What Happened This Year 1978

People Who Died in 1978

Janet Flanner

Journalist and author of Paris Journals
Born
March 13th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
1978 47 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent journalist and author, contributed to The New Yorker starting in 1925, writing the influential 'Letter from Paris' series. Flanner captured the cultural and political atmosphere of France, particularly during the interwar period and World War II. Her work provided insightful commentary on significant events and figures of the time. In addition to journalism, authored several books including 'Paris Journals' that chronicled her experiences and observations in Paris. Flanner's writing style combined literary elegance with incisive analysis, making her a notable figure in American journalism.

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Phyllis McGinley

American author and poet with Pulitzer
Born
March 21st, 1905 119 years ago
Died
1978 47 years ago — 73 years old

A prominent American author and poet, recognized for a keen observation of suburban life and domestic themes. Contributed significantly to literature through various forms, including essays and poetry. Won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1961 for the collection 'Times Three: Selected Verse from Three Decades.' Published several books, including 'The Province of Joy' and 'The Love Letters of Phyllis McGinley.' Work often reflected wit and insight into everyday experiences.

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Gotthard Handrick

Fighter pilot and Olympic athlete
Born
October 25th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
1978 47 years ago — 70 years old

Served as a fighter pilot during World War II. Competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, participating in the modern pentathlon. Achieved notable success in the military airspace. Engaged in post-war aviation activities in Germany.

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André François-Poncet

French diplomat and politician
Born
June 13th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
1978 47 years ago — 91 years old

Career spanned diplomat and politician roles in France during key historical periods. Served as France's ambassador to Germany in the 1920s, where diplomatic efforts focused on restoring relations after World War I. Advocated for the Reparation Commission as a means to manage post-war disputes. Played a significant role as a member of the French National Assembly in the 1930s, promoting peace and international cooperation leading up to World War II. Engaged in various international negotiations, contributing to France's foreign policy.

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Guido Stampacchia

Mathematician and academic with influential work
Born
March 26th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
1978 47 years ago — 56 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of mathematics, particularly in the area of functional analysis. Held a position at the University of Naples, enhancing academic collaboration and research in mathematics. Developed variational inequalities and had a crucial role in advancing the theory of differential inclusions. Authored several influential papers that addressed complex mathematical problems and established important connections in mathematical theory.

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Dimitrie Cuclin

Romanian violinist and composer
Born
March 24th, 1885 139 years ago
Died
1978 47 years ago — 93 years old

Born in 1885, this musician significantly contributed to Romanian classical music as both a violinist and composer. Educated in various European music schools, developed a unique style that blended classical techniques with Romanian folk elements. Had a prominent career performing in concerts across Europe and serving in educational roles to foster the next generation of musicians. Composed numerous works, includes symphonic pieces and chamber music, and helped establish violin performance standards in Romania during the early 20th century.

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Hans Stuck

Racing driver and Mille Miglia winner
Born
December 27th, 1900 124 years ago
Died
1978 47 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent racing driver, competed in various significant automobile races during the early to mid-20th century. Achievements included participation in the Mille Miglia, where demonstrated exceptional skill and speed. Stuck also raced in Grand Prix events and had notable stints with the Auto Union racing team. His career spanned several decades, and he gained recognition for his prowess on the track, representing German racing during a transformative period in motorsport history.

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Tom Gorman

Australian rugby league player
Born
June 1st, 1901 123 years ago
Died
1978 47 years ago — 77 years old

Played rugby league primarily for Western Suburbs in the 1920s and 1930s. Competed in several New South Wales Rugby League seasons and contributed to the development of the sport during this period. Represented New South Wales in various matches and participated in the 1933 State of Origin series.

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Herta Oberheuser

German physician and war criminal
Born
May 15th, 1911 113 years ago
Died
1978 47 years ago — 67 years old

Served as a physician during World War II, contributing to inhumane medical experiments on concentration camp prisoners. Specializing in dermatology, conducted experiments at the Ravensbrück concentration camp. After the war, faced trial at the Doctors' Trial in Nuremberg, resulting in a conviction for crimes against humanity. Released after serving a portion of the sentence, continued a career in medicine, albeit with limited recognition.

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