Theodoros Pangalos
Greek politician and military leader
Served as a prominent general and politician in Greece during the early 20th century. Held the position of President of Greece from 1926 to 1929. Participated in military campaigns and was involved in the political landscape during a tumultuous period in Greek history. Took part in the Greco-Turkish War and held various governmental positions, shaping the political environment of the era.
Served as President of Greece from 1926 to 1929
Participated in the Greco-Turkish War
Other People Born on January 11th
Tony Allen
Basketball player and NBA champion
Born
January 11th, 1982 44 years ago
Died
April 30th, 2020 5 years ago — 38 years old
Played as a shooting guard in the NBA, primarily with the Boston Celtics and the Memphis Grizzlies. Contributed to the Boston Celtics' 2008 NBA Championship victory. Recognized for defensive prowess, earning NBA All-Defensive First Team honors multiple times. Transitioned to a prominent role within Memphis, becoming a key player for the team's identity and success during the 2010s.
Continue ReadingAldo Leopold
Ecologist and author of 'Sand County Almanac'
Born
January 11th, 1887 139 years ago
Died
April 21st, 1948 77 years ago — 61 years old
Ecologist and author contributed significantly to the fields of wildlife management and land conservation. Developed the concept of land ethic, emphasizing the responsibility of humans to care for the natural environment. Author of 'A Sand County Almanac', which combines natural history and philosophy, promoting a sustainable relationship with the land. Played a pivotal role in founding the discipline of wildlife ecology and was instrumental in establishing the U.S. Forest Service's research on conservation practices.
Continue ReadingConstantin Fehrenbach
Chancellor of Weimar Germany
Born
January 11th, 1852 174 years ago
Died
March 26th, 1926 99 years ago — 74 years old
Served as the 4th Chancellor of Weimar Germany from 1920 to 1921. Before assuming the chancellorship, held various political roles, including leadership positions in the German People's Party. Advocated for democratic principles during a tumultuous period in German history, focusing on stabilizing the government amid significant political and economic challenges. Resigned during a critical financial crisis, which highlighted the difficulties faced by the Weimar Republic.
Continue ReadingAlan Paton
South African author and activist
Born
January 11th, 1903 123 years ago
Died
April 12th, 1988 37 years ago — 85 years old
An influential author and political activist, contributed significantly to anti-apartheid movements in South Africa. Wrote the acclaimed novel "Cry, the Beloved Country," which highlighted the struggles of apartheid. Engaged in various social and political issues throughout his life, working to promote human rights and social justice. Served as the first president of the South African Liberal Party from its founding in 1953 until 1968.
Continue ReadingAugust Heissmeyer
German SS officer during WWII
Born
January 11th, 1897 129 years ago
Died
1979 47 years ago — 82 years old
Served as a high-ranking officer in the SS during World War II, overseeing various operations, particularly in the fields of police and concentration camps. Played a significant role in the implementation of policies regarding the treatment of detainees. Involved in the administration of several concentration camps and noted for direct involvement with the Nazi regime's infrastructure. After the war, faced trial for war crimes and was sentenced to death, later reduced to life imprisonment. Died in custody.
Continue ReadingJerome Bixby
American author and screenwriter of sci-fi
Born
January 11th, 1923 103 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1998 27 years ago — 75 years old
An influential author and screenwriter contributed significantly to science fiction through works in both film and literature. Wrote episodes for the original 'Star Trek' series, including the notable episode 'Mirror, Mirror'. Authored the short story 'It's a Good Life', adapted into an episode of 'The Twilight Zone'. Worked on the screenplay for 'Fantastic Voyage', which became a classic of the genre. His creative influences extended to the broader cultural landscape, impacting generations of sci-fi writers and fans.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 26th
Jef Raskin
Computer Scientist, Creator of Macintosh
Born
1943 83 years ago
Died
February 26th, 2005 20 years ago — 62 years old
A computer scientist played a pivotal role in the development of the Macintosh computer. Initiated the project in the late 1970s to create a user-friendly interface that would make personal computing accessible to a wider audience. Contributed significantly to software design principles and interface usability, emphasizing the importance of graphical user interfaces and direct manipulation. Worked at Apple Inc. until the mid-1980s, where innovative ideas transformed the way individuals interacted with technology. Authored several important works on human-computer interaction and interface design.
Continue ReadingStéphane Hessel
Diplomat and author of 'Indignez-vous!'
Born
October 20th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
February 26th, 2013 12 years ago — 95 years old
A diplomat and author, played a significant role in French politics and literature. Contributed to the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Authored 'Indignez-vous!', a bestseller advocating for social justice and political engagement at a global level. Engaged in various social and political movements throughout the latter half of the 20th century, influencing debates on human rights and democracy.
Continue ReadingNorm Van Lier
Basketball player and sportscaster
Born
1947 79 years ago
Died
February 26th, 2009 16 years ago — 62 years old
Played as a point guard in the National Basketball Association primarily for the Chicago Bulls from 1969 to 1976. Achieved three All-Star selections during the early 1970s. Transitioned into coaching and sportscasting after retirement, sharing insights on basketball through various media platforms. Inducted into the Chicago Sports Hall of Fame recognizing contributions to the sport.
Continue ReadingRichard Jordan Gatling
American engineer, inventor of the Gatling gun
Born
September 12th, 1818 207 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1903 122 years ago — 84 years old
An American engineer developed the Gatling gun, one of the earliest successful machine guns. The Gatling gun was patented in 1862 and saw extensive use during the American Civil War. Its design utilized a rotating barrel and a hand-crank mechanism, allowing rapid fire compared to traditional firearms. Gatling's invention significantly influenced military technology and warfare strategies. Later, the design was modified and improved for increased efficiency and reliability in subsequent conflicts. Gatling's contributions to engineering extended beyond firearms as he patented over a dozen inventions during his career.
Continue ReadingRoy Eldridge
Jazz trumpet player with a dynamic style
Born
January 30th, 1911 115 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1989 36 years ago — 78 years old
A prominent jazz trumpet player, exemplified a vigorous and innovative playing style. Played in the big bands of the 1930s and 1940s, collaborating with figures such as Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa. Contributed significantly to the bebop movement in jazz music. His recordings with groups like the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra showcased technical skill and emotional depth. Eldridge's technique and approach influenced many trumpet players and left a lasting legacy on the genre. Throughout the career, performances at prestigious venues, including the Apollo Theater, further solidified his reputation within the jazz community. Through a direct approach to improvisation, he became a key figure in shaping jazz music during his era.
Continue ReadingRoger Mortimer
2nd Earl of March, English commander
Born
April 25th, 1287 738 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1360 665 years ago — 72 years old
Held the title of 2nd Earl of March and played a significant role in the early stages of the Hundred Years' War. Captured by the French in 1346 during the Battle of Crécy, was later released and participated in various military campaigns. Involved in political matters and exerted influence over English royalty. Died in 1360.
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