What Happened This Year 1944

People Who Died in 1944

Jakob Schaffner

Swiss author and activist for peace
Born
November 14th, 1875 149 years ago
Died
September 23rd, 1944 80 years ago — 68 years old

Born in Switzerland, an influential author and activist focused on promoting peace and humanitarian efforts. Played a significant role in the establishment of organizations dedicated to international peace. Contributed to numerous literary works emphasizing social justice and the importance of global cooperation. Engaged in various campaigns advocating for disarmament and reconciliation during periods of conflict.

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Aimee Semple McPherson

Evangelist, founder of Foursquare Gospel
Born
1890 135 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1944 80 years ago — 54 years old

An evangelist who founded the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, played a significant role in the early 20th-century Pentecostal movement. Established a media presence through radio broadcasts and theatrical performances, which helped to spread religious messages across the United States and Canada. Led large revival meetings and became a prominent religious figure during her time, focusing on faith healing and social issues. Involved in various charitable efforts and established a church that emphasized healing and a personal relationship with God.

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Douglas Crawford McMurtrie

Typeface designer and graphic designer
Born
1888 137 years ago
Died
September 29th, 1944 80 years ago — 56 years old

A typeface designer, graphic designer, historian, and author engaged in the development of typefaces and graphic design principles. Contributed significantly to the field of typography with various designs that emphasized clarity and legibility. Authored several books on the history of printing and typography, providing educational resources and insights into design practices. Recognized for a systematic approach to type design and for promoting an understanding of historical typography. His work remains influential in academic and design circles.

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Al Smith

American politician, 42nd Governor of New York
Born
December 30th, 1873 151 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1944 80 years ago — 70 years old

Served as the 42nd Governor of New York from 1923 to 1928. Played a crucial role in advancing social welfare programs and expanding infrastructure during the early 20th century. Became the first Catholic presidential candidate for a major party in 1928, running for the presidency against Herbert Hoover. His campaign focused on urban issues and the needs of working-class citizens. Overcame significant opposition and criticism, particularly regarding his religious affiliations.

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Helmut Lent

German soldier and pilot in WWII
Born
June 13th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
October 7th, 1944 80 years ago — 26 years old

Served as a Luftwaffe pilot during World War II, achieving notable success as a night fighter ace. Credited with 110 aerial victories, Lent became one of the most decorated German pilots of the war. He received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for his achievements. His expertise in aerial combat contributed to the effectiveness of the Nachtjagd (night fighter) units, especially in the defense against Allied bombers. Lent's tenure in the Luftwaffe exemplified the strategies of air combat during this period.

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Wendell Willkie

American lawyer and 1940 presidential nominee
Born
February 18th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1944 80 years ago — 52 years old

Born in 1892, a lawyer and businessman emerged as a prominent political figure in the United States. Initially aligned with the Democratic Party, transitioned to the Republican Party and secured the presidential nomination in 1940. Ran against Franklin D. Roosevelt, advocating for free enterprise and internationalism during World War II. After the election, continued contributing to political discourse and public policy discussions until death in 1944.

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Erwin Rommel

German field marshal during WWII
Born
November 15th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
October 14th, 1944 80 years ago — 52 years old

Served as a German field marshal during World War II. Gained prominence as a commander of the Afrika Korps, leading campaigns in North Africa. Demonstrated strategic ingenuity and earned a reputation for his leadership skills on the battlefield. Played a pivotal role in the Battle of El Alamein and was later involved in military operations in Europe. Involved in plot against Adolf Hitler, which resulted in his forced suicide in 1944.

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Dénes Kőnig

Hungarian mathematician and theorist
Born
September 21st, 1884 140 years ago
Died
October 19th, 1944 80 years ago — 60 years old

Contributed significantly to set theory, combinatorics, and graph theory. Developed König's lemma, which is pivotal in various branches of mathematics. Made advancements in the field of infinite combinatorics and co-authored key texts in mathematics education.

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Charles Glover Barkla

Nobel laureate physicist in X-ray research
Born
1877 148 years ago
Died
October 23rd, 1944 80 years ago — 67 years old

A physicist conducted significant research in X-ray scattering and X-ray spectroscopy. Developed crucial techniques for studying the electromagnetic radiation emitted by elements. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1917 for discovering the characteristic radiation of elements, which enhanced the understanding of atomic structure. Served as a professor at the University of Edinburgh and contributed to advancements in the field of physics through various academic roles.

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