What Happened This Year 1921

Born in 1921

John Y. McCollister

American politician and lieutenant
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
November 1st, 2013 11 years ago — 92 years old

Served as a lieutenant in the United States Army and pursued a political career in Nebraska. Elected to the Nebraska Legislature and later served in the U.S. House of Representatives. Focused on state issues and military affairs, engaging in legislative processes to address the needs of constituents.

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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.

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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.

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Stanisław Nagy

Polish cardinal and church leader
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
June 5th, 2013 12 years ago — 92 years old

Served as a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. Held the position of Bishop of the Diocese of Kraków from 1978 to 1993. Participated in the Papal Conclave of 2005 that elected Pope Benedict XVI. Contributed to various ecclesiastical roles within the Church, influencing religious governance in Poland.

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Norman Ian MacKenzie

English journalist and author of works on history
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
June 16th, 2013 12 years ago — 92 years old

A prominent journalist and author, focused on historical narratives and commentary. Worked for various prestigious publications and contributed significantly to the fields of journalism and literature. Notable for the exploration of political and social issues through written works. Authored several books, delving into subjects such as British history and contemporary political commentary. Gained respect within literary communities for insightful analyses and thorough research.

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Krzysztof Kamil Baczyński

Polish poet and WWII soldier
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
August 4th, 1944 81 years ago — 23 years old

A soldier and poet, he became a prominent figure in Polish literature during World War II. His poetry often reflected the struggles faced during the war, capturing the horrors and human experiences of that time. Engaged in the uprising against Nazi occupation, he wrote significant works that resonated with the sentiments of his contemporaries. His life was cut short when he died in the Warsaw Uprising, leaving behind a legacy of impactful poetry that continued to inspire generations.

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Mario Rigoni Stern

Italian author and World War II soldier
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
June 16th, 2008 17 years ago — 87 years old

Served as a soldier in the Italian army during World War II. Wrote works reflecting on war experiences and nature, often inspired by the Asiago Plateau. Gained recognition for literary contributions, particularly in the field of autobiographical and historical narratives. Achieved acclaim in literary circles for the nuanced portrayal of soldiers' lives and the effects of war.

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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.

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Bill Bright

American evangelist and author
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
July 19th, 2003 22 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.

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