Died On This Date - Feb. 4

Carpenter, Karen Anne
b. March 2, 1950 d. February 4, 1983
Singer. Best remembered for her singing partnership with her brother, Richard, as "The Carpenters." Born in New Haven, Connecticut, she moved with her family to Downey, California, in 1963. Her older brother, Richard, put together an instrumental trio, with Richard playing the piano, Karen on the drums, and friend Wes Jacobs on the bass and tuba. In 1966, their group won first place in the Hollywood Bowl Battle of the Bands, and landed a recording contract with RCA Records.

Liberace (Wladziu Valentino)
b. May 16, 1919 d. February 4, 1987
Pianist. He was born Wladziu (Polish for Walter) Liberace in West Allis, Wisconsin to immigrant Italian and Polish parents one of four children. Both parents were musically talented. His Italian father played the french horn with the Milwaukee Philharmonic Orchestra and his Polish mother played the piano. When Polish pianist Paderwski visited the Liberaces, he recommended Wladziu receive a scholarship to the Wisconsin College of Music.

Pendleton, Joseph H.
b. June 2, 1860 d. February 4, 1942
United States Marine Corps General. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned a Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps on July 1, 1884. In the Spanish American War, he served on the cruiser USS Yankee, taking part in the bombardment of Santiago, Cuba. Advancing quickly in rank, he performed duties as Commanding Officer, First Brigade, Post Quartermaster and Commanding Officer of the First Regiment, Olongapo, Philippine Islands.

Davis, Ossie
b. December 18, 1917 d. February 4, 2005
Actor, Playwright, Social Reformer. Born in Cogdell, Georgia, he attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. African American actor and playwright best known for his association with Purlie Victorious (1961). He wrote and starred in the play, which later was made into a film, Gone Are the Days (1963), and a successful Broadway musical, Purlie (1970).

Gonzalez, Alfredo
b. May 23, 1946 d. February 4, 1968
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the war in Viet Nam was a Sergeant in Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery near Thua Thien, Republic of Vietnam, on February 4, 1968. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as platoon commander, 3d Platoon, Company A.

Smith, Charles H.
b. 1826 d. February 4, 1898
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Masters Mate in the Union Navy. His citation reads "Served on board the USS Rhode Island which was engaged in saving the lives of the officers and crew of the Monitor, 30 December 1862. Participating in the hazardous rescue of the officers and crew of the sinking Monitor, Smith, after rescuing several of the men, became separated in a heavy gale with other members of the cutter that had set out from the Rhode Island.

Gregg, Stephen Raymond
b. September 1, 1914 d. February 4, 2005
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Gregg served as a Second Lieutenant in the 143d Infantry, 36th Infantry Division, of the United States Army. Gregg was awarded his medal for action near Montelimar, France, on August 27, 1944. His citation reads-For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 27 August 1944, in the vicinity of Montelimar, France.

Rogers, John
b. 1500 d. February 4, 1555
Completed Tyndale's translation of the Bible. Protestant martyr under Queen Mary. Burnt alive at Smithfield.

Kelly, John J.H.
b. 1851 d. February 4, 1907
Indian Campaigns Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Corporal in the United States Army in Company I, 5th US Infantry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on September 9, 1874 at Upper Wichita River, Texas. His citation reads "Gallantry in action."

O'Connor, Una
b. October 23, 1880 d. February 4, 1959
Actress. Began her acting career in motion pictures in 1929. She is best remembered for her work in Universal's horror classics like "The invisible man" (1933) and "The bride of Frankenstein" (1935). She also appeared in classics films like "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938), "This Land is Mine" (1943) as Charles Laughton's mother, "Cluny Brown" (1946). Her last role was as Janet McKenzie, the housekeeper in "Witness for the Prosecution" (1957).

Berkeley, Randolph
b. January 9, 1875 d. February 4, 1960
Mexican Campaign Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served as a Major in the United States Marine Corps during the 1914 Vera Cruz, Mexico Campaign. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery on April 21 and 22, 1914. His citation reads “For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz. Maj. Berkeley was eminent and conspicuous in command of his battalion; was in the fighting of both days, and exhibited courage and skill in leading his men through action.

Highsmith, Patricia
b. January 19, 1921 d. February 4, 1995
Author. Born Mary Patricia Plangman in Fort Worth, Texas, she is widely recognized as one of the most original mystery writers of her time. Her first novel, "Strangers on a Train", was made into a classic film by Alfred Hitchcock. She is perhaps best known for her creation of Tom Ripley, the chameleon-like protagonist of several of her novels. During her career Highsmith received the O. Henry Award, the Edgar Allan Poe Award, and the French Grand prix de littérature policière.

Vale, John
b. August 9, 1835 d. February 4, 1909
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. He served during the Civil War as a Private in Company H, 2nd Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Nolensville, Tennessee, on February 15, 1863. His citation reads "Was one of a detachment of 16 men who heroically defended a wagon train against the attack of 125 cavalry, repulsed the attack and saved the train".

Joel, Lawrence
b. February 22, 1928 d. February 4, 1984
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Specialist Sixth Class (then Sp5c), United States Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. He was awarded his medal for service at the Republic of Vietnam, on November 8, 1965, during the Vietnam War. His citation reads-For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.

Mann, Margaret
b. April 4, 1869 d. February 4, 1941
Actress. Scottish-born stage and motion picture figure of the 1910s to the 1930s.

Peterson, Thomas Mundy
b. October 6, 1824 d. February 4, 1904
Social Reformer. He was the first black to cast a vote in the United States. This occurred at an election held in Perth Amboy, New Jersey on March 31, 1870. Peterson was a devoted Churchman and good citizen, a member of a committee to revise the city charter and a recipient of the Abraham Lincoln Gold Medal.

Dehner, John
b. November 23, 1915 d. February 4, 1992
Actor. Born John Forkum in Staten Island, John Dehner began his career as an animator for Walt Disney Studios before becoming a disc jockey then a piano player. He debuted in films in 1945 and due to his distinguished looks and deep, recognizable voice was often cast a villain, criminal or outlaw. Occasionally he was cast against type in comedies but typically he portrayed dishonest men. He was hard working in real-life and in 1956 appeared in seven films.

McCreary, David Berkley
b. February 27, 1826 d. February 4, 1906
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. He served as a 1st Lieutenant in one Erie Regiment of the Pennsylvania militia at the start of the Civil War. He then enlisted in the 145th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, rising to Lieutenant Colonel and commander of the regiment. He was brevetteed Brigadier General, US Volunteers on March 13, 1865 for "gallant and meritorious services during the war". He served as Adjutant General of the Pennsylvania National Guard from 1867 to 1870.