What Happened This Year 1921

Born in 1921

Walter D. Ehlers

American lieutenant, Medal of Honor recipient
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
February 20th, 2014 11 years ago — 93 years old

Served as a U.S. Army lieutenant during World War II. Participated in the D-Day invasion and the Battle of Normandy. Awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism in combat. Ehlers' actions during the war demonstrated significant bravery and leadership under fire, contributing to the success of his unit during critical missions.

Continue Reading

Bill Bright

American evangelist and author
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
July 19th, 2003 21 years ago — 82 years old

An evangelist and author, founded a global Christian organization dedicated to spreading the message of Christianity on college campuses. Established the ministry in 1951, which became Campus Crusade for Christ, known for its extensive outreach programs. Authored numerous books aimed at spiritual growth, including the popular 'The Four Spiritual Laws'. Played a significant role in promoting Christianity among students worldwide.

Continue Reading

Ritva Arvelo

Finnish actress and director
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
October 26th, 2013 11 years ago — 92 years old

Actress, director, and screenwriter from Finland. Achieved recognition for contributions to Finnish film and theater throughout a career spanning several decades. Worked in various productions that highlighted Finnish culture and storytelling. Directed and acted in numerous stage plays, further cementing a legacy within the performing arts. Later projects included both mainstream and independent films, showcasing versatility and depth in various roles.

Continue Reading

Sahir Ludhianvi

Indian poet and lyricist of films
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
October 25th, 1980 44 years ago — 59 years old

A celebrated poet and lyricist, contributions spanned several decades, greatly influencing Hindi cinema and Urdu literature. Writings often reflected societal issues and romantic themes. Collaborated with numerous filmmakers, creating memorable lyrics that resonated with audiences. Affiliated with the Progressive Writers' Movement, which sought to address social change through literature. Received accolades for poetic works and contributions to film music, leaving a lasting legacy in both fields.

Continue Reading

Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar

Spiritual guru and philosopher
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1990 34 years ago — 69 years old

A spiritual guru, philosopher, and author created a new philosophy called Progressive Utilization Theory. Founded Anandamarg, an organization focused on spiritual practices and social service, and developed a comprehensive system of meditation and yoga. Wrote extensively on topics including spirituality, sociology, and economics, producing numerous books and articles that outlined philosophical principles and practical applications. His teachings emphasized the importance of spiritual growth in conjunction with social change and addressed various aspects of human life, advocating for holistic development.

Continue Reading

James Cross

Diplomat kidnapped during October Crisis
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
January 6th, 2021 4 years ago — 100 years old

A British diplomat served as the Trade Commissioner in Quebec. In October 1970, was kidnapped by members of the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ) during the October Crisis, a series of events prompted by the separatist movement in Quebec. Captivity lasted for 60 days, resulting in negotiations for his release amidst a crisis that included another kidnapping. Following release, engaged in various diplomatic roles and authored writings reflecting on the events.

Continue Reading

Art Clokey

Animator of Gumby and animation pioneer
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
January 8th, 2010 15 years ago — 89 years old

American animator created the character Gumby, an iconic stop-motion clay figure. Developed a distinctive style that utilized clay modeling, contributing significantly to the art of animation. Founded the production company Clokey Productions, producing educational and entertainment content. Directed and produced several animated shorts and television series throughout the 1950s to the 1980s. Gumby became a cultural icon, appearing in various merchandise, films, and spin-offs, which contributed to its popularity across generations.

Continue Reading

Edward Williams

Australian pilot and judge
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
January 10th, 1999 26 years ago — 78 years old

Served as a lieutenant in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II. Piloted aircraft in various missions and contributed to the war efforts. Later became a notable judge, influencing legal proceedings within the Australian judicial system. In retirement, remained active in aviation and legal circles, providing expertise and mentoring future generations.

Continue Reading

Ben Bradlee

Journalist and editor of The Washington Post
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
October 21st, 2014 10 years ago — 93 years old

Served as the executive editor of The Washington Post from 1968 to 1991. Led the newspaper in its coverage of the Watergate scandal, which resulted in the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Oversaw the publication of the Pentagon Papers, which exposed government deception in the Vietnam War. Authored several books, including his memoir 'A Good Life'. Championed investigative journalism and strengthened the paper's reputation as a leading news source.

Continue Reading