What Happened This Year 1926

Born in 1926

Herbert Blau

American engineer and academic
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 2013 11 years ago — 87 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of electrical engineering and space technology. Served as a professor at multiple prestigious universities, influencing generations of engineers. Engaged in research and development for advanced technological systems. Published numerous papers and books advancing knowledge in engineering disciplines.

Continue Reading

Lee S. Dreyfus

Governor of Wisconsin
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
January 2nd, 2008 17 years ago — 82 years old

Served as the 39th Governor of Wisconsin from 1979 to 1983. Elected as a Republican, implemented various reforms during tenure. Prior to his governorship, held roles in academia and was a well-regarded educator. Helped promote higher education initiatives in Wisconsin. Dreyfus also ran for U.S. Senate in 1982 but was unsuccessful.

Continue Reading

Jesse L. Brown

Naval aviator and pilot officer
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
December 4th, 1950 74 years ago — 24 years old

First African-American naval aviator served in the United States Navy. Commissioned as an ensign in 1947, became a pioneer in military aviation. Flew combat missions during the Korean War while attached to fighter squadron VF-32. Died in action on December 4, 1950, when his aircraft was shot down over enemy territory.

Continue Reading

James B. Vaught

American General and military leader
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
September 20th, 2013 11 years ago — 87 years old

Graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1950. Served in various capacities during the Vietnam War, including positions involving air mobility and logistics. Advocated for the implementation of the helicopter in combat operations, contributing to changes in military strategy. Held command positions throughout his career, culminating in leadership roles that influenced helicopter operations. Retired as a Major General with extensive service across multiple theaters.

Continue Reading

Vitaly Vorotnikov

Politician and 27th Prime Minister of Russia
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
February 19th, 2012 13 years ago — 86 years old

Served as the 27th Prime Minister of Russia from 1990 to 1991 during a period of significant political transformation. Held various governmental roles throughout a lengthy political career, including serving as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers in the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. Oversaw economic reforms and the transition to a market economy during a turbulent time in Russian history. Participated in the reshaping of the government structure post-Soviet Union.

Continue Reading

Meir Pa'il

Israeli military commander and historian
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
September 15th, 2015 9 years ago — 89 years old

Served as a commander in the Israel Defense Forces and later transitioned into a political career. Authored several works on military history and strategy, contributing to academic discourse. Held positions within the Knesset, representing various political interests. Played a significant role in shaping Israeli military tactics and policies through both service and scholarship.

Continue Reading

J. B. Jeyaretnam

Singaporean lawyer and politician
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
September 30th, 2008 16 years ago — 82 years old

A prominent lawyer and politician in Singapore, J. B. Jeyaretnam founded the Workers' Party in 1957 and led it as the first opposition party to win a seat in Singapore's Parliament after independence, achieving this in 1981. He served as a Member of Parliament and was well-regarded for his commitment to civil liberties and social justice. Jeyaretnam faced numerous legal challenges throughout his political career, which were seen as politically motivated. He was disbarred in 2001, affecting his political activities. His efforts in the political arena significantly influenced opposition politics in Singapore, and he became a symbol of political dissent.

Continue Reading

Jeanne Martin Cissé

Guinean teacher and politician
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
February 21st, 2017 8 years ago — 91 years old

A notable figure in Guinean education and politics, she served as a teacher and was an advocate for women's rights. Cissé held various key positions in the Guinean government, including Minister of Women's Affairs. In the 1980s, she became a member of the National Assembly, where she worked to promote social and political issues affecting women and children. Cissé also represented Guinea at international forums, including the United Nations, contributing to discussions on women's empowerment and education.

Continue Reading

Noah Klieger

Award-winning Israeli journalist
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
December 13th, 2018 6 years ago — 92 years old

A Holocaust survivor, a journalist contributed to the media landscape in Israel. Played a significant role in raising awareness about the Holocaust through articles and interviews. Worked for various outlets, including the popular Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, where coverage of human rights issues featured prominently. His life experiences provided a unique perspective on trauma and resilience, reflected in his writing and public speaking engagements.

Continue Reading