What Happened This Year 1922

Born in 1922

Luis Somoza Debayle

Nicaraguan politician and president
Born
November 18th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
1967 58 years ago — 45 years old

Served as the 70th President of Nicaragua from 1956 to 1963. Oversaw the administration during a period of significant political tension and civil discontent. Implemented policies aimed at modernization and economic development in Nicaragua. Engaged in efforts to strengthen the military and maintain order amidst political opposition. His presidency was marked by challenges from various political factions.

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Salil Chowdhury

Indian director and composer of music
Born
November 19th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
September 5th, 1995 29 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent figure in Indian cinema and theatre, contributions spanned multiple disciplines as a director, playwright, and composer. Worked extensively in Bengali cinema, creating memorable music that blended Western and Indian classical styles. Directed plays that explored social themes and helped shape modern Indian theatre. Collaboration with various filmmakers resulted in iconic soundtracks, which have left a lasting legacy in Indian music.

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Yuri Knorozov

Linguist and ethnographer, Maya script researcher
Born
November 19th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
March 31st, 1999 25 years ago — 76 years old

A Russian linguist and ethnographer, contributions focused on deciphering the Maya script. Developed a method for reading and understanding the ancient text, which significantly advanced the field of Mesoamerican studies. Published works that outlined grammatical structures and meanings within the glyphs. The research provided insights into Maya culture and history, facilitating further scholarly investigation into Maya civilization and languages.

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Rajko Mitić

Serbian footballer and coach
Born
November 19th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 86 years old

This individual played as a forward and is recognized for a long career with Red Star Belgrade. Mitić was part of the team that won multiple Yugoslav championships and achieved European glory by winning the 1969 European Cup. Transitioning to coaching, he managed several teams including the Yugoslav national team. His contributions to football have been influential in Serbian sports.

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Abe Lemons

Basketball coach and player, NCAA champion
Born
November 21st, 1922 102 years ago
Died
2002 23 years ago — 80 years old

Abe Lemons served as a basketball coach and player in the United States. He played college basketball at the University of Texas, leading to a coaching career primarily at Texas Tech University and the University of Texas. Lemons developed a reputation for his distinctive coaching style and engaging personality. His teams achieved significant success in the NCAA tournaments, securing conference championships and making appearances in national competitions.

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Eugene Stoner

Engineer, designer of the AR-15 rifle
Born
November 22nd, 1922 102 years ago
Died
April 24th, 1997 27 years ago — 74 years old

An American engineer designed the AR-15 rifle, which gained significant prominence as a military firearm and civilian weapon. Stoner's design principles emphasized modularity and lightweight materials, influencing modern firearms. The AR-15 platform became the basis for many military and civilian variants. Stoner also contributed to the development of the M16 rifle during the Vietnam War era, which became standard issue for the United States military. His designs continue to shape firearm technology and usage worldwide.

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Manuel Fraga Iribarne

Spanish politician and Xunta President
Born
November 23rd, 1922 102 years ago
Died
January 15th, 2012 13 years ago — 89 years old

Played a significant role in Spanish politics, particularly in Galicia. Served as the third President of the Xunta of Galicia from 1990 to 2005. Contributed to the modernization of Galicia's political framework and promoted regional autonomy. Held various ministerial positions during the Franco regime, influencing the course of Spanish governance. Took part in the establishment of the Spanish Constitution of 1978, which transitioned the country to democracy.

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Võ Văn Kiệt

Vietnamese politician and Prime Minister
Born
November 23rd, 1922 102 years ago
Died
June 11th, 2008 16 years ago — 85 years old

Served as a soldier during the First Indochina War and later in the Vietnam War. Became the 6th Prime Minister of Vietnam from 1991 to 1997, playing a significant role in the economic reforms known as Đổi Mới. Focused on transitioning Vietnam from a centrally planned economy to a socialist-oriented market economy. Advocated for improved relations with foreign countries, contributing to Vietnam's integration into the global economy.

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Claus Moser

Statistician and academic leader
Born
November 24th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 93 years old

A German-English statistician and academic, contributed significantly to the field of statistics and educational assessment. Served as the first director of the National Foundation for Educational Research in England. Played a pivotal role in the development of statistical education and applied statistics. Held various academic positions, including the presidency of the Royal Statistical Society.

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