distinguished runner excelled in track and field, earning a spot in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Served as a bombardier in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. After his plane crashed in the Pacific Ocean, he survived on a life raft for over a month and endured hardships as a prisoner of war in Japan. Post-war, engaged in motivational speaking and authored an autobiography, detailing his experiences and resilience.
Competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics
Survived 47 days adrift at sea
Endured over two years as a POW
Other People Born on January 26th
Florian Thauvin
A professional footballer played as a winger. Achieved significant success in club football with Marseille and Newcastle United. Instrumental in France's victory at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, contributing to the team's performance in crucial matches. Renowned for technical skills and playmaking abilities on the pitch.
Continue ReadingLana Clelland
A footballer played for clubs including Spartans and Hibernian, primarily playing as a forward. The athlete represented Scotland at various youth levels before making debut for the senior national team. Competed in multiple international matches, contributing significantly to the team's efforts in qualifiers and tournaments.
Continue ReadingKarl Ristenpart
A conductor from Germany, Ristenpart gained prominence in the mid-20th century. He became a notable figure in the music world through his leadership of various orchestras. His work included significant contributions to the interpretation of Baroque music, particularly the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Ristenpart was the founder of the Saarland Radio Symphony Orchestra, where he served as the principal conductor. His interpretations of classical repertoire earned recognition, and he is remembered for his recordings and performances that showcased the rich textures of orchestral music. Ristenpart also fostered the performance of contemporary works through collaborations with various composers.
Continue ReadingDarius Garland
Professional basketball player played as a point guard in the NBA for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Developed skills at an early age and starred at Vanderbilt University, where accolades included being named to the SEC All-Freshman Team. Entered the NBA Draft in 2019, selected as the fifth overall pick by the Cavaliers. Made significant contributions during the 2021-2022 season, leading the team to the playoffs and earning an All-Star selection in 2022.
Continue ReadingValentino Mazzola
Played as a forward and became a key player for Torino FC during the 1940s. Mazzola contributed to Torino's significant success in the Italian football league, leading the team to multiple Serie A titles. His leadership on the field was pivotal in establishing the team's dominance. Tragically, his career was cut short by a plane crash in 1949, which claimed the lives of many Torino players, marking a significant moment in Italian football history.
Continue ReadingPolykarp Kusch
A German-American physicist contributed significantly to the field of microwave spectroscopy. Kusch conducted pioneering research that advanced the understanding of atomic structure and quantum mechanics. The Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded in 1955 for work on the magnetic moment of the electron. In addition to academic achievements, Kusch held various academic positions, including a professorship at Columbia University, influencing future generations of physicists.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 2nd
Armand Gaudreault
A prominent ice hockey player, played as a left winger. Participated in the National Hockey League (NHL) primarily for the Montreal Canadiens. Contributed to the team's successes during the 1940s, securing multiple Stanley Cup championships. Gained recognition for performance on the ice and contribution to the sport.
Continue ReadingBeverly Sills
Acclaimed as one of the leading sopranos of her time, this artist gained prominence in the opera world during the mid-20th century. Known for captivating performances, she sang major roles in operas such as 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'Lakmé'. The singer's successful career included performances with renowned companies like the New York City Opera and the Metropolitan Opera. Beyond performance, contributions to arts education and her role as a television personality further established her legacy in American culture.
Continue ReadingGeorge McBride
Played shortstop in Major League Baseball from 1904 to 1915, primarily with the Washington Senators. Managed the Senators from 1927 to 1929. Achieved significant recognition for his defensive skills and leadership on the field. Contributed to the development of young players during managerial career.
Continue ReadingAlan Longmuir
A prominent bass player and songwriter contributed significantly to the music scene during the 1970s and 1980s. Co-founded the band Bay City Rollers, which gained immense popularity with their upbeat pop sound and catchy melodies. The group achieved multiple chart-topping hits across the globe, with a notable presence in the UK and the US. Longmuir's musical talents and contributions were integral to the band's success during its heyday, including several albums that charted well.
Continue ReadingVincenzo Galilei
Significant contributions to music theory and experimentation with musical acoustics occurred. Composed prominent works for the lute and established a strong foundation for the development of opera. Wrote influential treatises that analyzed music's mathematical aspects, helping to bridge the gap between science and the arts.
Continue ReadingFerdinand Schörner
Served as a senior commander in the German Army during World War II. Achieved the rank of field marshal in 1943. Led troops in various battles, including the Eastern Front, and was involved in the defense of Germany as the war neared its end. After the war, taken as a prisoner of war by the Allies and later released in 1949. Contributed to military writings and served in various roles within the military until retirement.
Continue Reading