What Happened This Year 1918

Born in 1918

George Lincoln Rockwell

Founder of the American Nazi Party
Born
March 9th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
August 25th, 1967 57 years ago — 49 years old

An American commander and politician, founded the American Nazi Party in 1959. Advocated for white supremacy and antisemitism through speeches and publications. Challenged the mainstream political discourse of the 1960s with extreme right ideology. Assassinated in 1967, leaving a controversial legacy regarding race relations in America.

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Günther Rall

German general and Luftwaffe pilot
Born
March 10th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
October 4th, 2009 15 years ago — 91 years old

A Luftwaffe fighter pilot during World War II, achieved high recognition for aerial combat skills. Rall served in various capacities within the Luftwaffe, ultimately reaching the rank of general. He flew in numerous battles, contributing significantly to air operations. After the war, he became involved in aviation and flight training, sharing expertise with future generations of pilots.

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Elaine de Kooning

American painter and academic
Born
March 12th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
February 1st, 1989 36 years ago — 70 years old

A significant figure in American art, this painter contributed to the Abstract Expressionism movement. As an educator, taught at several prestigious institutions, influencing a generation of artists. Served as the curator for various exhibitions, showcasing contemporary art. Produced a body of work that included bold abstract paintings as well as figurative art, demonstrating a range of styles and techniques. An accomplished portrait artist, created notable works featuring prominent figures in the art world. Held solo exhibitions across the United States, receiving acclaim for her distinct vision.

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Pádraig Faulkner

Irish politician and Minister of Defence
Born
March 12th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
June 1st, 2012 12 years ago — 94 years old

Served as the 19th Minister of Defence in Ireland. Held various positions in the government, contributing to national defense strategies and policies. Involved in politics for several decades, impacting various legislative processes during tenure.

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Zoia Horn

American librarian and advocate
Born
March 14th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
2014 11 years ago — 96 years old

Contributed to library science and advocated for intellectual freedom and privacy rights in libraries. Worked as a librarian throughout her career, focusing on fostering access to information and promoting the importance of libraries in communities. Served in various capacities within library organizations and was active in addressing challenges related to censorship and access to information.

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Richard Ellmann

Literary critic and biographer of Joyce
Born
March 15th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
May 13th, 1985 39 years ago — 67 years old

An American author and critic, specialized in modernist literature, particularly the works of James Joyce. Authored a celebrated biography of Joyce, which provided in-depth analysis and context to the author's life and writings. Also penned influential works on other literary figures, including W.B. Yeats and Samuel Beckett. Served as a professor at various universities and contributed significantly to literary criticism through essays and reviews, shaping the understanding of 20th-century literature.

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Punch Imlach

Ice hockey coach and manager
Born
March 15th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
December 1st, 1987 37 years ago — 69 years old

A prominent figure in ice hockey, contributed significantly as both a coach and manager. Served as head coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs and led the team to a Stanley Cup championship in 1962. Also held managerial positions, influencing team strategies and player development. Imlach played an essential role in the development of several players during his career and was associated with various teams in the National Hockey League, establishing a lasting legacy in the sport.

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Frederick Reines

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
March 16th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
August 26th, 1998 26 years ago — 80 years old

Contributions to particle physics included the discovery of the neutrino. Collaborated on experiments at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and later at the University of California, Irvine. Published over 200 scientific papers and mentored numerous students throughout an academic career. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1995 for work in detecting neutrinos.

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Aldo van Eyck

Dutch architect known for playgroups
Born
March 16th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
1999 26 years ago — 81 years old

Contributed significantly to modern architecture with a focus on human-centric designs. Played a pivotal role in the structural development of Amsterdam and was a key figure in the Dutch architectural movement. Worked extensively on children's playgrounds, emphasizing innovative and functional spaces that catered to young users. Engaged with the themes of community and context in architecture, influencing generations of architects.

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