What Happened This Year 1920

Born in 1920

Maung Maung Kha

Burmese politician and Prime Minister
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
April 30th, 1995 30 years ago — 75 years old

Served as the 8th Prime Minister of Burma from 1988 until 1989. Involved in military politics and held the rank of colonel in the Burmese army. Contributed to the military government's policies during a period of significant political change in the country. After his term as Prime Minister, continued to play a role in the military administration.

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Georges Marchal

French actor known for theatrical roles
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
November 28th, 1997 28 years ago — 77 years old

A prominent French actor established a successful career in film and theater. Featured in various productions, became a familiar face in French cinema during the mid-20th century. Gained attention for performances in films such as 'Les Misérables' and 'La Fille du Puisatier'. Contributed to the French film industry through both dramatic and comedic roles, leaving a lasting legacy in the performing arts.

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Jeff Cooper

American target shooter and author
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
September 25th, 2006 19 years ago — 86 years old

Established modern techniques in precision shooting and tactical firearms training. Founded the American Pistol Institute, which became a leading resource for pistol training. Authored multiple influential books on shooting, including 'The Art of the Rifle' and 'To Ride, Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth'. Contributed to the development of the Scout Rifle concept, emphasizing accuracy and versatility.

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Wilfred Feinberg

American lawyer and judge
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
July 31st, 2014 11 years ago — 94 years old

Served as a United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York. Appointed by President Jimmy Carter, contributed to the federal judiciary through various significant rulings. Held a legal career in both private practice and the judiciary, influencing legal precedents during tenure. Engaged in litigation concerning civil rights and commercial law, shaping landscape through legal interpretations.

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Nils Bohlin

Swedish engineer, inventor of seat belt
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
September 26th, 2002 23 years ago — 82 years old

An engineer from Sweden, contributed to automotive safety by inventing the three-point safety belt in 1959. This invention significantly improved passenger protection in vehicles and was adopted by various automobile manufacturers worldwide. Bohlin's design was instrumental in reducing injuries and fatalities associated with road traffic accidents. His innovation laid the groundwork for modern seatbelt systems, which are standard in vehicles today. Bohlin worked for Volvo and was committed to enhancing passenger safety in the automotive industry throughout his career.

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Hemanta Kumar Mukhopadhyay

Indian singer-songwriter and producer
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
September 26th, 1989 36 years ago — 69 years old

Significant contributions to Bengali music occurred through the work of a singer-songwriter and producer. This individual started a career in music during the 1940s and quickly gained popularity through a blend of modern and folk music styles. Contributions included numerous film songs, especially for Bengali cinema, as well as solo albums that celebrated traditional themes. The person also influenced generations of musicians with a unique vocal style. The legacy continued through the preservation and popularization of Bengali music.

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Sam Sniderman

Canadian businessman, founded record store
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
September 23rd, 2012 13 years ago — 92 years old

A Canadian businessman established a prominent record store chain called Sam the Record Man in Toronto. The store became an iconic destination for music lovers and significantly influenced the music retail industry in Canada. Active in the music industry, the founder contributed to the promotion of Canadian artists and worked to elevate local music scenes. His business was characterized by vibrant storefronts featuring large neon signs, making it a cultural landmark. The first store opened in 1937, and it expanded over the decades with multiple locations. Despite the rise of digital music, the legacy of the retail chain has continued to be recognized in discussions about Canadian music culture.

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S. Arthur Spiegel

American captain and federal judge
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2014 11 years ago — 94 years old

Served as a captain in the United States Army during World War II. Later pursued a legal career, becoming a notable lawyer in Ohio. Appointed as a federal judge for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, serving from 1973 until retirement in 1997. Made significant contributions to the legal system and presided over various important cases throughout tenure.

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Abdullah Hussain

Malaysian author of literary works
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2014 11 years ago — 94 years old

Contributed significantly to Malaysian literature through novels and essays. Gained prominence with literary works that explored themes of identity, culture, and history in Malaysia. Received accolades for contributions to Malay literature, including the prestigious Southeast Asia Write Award. His writings often reflected the complexities of modern Malaysian society, and he played a key role in the development of contemporary Malay narratives.

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