What Happened This Year 1917

Born in 1917

Hugh Falkus

Pilot and author of aviation works
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
March 30th, 1996 29 years ago — 79 years old

An aviation enthusiast with a career as a pilot and a respected author, Falkus contributed significantly to aviation literature. His works primarily focused on flying techniques and experiences, appealing to both amateur and professional pilots. Falkus also served in World War II as a pilot, which shaped his later writing and teaching. Passion for aviation led to the publication of several books, encouraging new generations to engage with flying. He was active in promoting aviation in the post-war era.

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Ahmad Sayyed Javadi

Iranian lawyer and Minister of Interior
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
March 31st, 2013 12 years ago — 96 years old

Served as the Iranian Minister of Interior, overseeing governmental functions related to internal security and civil matters. Contributed to various legislative reforms during tenure in the government. Engaged in legal practices prior to entering politics, focusing on civil law and public administration.

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Peggy Ahern

Actress in 'The Gene Autry Show' series
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
October 24th, 2012 12 years ago — 95 years old

An American actress performed in television and film from the 1950s to the 1970s. Appeared in episodes of several popular television series. Notably featured in 'The Gene Autry Show' and other productions during her active years. Transitioned to a career in acting after her start in the entertainment industry. Continued involvement in acting made contributions to audience entertainment over the decades.

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Curtis Bill Pepper

Journalist and author of several works
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
April 4th, 2014 11 years ago — 97 years old

A journalist and author with a prolific career, contributed to various publications, including the New York Herald Tribune and Time magazine. Wrote several books, often focusing on American culture and history. Worked extensively as a war correspondent during conflicts in Korea and Vietnam. Provided insightful commentary on issues affecting society during his career.

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Jérôme Louis Heldring

Dutch journalist and author
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
April 27th, 2013 12 years ago — 96 years old

Heldring had a significant career in journalism and literature. He served as the editor-in-chief of the Dutch magazine 'Elsevier' for many years, shaping public discourse in the Netherlands. Heldring authored several books, contributing to discussions on politics, society, and culture. His work often reflected a deep engagement with contemporary issues and the evolving landscape of Dutch society.

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Victor Marijnen

Dutch politician and Prime Minister
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1975 50 years ago — 58 years old

Served as a prominent Dutch politician during the mid-20th century. Held the office of Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 1963 to 1965 as a member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy. Focused on modernizing the government's approach to economic policies and social issues. Engaged in international diplomacy, especially in matters affecting European cooperation. His tenure was marked by significant debates over social reform and economic development in a post-war context.

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Stanley Rogers Resor

U.S. Secretary of the Army
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
April 17th, 2012 13 years ago — 95 years old

Served as the 9th United States Secretary of the Army from 1965 to 1967. Resor's tenure coincided with significant events in U.S. military history, including the escalating involvement in the Vietnam War. Prior to this role, practiced law and contributed to various military-related legal matters. Engaged in political service while supporting various defense initiatives during his career.

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Wilhelm Brasse

Photographer from Auschwitz concentration camp
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
October 23rd, 2012 12 years ago — 95 years old

A Polish photographer documented life in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. After being imprisoned, created over 40,000 photos of inmates, capturing their faces and stories. After the war, Brasse became an advocate for the remembrance of the Holocaust and shared experiences of survival through his photography. His work served as a historical record and contributed to the preservation of memory regarding the atrocities of the Holocaust.

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Martin Litton

Rafter and environmentalist supporting rivers
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
November 30th, 2014 10 years ago — 97 years old

A significant figure in the environmental movement, he dedicated much of his life to the preservation of wilderness areas, particularly in the American West. He worked as a guide in the Grand Canyon, sharing expertise on rafting and educating others about the importance of river conservation. The founding of the Grand Canyon River Guides organization facilitated the voices of river runners advocating for ecological stewardship. Contributions to the campaign against dam projects on rivers, notably the Glen Canyon Dam, played a critical role in the fight for river protection.

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