What Happened This Year 1919

Born in 1919

Roger Hilsman

American soldier and politician
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
February 23rd, 2014 11 years ago — 95 years old

Served as a United States Army officer during World War II. Held various academic positions in political science and international relations, contributing to the literature in those fields. Worked within the U.S. government, including a role in the State Department during the Vietnam War era. Advocated for peace and responsible policy measures in contentious geopolitical contexts.

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Lowell Steward

American Army Captain
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2014 10 years ago — 95 years old

Served as an Army captain in the United States during the Vietnam War. Steward was captured as a prisoner of war in 1965 and endured over seven years of captivity. He participated in the Tet Offensive and was instrumental in intelligence and strategic operations within his unit. Upon release, Steward became an advocate for veterans' rights and shared his experiences during captivity to raise awareness of the challenges faced by former prisoners of war.

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Dayton Allen

Comedian and voice actor of cartoons
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
November 11th, 2004 20 years ago — 85 years old

A comedic performer and voice actor, contributed to the field of animation and comedy from the mid-20th century. Voiced characters in prominent cartoons, including 'The Howdy Doody Show' and 'The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle'. Worked as a comedian in radio and television, blending humor with various media formats. Later years included performances on stage and in television shows, showcasing versatility in comedic styles.

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Gerhard Ringel

Mathematician known for graph theory contributions
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
June 24th, 2008 16 years ago — 89 years old

Austrian mathematician contributed significantly to the fields of graph theory and topology. Held a position at the University of Vienna and published numerous papers advancing the understanding of combinatorial structures. Conducted research on the Ringel-Kotzig conjecture and worked on topics related to map colorings. Played a key role in the development of the mathematical theories related to these areas, influencing subsequent studies and applications in mathematics.

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Gilbert Esau

American businessman and politician
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
July 16th, 2012 12 years ago — 93 years old

Established a career in business and public service. Served as a prominent figure in local government, holding the position of mayor in his community. Engaged in various commercial ventures contributing to regional development. Demonstrated leadership in enhancing local infrastructure and promoting business interests.

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Jack Goody

English anthropologist and author
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
July 16th, 2015 9 years ago — 96 years old

An English anthropologist and author who contributed significantly to social anthropology. His academic work focused on the oral and written traditions of cultures, exploring the impact of literacy on society. Goody's books and studies often analyzed the relationships between technology, culture, and social structure. He held a professorship at the University of Cambridge and engaged in extensive fieldwork in West Africa, particularly in Ghana. His studies on the intersection of oral traditions and written language helped to shape modern anthropological thought.

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Van T. Barfoot

American colonel, Medal of Honor recipient
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
March 2nd, 2012 13 years ago — 93 years old

A colonel in the United States Army, served during World War II and the Korean War. Awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism in the Italian Campaign in 1944. His actions during the Battle of Anzio involved single-handedly destroying multiple enemy machine gun positions, which significantly contributed to the success of his unit's mission. Additionally, held various leadership roles within the military throughout a dedicated career. After retirement, lived in Virginia and became known for advocating veteran's issues.

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Denis Avey

Soldier and author of memoir
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
July 16th, 2015 9 years ago — 96 years old

Served as a soldier during World War II and participated in the liberation of a concentration camp. Worked as an engineer post-war and later authored a memoir detailing experiences as a prisoner of war in Nazi Germany. The book shed light on the conditions faced by soldiers and captured individuals during the conflict, drawing from personal experiences.

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William Kunstler

Lawyer and activist for civil rights
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
September 4th, 1995 29 years ago — 76 years old

Practiced law primarily in the United States, focusing on civil rights cases and defending high-profile clients. Represented the Black Panthers, the American Indian Movement, and was involved in the trial of the Chicago Seven. Emphasized the importance of freedom of speech and civil liberties throughout a legal career that spanned several decades. Co-founded the Center for Constitutional Rights, advocating for marginalized communities and fighting against government oppression.

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