Wally Schirra
Astronaut and Apollo 7 commander
A captain, pilot, and astronaut, this individual became a prominent figure in the early years of human spaceflight. Selected as one of the original seven astronauts for NASA's Project Mercury, he flew on Mercury-Atlas 8, performing six orbits of Earth in 1962. Later, he commanded the Apollo 7 mission in 1968, the first manned flight of the Apollo program, which tested crucial systems for future lunar missions. Throughout a distinguished career with NASA, he also contributed to the Gemini program and helped develop space shuttle technology.
Commanded Apollo 7, the first manned Apollo mission
Flew on Mercury-Atlas 8, completing six orbits
Other People Born on March 12th
Jerami Grant
Basketball player for the Detroit Pistons
Born
March 12th, 1994 31 years ago
Professional basketball player started career in the NBA after being selected 39th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Played for multiple teams including the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets, contributing to playoff runs. Joined the Detroit Pistons in 2020 as a key player and has established a reputation for scoring and defensive versatility. Represented the United States in international competitions, notably winning a gold medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Continue ReadingDawid Kubacki
Polish Ski Jumper, World Champion 2019
Born
March 12th, 1990 35 years ago
Competed in ski jumping, securing multiple titles and accolades. Achieved significant success at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, including winning the individual normal hill event in 2019. Recognized for consistency and skill in various competitions, including the Ski Jumping World Cup.
Continue ReadingDaniele Baselli
Italian footballer and midfielder
Born
March 12th, 1992 33 years ago
A professional footballer with a career spanning several clubs in Italy, played primarily as a midfielder. Started youth career at Atalanta and made a mark in Serie A with a notable stint at Torino. Contributed significantly to team performances, demonstrating skills in both defensive and offensive roles on the pitch. Achieved national recognition while representing various youth national teams and later the senior team.
Continue ReadingRobert Murić
Croatian footballer, Dinamo Zagreb player
Born
March 12th, 1996 29 years ago
Born in 1996, a Croatian footballer played primarily as a winger. Developed in the youth system of Dinamo Zagreb, joined the senior team and made significant contributions in domestic competitions. Later transferred to various clubs, including spells in the Netherlands and other European leagues.
Continue ReadingFelix Kroos
German footballer and midfielder
Born
March 12th, 1991 34 years ago
Started professional career at a young age, playing primarily as a midfielder. Played for several clubs, including Werder Bremen and Union Berlin. Gained recognition for performances in the 2. Bundesliga and contributed to his teams' midfield strategies. Also represented Germany at youth levels, showcasing skill and technique on the field.
Continue ReadingMalina Weissman
Actress from 'A Series of Unfortunate Events'
Born
March 12th, 2003 22 years ago
Born in 2003 in the United States, this individual gained prominence as an actress and model. Notably starred as Violet Baudelaire in the Netflix adaptation of 'A Series of Unfortunate Events', showcasing talent in both dramatic and comedic roles. Early career included modeling and appearances in commercials, leading to more substantial acting opportunities. Engaged in numerous projects across different media, demonstrating versatility within the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 3rd
Julius
Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg
Born
June 29th, 1528 497 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1589 436 years ago — 60 years old
Born in 1528, Julius served as the Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg from 1559 until his death in 1589. He played a significant role in the administration of his territory, focusing on economic improvements and military readiness. His reign was marked by efforts to centralize power and modernize the ducal administration. Julius also engaged in various conflicts during his rule, including tensions arising from the Reformation and territorial disputes with neighboring states, which shaped the political landscape of the region during his lifetime.
Continue ReadingEmil Breitkreutz
American runner and coach, Olympic athlete
Born
November 16th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1972 53 years ago — 88 years old
Achieved success as a middle-distance runner, competing in the 1908 Olympics in London. Also served as a coach for various running programs, fostering athletic talent and contributing to the development of track and field in the United States. His coaching efforts focused on training techniques and strategies that helped athletes excel in competitive events.
Continue ReadingJadranka Stojaković
Yugoslav singer-songwriter with popular albums
Born
July 24th, 1950 75 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 2016 9 years ago — 65 years old
Born in 1950, a prominent singer-songwriter emerged from Yugoslavia, contributing significantly to the music scene. Starting her career in the 1970s, the artist released several popular albums that resonated with audiences throughout the region. The musical style blended elements of traditional folk with contemporary sounds, showcasing both lyrical depth and melodic appeal. Over the decades, performances in various festivals and collaborations with other artists solidified a legacy in the Balkan music community. The work often highlighted themes of love and life, capturing the cultural essence of the time. The artist's influence extended beyond music, inspiring future generations of musicians and songwriters.
Continue ReadingDick Rutan
Military aviator and record-setting pilot
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 2024 1 years ago — 86 years old
A military aviator and aerospace engineer, contributed significantly to aviation history. Gained prominence as the pilot of Voyager, the first aircraft to fly around the world non-stop without refueling. This historic flight took place in December 1986, covering approximately 26,000 miles in 9 days, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, engaged in various aerospace projects and played a vital role in developing new aircraft technologies. Rutan also authored multiple aviation-focused publications, providing insights into his experiences and innovations in flight.
Continue ReadingGodfrey Evans
English cricketer and wicket-keeper
Born
August 18th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1999 26 years ago — 78 years old
Played for Kent County Cricket Club and England national team. Made contributions as a wicket-keeper and batsman during the 1940s and 1950s. Participated in several Test matches, showcasing skills behind the stumps. His career with Kent spanned over two decades, gathering a substantial record of dismissals.
Continue ReadingGene Raymond
American actor and pilot in films
Born
August 13th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1998 27 years ago — 89 years old
Active in the film industry from the 1930s to the 1960s, Gene Raymond appeared in significant roles in movies such as 'The Wedding Night' and 'Murder in the Blue Room'. In addition to acting, he served as a pilot during World War II, contributing to the war effort. After the war, he continued to perform in various productions, including television series. His career spanned several decades, showcasing his talents in both film and theater.
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