William Westmoreland

American general during the Vietnam War

William Westmoreland - American general during the Vietnam War
Born

March 26th, 1914
111 years ago

Died

July 18th, 2005
19 years ago — 91 years old

Category

Military & Warriors

Country

United States

Links & References

A United States Army general served as the commander of U.S. forces during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1968. Oversaw military strategy and operations in Vietnam, advocating for large troop deployments. Played a significant role in escalating U.S. involvement in the conflict. Was involved in planning and executing major operations, including the Battle of Ia Drang, the first major battle between U.S. and North Vietnamese forces. After returning from Vietnam, served as the Army Chief of Staff from 1968 to 1972.

Commanded U.S. forces in the Vietnam War

Oversaw the Battle of Ia Drang

Other People Born on March 26th

Josh Wilson

Baseball infielder, MLB player
Born
March 26th, 1981 44 years ago

Played in Major League Baseball as an infielder from 2004 to 2014. Teams included the Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, and the Washington Nationals. Accumulated over 500 career hits and contributed to multiple teams during his tenure. Notable for versatility in defensive positions. Retired from professional baseball after several years in the league.

Continue Reading

Gregory Corso

American poet and beat generation figure
Born
March 26th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 71 years old

A prominent figure in the Beat Generation, contributed significantly to American poetry. Published several collections, including 'Gasoline,' which showcased innovative forms and vivid imagery. Associated with fellow poets such as Allen Ginsberg and Lawrence Ferlinghetti, often explored themes of love, death, and spirituality. Participated in the literary scene of the 1950s and 1960s, which reshaped American literature. Received various accolades for contributions to poetry and was influential in promoting literary movements.

Continue Reading

Ben Mondor

Canadian-American businessman, sports team owner
Born
March 26th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
October 3rd, 2010 14 years ago — 85 years old

Developed a career in business and sports management. Acquired the Pawtucket Red Sox, a Minor League Baseball team, in 1977, overseeing its rise in prominence within the league. Revitalized the team and contributed to the development of the local baseball community. Under leadership, the franchise achieved notable success, enhancing the fan experience and promoting baseball in the region.

Continue Reading

Jed Wallace

English footballer and winger
Born
March 26th, 1994 31 years ago

Professional football player with a career predominantly spent in England. Primarily played as a winger, contributing significantly to various clubs. Recognized for performances at Millwall, where he helped secure promotions. Also played for Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion, showcasing skills in the Championship and League One. Represented the England U21 national team, gaining experience in international competitions.

Continue Reading

Rudolf Dassler

German businessman, founder of Puma
Born
March 26th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
1974 51 years ago — 76 years old

Founded the sportswear company Puma SE, establishing a global brand in athletic footwear and apparel. The brand gained recognition for innovations in sports technology and stylish designs. Prior to founding Puma, collaborated with brother Adolf Dassler to create the Adidas brand but later split to start Puma independently. Developed a strong identity for Puma that appealed to athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike. The company became a key player in the competitive sports industry.

Continue Reading

Steven Fletcher

Scottish professional footballer
Born
March 26th, 1987 38 years ago

A professional footballer who played as a striker, primarily in the English leagues. Began his career at Hibernian in Scotland, where he made a notable impact. Transferred to Burnley and then joined Wolverhampton Wanderers, helping the club gain promotion to the Premier League. Later played for Sunderland, and has represented the Scotland national team multiple times, contributing to various qualifying campaigns.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on July 18th

Benito Juárez

Mexican lawyer and political leader
Born
March 21st, 1806 219 years ago
Died
July 18th, 1872 152 years ago — 66 years old

A prominent lawyer and statesman, served as the 25th President of Mexico. Led the country during a turbulent period marked by conflict and reform. Championed liberal reforms aimed at modernizing Mexico, including land redistribution and separation of church and state. Helped shape a more democratic government and strengthen the rule of law. Advocated for education and civil liberties, pushing forward policies that aligned with secular government principles.

Continue Reading

André Castelot

Historian and author of French history
Born
1911 114 years ago
Died
July 18th, 2004 20 years ago — 93 years old

This historian and author specialized in French history, contributing significantly to the understanding of historical events and figures. Numerous works exploring the rich tapestry of France's past enriched public knowledge. Books include in-depth biographies and analyses of notable characters from French history, appealing to both scholars and the general public. Castelot's writings often featured engaging narratives that brought history to life, making complex subjects accessible. His expertise and passion for history left a lasting legacy in the field of historical literature.

Continue Reading

Zhu Wen

Chinese emperor of Later Liang
Born
December 5th, 852 1172 years ago
Died
July 18th, 912 1112 years ago — 59 years old

Ascended to the throne in 907, establishing the Later Liang dynasty after the fall of the Tang dynasty. Reigned until death in 912, implementing policies to stabilize the empire and improve administration. His rise marked the beginning of the Five Dynasties period in China, a time of fragmentation and political turmoil.

Continue Reading

Andreas Biermann

German footballer and defender
Born
September 13th, 1980 44 years ago
Died
July 18th, 2014 10 years ago — 33 years old

A German footballer, primarily played as a defender. Started his professional career with FC Energie Cottbus, making significant contributions to the team's defense. Later played for FC St. Pauli and Eintracht Braunschweig, appearing in various league matches. His playing style was characterized by strong defensive skills and tactical awareness. Retired from professional football to transition into coaching.

Continue Reading

Jill Balcon

English actress with radio and film roles
Born
January 3rd, 1925 100 years ago
Died
July 18th, 2009 15 years ago — 84 years old

An accomplished actress with a significant career in radio and film, consistently involved in British theatrical productions. Appeared in the film 'The Rake's Progress' and contributed to various radio dramas, showcasing versatility across different mediums. Worked extensively with the BBC and participated in numerous stage adaptations, particularly in London's West End. Developed a reputation for compelling performances and engaging character portrayals throughout the mid-20th century.

Continue Reading

Assef Shawkat

Syrian general and politician
Born
1950 75 years ago
Died
July 18th, 2012 12 years ago — 62 years old

Served as a prominent general in the Syrian armed forces and played a significant role in Syria's military and political landscape. Held various high-ranking positions, including Deputy Chief of Staff of the Syrian Army and director of military intelligence. Contributed to the strategic decisions of the Syrian government during significant periods of conflict and civil unrest. Was implicated in numerous military operations and political strategies under the government of Bashar al-Assad, aligning closely with the ruling regime's objectives.

Continue Reading