What Happened This Year 1927

Born in 1927

Gene F. Franklin

Engineer and academic in control systems
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
August 9th, 2012 12 years ago — 85 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of control systems engineering. Authored and co-authored several influential textbooks, including 'Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems' and 'Control of Dynamic Systems'. Served as a professor at Stanford University and was involved in various research projects pertaining to control theory. Held various academic and leadership roles throughout career, influencing both education and practical applications in engineering.

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James D. Watkins

American admiral, 6th Secretary of Energy
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
July 26th, 2012 12 years ago — 85 years old

Served as the 6th United States Secretary of Energy from 1989 to 1993. Held the rank of admiral in the United States Navy and was distinguished for contributions to naval operations and policy. Focused on energy policy and nuclear safety during tenure as Secretary. Oversaw the Department of Energy during critical periods of energy regulation and management.

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Roméo LeBlanc

Canadian politician and Governor General
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
June 24th, 2009 15 years ago — 82 years old

Served as the 25th Governor General of Canada from 1995 to 1999, overseeing numerous constitutional and ceremonial responsibilities. Prior to this role, had a prominent career in journalism, working for both radio and television stations. Held political positions including Minister of Fisheries and Oceans in the federal cabinet. Contributed to Canadian public service and engaged in various cultural initiatives throughout the tenure.

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John O'Connell

Irish politician, former Minister of Health
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
March 8th, 2013 12 years ago — 86 years old

Served as a prominent politician in Ireland for many years. Held the position of Minister of Health, implementing key health policies and reforms. Advocated for improvements in healthcare services and public health initiatives during his tenure. Engaged in various legislative efforts aimed at advancing health access and quality across the nation. Contributed significantly to political discourse surrounding health issues.

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Martin Litchfield West

English scholar and author of Greek literature
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
July 13th, 2015 9 years ago — 88 years old

An established scholar and academic, contributed significantly to the understanding of Greek literature and language. Authored several influential works, including critical editions and commentaries on ancient texts. Served as a professor at prestigious institutions, guiding many students in the field of classical studies. Engaged in extensive research, exploring various aspects of ancient Greek poetry and philosophy.

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Robert Kearns

Engineer, inventor of windscreen wiper
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
February 9th, 2005 20 years ago — 78 years old

An American engineer invented the intermittent windscreen wiper, a device that allows windshield wipers to pause between wipes. This invention made driving in rain safer and more convenient. Kearns demonstrated the prototype in the early 1960s and patented the invention in 1964. His prolonged legal battles against major automotive companies for patent infringement garnered national attention and highlighted issues of intellectual property rights. Kearns's story was later depicted in the 2008 film 'Flash of Genius.'

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Marvin Minsky

Computer scientist and AI pioneer
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
January 24th, 2016 9 years ago — 89 years old

Recognized as a foundational figure in artificial intelligence, pioneering work in the field of cognitive science and robotics. Contributed to the development of neural networks and the architecture of intelligent machines. Served as a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, influencing generations of computer scientists. Initiated various projects exploring the intersection of technology and human intelligence.

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William C. Davidon

American physicist and academic
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
November 8th, 2013 11 years ago — 86 years old

Contributions in physics and mathematics included significant work in gravitational wave detection and chaos theory. Held a teaching position at Bucknell University for several decades, mentoring many students. Engaged in political activism and was a prominent figure in the peace movement, focusing on anti-nuclear efforts during the Cold War period.

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John Warner

American politician and attorney
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
May 25th, 2021 3 years ago — 94 years old

An attorney and politician served as a U.S. Senator from Virginia from 1979 to 2009. Played a significant role in various committees, including the Armed Services Committee and the Environment and Public Works Committee. Served as Secretary of the Navy from 1972 to 1974 under President Richard Nixon. Contributed to substantial military and environmental legislation during tenure. Engaged in legislation concerning national defense, veterans' affairs, and military readiness.

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