What Happened This Year 1917

Born in 1917

Wilfrid Noyce

Mountaineer and author of climbing literature
Born
December 31st, 1917 107 years ago
Died
July 24th, 1962 62 years ago — 44 years old

A prominent English mountaineer and author, contributed significantly to mountaineering literature and exploration. Played a key role in the first ascent of Makalu in 1955 as part of a British expedition. Authored several works on mountain climbing, including 'The Hard Road' which detailed personal experiences and the philosophy of climbing. Actively participated in numerous expeditions to the Himalayas and other regions, promoting the sport and sharing knowledge on climbing techniques and ethics.

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Evelyn Knight

American singer with hit 'A Little Bird Told Me'
Born
December 31st, 1917 107 years ago
Died
2007 18 years ago — 90 years old

Started a career in music in the late 1930s, gaining prominence through radio and recording. Achieved considerable success with the hit single 'A Little Bird Told Me' in 1948, which topped the charts and became a defining song of the era. Her style blended traditional pop and easy listening, appealing to a wide audience. Continued to perform and record throughout the subsequent decades, contributing to a rich legacy in the American music scene.

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Malcolm Forbes

American publisher and entrepreneur
Born
August 19th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1990 35 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent publisher, focused on business and finance, established Forbes Magazine in 1917, which gained recognition for reporting on global economic trends and entrepreneurship. Led the magazine through significant growth, transforming it into a leading source of information on wealth and business strategies. Active in various business ventures including the Forbes Group, the publication's renowned ranking lists, such as the Forbes 400, became standard references for gauging American wealth. Notable for advocating for economic freedom and entrepreneurship, supported numerous philanthropic causes related to education and healthcare.

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Vasily Mishin

Russian aerospace engineer and designer
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
October 10th, 2001 23 years ago — 84 years old

Served as the chief designer at the Soviet space program, leading the development of several significant spacecraft. Oversaw the design and production of the Soyuz spacecraft and contributed to the development of the N1 rocket intended for lunar missions. Played a crucial role in advancing Soviet space exploration efforts during the 1960s and 1970s, shaping the future of human spaceflight.

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Rex T. Barber

Colonel and pilot during WWII
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
July 26th, 2001 23 years ago — 84 years old

Served as a pilot during World War II, achieving notoriety for participating in the Doolittle Raid against Japan in 1942. Flew the B-25 Mitchell bomber, contributing to strategic bombing missions. Post-war career included various roles in the military, where continued to serve with distinction, eventually attaining the rank of colonel. After retirement, advocated for veteran affairs and engaged in public speaking about his experiences during the war.

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Samael Aun Weor

Colombian author and educator
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1977 47 years ago — 60 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of esoteric studies and spiritual development. Authored numerous books that explored topics such as Gnosticism, alchemy, and self-realization. Founded the Gnostic Movement, which sought to promote spiritual awakening and knowledge. His teachings have influenced various spiritual communities around the world.

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Sir Lenox Hewitt

Australian public servant and administrator
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
February 28th, 2020 5 years ago — 103 years old

Served as a significant public servant in Australia, holding various high-profile positions in government. Played a crucial role in the administration and development of policies that shaped the public sector. Contributed to numerous reforms aimed at improving government functionality and public service delivery. Held the position of Secretary of the Department of Defence, influencing key decisions during critical periods of Australia's history. His tenure included extensive involvement with strategic defence reviews and international relations.

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Austin Ardill

Northern Irish soldier and politician
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
October 12th, 2010 14 years ago — 93 years old

Served as a soldier in the British Army and later became an elected politician. Held significant roles within political organizations, contributing to discussions around military and civil issues. Involved in various community initiatives and worked to address the needs of constituents in the region.

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Abdel Rahman Badawi

Egyptian philosopher and poet
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
July 25th, 2002 22 years ago — 85 years old

Contributed significantly to philosophy and literature during the 20th century. Focused on existentialism and Arabic philosophy. Authored numerous works that explored the intersections of philosophy, poetry, and culture. Attempted to integrate Western philosophical traditions with Arabic thought. Made contributions to the understanding of ethics and philosophy of language in the Arab world.

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