Louis Zamperini

Runner and WWII veteran

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

Robert Halperin

American yachtsman and sailing champion
Born
January 26th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1985 40 years ago — 77 years old

A prominent yachtsman achieved significant success in the sailing community. Competed in multiple prestigious regattas and was celebrated for outstanding skill and strategy on water. Won the 1947 America's Cup as helmsman for the boat 'Weatherly,' leading the team to victory in a historic challenge. Contributed to the advancement of sailing techniques and equipment throughout the mid-20th century.

Continue Reading

Jimmy Van Heusen

American pianist and composer of standards
Born
January 26th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
February 6th, 1990 35 years ago — 77 years old

This American pianist and composer became prominent in the mid-20th century, celebrated for contributions to popular music and film. Collaborated with lyricists like Johnny Mercer and Sammy Cahn to create numerous timeless songs. Composed scores for films, including "The Tender Trap" and "High Society." Won four Academy Awards for Best Original Song. Contributed significantly to the Great American Songbook.

Continue Reading

Melvil Poupaud

French actor, director, and screenwriter
Born
January 26th, 1973 52 years ago

Born in France in 1973, Poupaud began his career as a child actor, gaining recognition in the film 'The Piano Teacher'. Throughout his career, he has worked in various genres, showcasing versatility in performances. Poupaud also directed and wrote films, contributing to both acting and filmmaking. His collaborations with prominent directors further solidified his position in the French film industry.

Continue Reading

George Dikeoulakos

Basketball coach with national championships
Born
January 26th, 1969 56 years ago

Born in 1969, this Greek-Romanian basketball player and coach had a significant career in the sport. As a player, contributions were made to several teams during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Transitioning to coaching, achievements included winning national championships and promoting player development. Coaching roles included leading teams in both Romania and Greece, where tactical strategies enhanced team performance. The focus remained on developing young talent and fostering competitive environments.

Continue Reading

Norbert Schultze

German composer and conductor of music
Born
January 26th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
October 14th, 2002 23 years ago — 91 years old

Born in Germany in 1911, this composer and conductor specialized in creating film scores and classical compositions. An accomplished figure in the realm of music, contributions to cinema include work on soundtracks that strengthened narratives within various films. The composer’s music was characterized by its ability to evoke emotion and complement visual storytelling. Collaborations with several prominent directors and involvement in film projects helped elevate the art of scoring during his career, leading to recognition within the film industry.

Continue Reading

Brendan Rodgers

Football manager with Premier League success
Born
January 26th, 1973 52 years ago

A Northern Irish footballer and manager, celebrated for managerial roles in multiple clubs. Early playing career included time at Ballymena United, Reading, and Newport County. Began a managerial career at Watford, with significant achievements at Swansea City, leading the team to win the 2013 Football League Cup. Managed Liverpool from 2012 to 2015, securing a second-place finish in the 2013-14 Premier League season. Later managed Celtic, achieving a historic treble in both the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons. Returned to the Premier League with Leicester City, finishing fifth in the league and guiding the club to win the 2020 FA Cup.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on July 2nd

Vincenzo Galilei

Italian lute player and composer
Born
1520 505 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 1591 434 years ago — 71 years old

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 Reading

Alicia Patterson

Publisher, co-founder of Newsday
Born
1906 119 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 1963 62 years ago — 57 years old

Alicia Patterson established a significant presence in American journalism by co-founding the Long Island newspaper Newsday. Under her guidance, Newsday became recognized for its in-depth reporting and coverage of local issues. She played a crucial role in promoting investigative journalism and fostering a commitment to journalistic excellence. Her contributions to the newspaper industry significantly influenced the landscape of local news coverage.

Continue Reading

William Louis Marshall

American general and engineer
Born
June 11th, 1846 179 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 1920 105 years ago — 74 years old

Served as a general in the United States Army, contributing significantly during the Spanish-American War. Actively involved in military engineering projects, played a role in the development of various fortifications and infrastructure. Led operations that emphasized strategy and technology, influencing military practices of the time. Also engaged in public service, overseeing various engineering initiatives post-military career.

Continue Reading

Armand Gaudreault

Canadian ice hockey player
Born
July 14th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 2013 12 years ago — 91 years old

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 Reading

Jim Weaver

American football player and coach
Born
1945 80 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 2015 10 years ago — 70 years old

Played college football at the University of Oregon. Coached multiple high school teams and served as an assistant coach at the collegiate level. Led the University of Oregon to a bowl appearance as head coach in 1980. Contributed to the development of several players who went on to play professionally.

Continue Reading

Lee Iacocca

Businessman and author, Chrysler CEO
Born
October 15th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 2019 6 years ago — 94 years old

An influential businessman and author, played a pivotal role in the automotive industry, particularly as CEO of Chrysler Corporation during the 1980s. Oversaw Chrysler's revival from the brink of bankruptcy, implementing innovative strategies that included the introduction of popular vehicles such as the Dodge Caravan and the Chrysler minivan. Authored several books, with 'Iacocca: An Autobiography' gaining significant popularity, detailing personal experiences and business philosophies. Contributed to automotive advancements and consumer-focused marketing approaches, shaping the landscape of American cars during his tenure. His leadership style and business acumen were widely recognized within the industry.

Continue Reading