Willard Miller

American sailor, Medal of Honor recipient

Willard Miller - American sailor, Medal of Honor recipient
Born

June 5th, 1877
147 years ago

Died

February 19th, 1959
66 years ago — 81 years old

Category

Military & Warriors

Country

United States

Links & References

Served as a sailor during World War II, where valorous actions demonstrated exceptional bravery under fire. Engaged in naval operations that contributed to key victories in the Pacific Theater. Awarded the Medal of Honor for courageous efforts during a critical engagement, showcasing a commitment to service and duty. Continued to honor military service throughout life while participating in veteran events and memorial activities until passing in 1959.

Awarded the Medal of Honor for valor

Served in the U.S. Navy during WWII

Other People Born on June 5th

Otis Barton

Engineer and bathysphere designer
Born
June 5th, 1899 125 years ago
Died
1992 33 years ago — 93 years old

An engineer and inventor, created the bathysphere, an early submersible used for deep-sea exploration. Collaborated with naturalist William Beebe in 1930, achieving a record depth of 3,028 feet in the Atlantic Ocean. Contributed to advances in marine science and underwater technology. Also involved in acting, appearing in several films during the 1930s, showcasing a multifaceted career in engineering and entertainment.

Continue Reading

Hélène Cixous

French author and literary critic
Born
June 5th, 1937 87 years ago

An influential figure in contemporary literature, a pioneering voice in feminist theory, and a prominent critic of traditional literary structures. She authored numerous works that explore themes of gender, identity, and language. Works include 'The Laugh of the Medusa', a foundational text in feminist literary criticism, which advocates for women's voices in literature. Her contributions extend beyond writing, engaging in various forms of artistic expression, including theater and philosophy.

Continue Reading

Freddie Stone

American singer and guitarist, leader of Sly and the Family Stone
Born
June 5th, 1947 77 years ago

Born in 1947, an American singer and guitarist gained recognition as a founding member of the band Sly and the Family Stone. The band blended funk, rock, and soul music and played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The group's energetic performances and innovative music style earned significant acclaim, particularly with the hit single 'Everyday People'. Stone also pursued a solo career and worked as a pastor, intertwining his musical and spiritual journeys.

Continue Reading

Karin Balzer

German hurdler Olympic medalist
Born
June 5th, 1938 86 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 81 years old

An accomplished hurdler, she specialized in the 80-meter hurdles. Secured a gold medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, contributing to Germany's prominence in athletics during that era. Also achieved success at the European Championships, further establishing a reputation in the sport. Balzer set national records, reflecting significant athletic prowess throughout her career.

Continue Reading

Ramesh Krishnan

Tennis player and coach with major titles
Born
June 5th, 1961 63 years ago

An Indian tennis player competed on the ATP Tour during the 1980s and early 1990s. Achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 23 in 1988. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, contributing to the development of tennis in India. Participated in the Davis Cup representing India, showcasing significant achievements in both singles and doubles formats. Worked with junior players, helping to improve their skills and understanding of the game.

Continue Reading

Eric Hollies

English cricketer, renowned leg spinner
Born
June 5th, 1912 112 years ago
Died
1981 44 years ago — 69 years old

An English cricketer played primarily as a leg spinner. Played for Warwickshire from 1930 to 1954, contributing significantly to the team's successes during this period. Notably, delivered a remarkable performance in the 1947 season, taking 105 wickets in the County Championship. Represented England in Test matches, making a significant impact in the 1948 series against Australia. His career spanned the golden age of cricket, showcasing skill and precision in bowling. After retiring, transitioned to coaching, influencing future generations of cricketers.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on February 19th

Clodius Albinus

Roman usurper during the Year of the Five Emperors
Died
February 19th, 197 1828 years ago — None years old

Born in 150, Albinus was a Roman general who proclaimed himself emperor in opposition to Septimius Severus during the tumultuous Year of the Five Emperors. He initially gained support in Britain and subsequently held a significant military command in the province. After being named Caesar under Severus, Albinus rebelled, claiming the purple in 196. He marched his army into Gaul to confront Severus' forces. The conflict culminated in a decisive battle at Lugdunum (modern Lyon) in 197, where Albinus was ultimately defeated. Following his defeat, he took his own life to avoid capture.

Continue Reading

André Frédéric Cournand

Physician and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
September 24th, 1895 129 years ago
Died
February 19th, 1988 37 years ago — 92 years old

A French-American physician and physiologist contributed significantly to the understanding of cardiovascular dynamics. Conducted groundbreaking research in cardiac catheterization. Co-developed techniques that allowed for the measurement of blood flow and cardiac output, greatly influencing the field of cardiology. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1956 alongside two other researchers for advancements in the field of cardiovascular physiology.

Continue Reading

Dorothe Engelbretsdatter

Norwegian author and poet of Baroque era
Born
January 16th, 1634 391 years ago
Died
February 19th, 1716 309 years ago — 82 years old

Contributed significantly to Baroque literature in Norway. Authored several poems and religious texts that reflected the themes of her time. Her works often emphasized faith, morality, and the struggles of life. Engelbretsdatter is credited with the first published book of poetry by a Norwegian woman, marking a significant moment in Norwegian literary history. She also worked as a translator, bringing various texts to the Norwegian audience. Engelbretsdatter lived during the 17th century in a time when women's literary contributions were often overlooked.

Continue Reading

Karl Weierstrass

Mathematician, founder of analysis
Born
October 31st, 1815 209 years ago
Died
February 19th, 1897 128 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent mathematician, contributions focused on real analysis and function theory. Developed the Weierstrass approximation theorem, a foundational result in the field, which states that any continuous function can be uniformly approximated by polynomials. Taught at multiple universities, influencing the next generation of mathematicians. Established the Weierstrass institute for mathematics in Berlin.

Continue Reading

Harris Wittels

American actor and writer on 'Parks and Recreation'
Born
1984 41 years ago
Died
February 19th, 2015 10 years ago — 31 years old

An American actor, producer, and screenwriter contributed significantly to television comedy. Best known for work on the series 'Parks and Recreation', served as a writer and executive producer. Additionally, created the podcast 'Harris Wittels' and 'Analyze Phish'. Worked on various comedy shows, including 'Eastbound & Down' and 'The Process'.

Continue Reading

John Basilone

U.S. Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient
Born
November 4th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
February 19th, 1945 80 years ago — 28 years old

Served as a United States Marine Corps sergeant during World War II. Participated in the Battle of Guadalcanal and the Battle of Iwo Jima. Awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Guadalcanal. His actions contributed significantly to the success of the campaign.

Continue Reading