July 27

Born in 1813 in Georgia, Yancey began his career as a lawyer and newspaper editor in Alabama. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1844, he emerged as a fiery orator defending states' rights. A leading 'Fire-Eater', he pushed for immediate secession and helped organize the Confederate Provisional Congress. In 1862, he served as Confederate commissioner to the United Kingdom, seeking foreign recognition. Yancey's speeches and writings galvanized Southern public opinion, shaping antebellum politics. He died of illness in Liverpool in 1863, leaving a controversial legacy in American history.

Charles Fryatt (1872–1916) was a Merchant Navy captain known for his daring actions against German U-boats during World War I. In 1915, commanding the SS Brussels, he attempted to ram a German submarine, earning public acclaim. Captured by German forces the following year, he was tried by a military court and executed as a franc-tireur. His death provoked international outrage and highlighted the perils faced by civilian mariners. Fryatt's courage made him a symbol of defiance and inspired commemorations in Britain and beyond. Today, he is remembered for his bravery and tragic fate in wartime maritime history.

Kristian Welhaven (1883–1975) was a Norwegian police officer best known for his tenure as Chief of Police in Oslo. Appointed in 1914, he oversaw major reforms in criminal investigation and professional training. Under his leadership, the Oslo police force adopted modern forensic techniques and improved community policing strategies. Welhaven navigated the challenges of both world wars, maintaining public order and civil liberties. He also contributed to national law enforcement policies and served as an advisor on security matters. After retiring, Welhaven wrote on criminology and police administration, influencing future generations of officers. His efforts helped shape contemporary policing standards in Norway.

Born in Mulhouse, Alsace-Lorraine (now France) in 1902, Wyler immigrated to the United States as a child. He began his Hollywood career in the silent era as a script reader and assistant director before making his directorial debut in 1928. Over four decades, Wyler directed more than 60 films across genres, including Mrs. Miniver (1942), The Best Years of Our Lives (1946), and Ben-Hur (1959). He won three Academy Awards for Best Director, reflecting his skill in crafting emotionally resonant and visually stunning cinema. Wyler was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to elicit powerful performances from actors. His films received a combined total of 95 Oscar nominations, a testament to his enduring influence on American filmmaking. William Wyler died on July 27, 1981, leaving a legacy as one of Hollywood's most respected directors.

Born Johannes Bulygin in Germany in 1950, John Friedrich emigrated to Australia and rose to become director of the National Safety Council. He claimed an extraordinary record of service and expertise, securing millions in government grants and public donations. Over time, investigators uncovered that Friedrich had fabricated his qualifications and orchestrated a massive financial fraud. The collapse of his organization in 1991 revealed debts exceeding $300 million, making it one of the largest corporate scandals in Australian history. Facing exposure and legal consequences, Friedrich took his own life at the age of 41. His story remains a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked authority and the power of charismatic deception.

Born in Johannesburg in 1960, Kevin Carter gained international acclaim as a member of the wartime photojournalism group known as the Bang-Bang Club. His Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of a starving Sudanese child being stalked by a vulture became an enduring symbol of humanitarian crisis. Carter’s fearless approach led him to document violence, famine, and disease across southern Africa with unflinching honesty. He faced moral and psychological challenges from witnessing human suffering, often discussing the emotional toll in his notes. Shortly after receiving the Pulitzer Prize in 1994, Carter took his own life at the age of 33. His work continues to provoke debate about the ethics of photojournalism and the responsibilities of those who document tragedy.

Gordon Solie was a pioneering American sportscaster celebrated for his authoritative and distinctive announcing style in professional wrestling. He worked with promotions such as the NWA, Mid-South Wrestling, and WCW over four decades. Solie's precise ring introductions and calm delivery lent credibility to wrestling broadcasts and earned him a devoted fanbase. He coined memorable phrases and was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of the sport. Beyond wrestling, he covered other sports but remained best known for his contributions behind the microphone. Solie received multiple awards, including induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. His influence helped professionalize sports commentary and presentation. His legacy continues to shape modern sportscasting.

David 'Kidd' Kraddick began his radio career in the 1980s and launched his nationally syndicated morning show in 1992. His energetic style, celebrity interviews, and humorous segments attracted millions of listeners across North America. In 1999, he founded Kidd’s Kids, a charity that grants wishes and provides trips for children with life-threatening conditions. Kraddick expanded his brand to television and live events, becoming a beloved figure in broadcast media. He died suddenly on air in 2013, leaving a legacy of entertainment and charitable impact.