Died On This Date - Feb. 27

Rogers, Fred
b. March 20, 1928 d. February 27, 2003
Educator, Television Show Host. He hosted the educational children's program "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" from 1968 to 2000. His show was watched by millions of children over the years, and was repeatedly hailed by parents and critics for his simple, positive, educational messages. Born Fred McFeely Rogers in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, he was a graduate of Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. He attended the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and was ordained into the Presbyterian Church in 1963.

Gish (Guiche), Lillian
b. October 14, 1893 d. February 27, 1993
Actress, most remembered for her ability to play vulnerable and waiflike fragile, yet inwardly strong roles in many silent films, including her most famous roles in "Birth of a Nation" (1915) and "Intolerance" (1916). In 1984, she received the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. Born Lillian Diana de Guiche, on October 14, 1893, in Springfield, Ohio, her father was an alcoholic who left the family to fend for itself.

Marion, Francis 'The Swamp Fox'
b. 1732 d. February 27, 1795
Revolutionary War Continental Brigadier General. In 1753 he joined a militia company to fight in the French and Indian War, but does not see action. During the 1760 Cherokee War he served as a Lieutenant under Captain William Moultrie. In 1773 he established Pond's Bluff Plantation, and was elected to the South Carolina Provincial Congress. Upon the outbreak of hostilities against the British, he was made a Captain in the 2nd South Carolina Regiment.

Leonard, Matthew
b. November 26, 1929 d. February 27, 1967
Vietnam War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Sergeant First Class in the US Army in Company B, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action near Suoi Da, Republic of Vietnam on February 28, 1967. He was KILLED IN ACTION. His citation reads in part "P/Sgt. Leonard rose to his feet, charged the enemy gun, and destroyed the hostile crew despite being hit several times by enemy fire. He moved to a tree, propped himself.