August 18 in History
August 18 is the birthday of Summer McIntosh (2006) and the anniversary of the death of Bill Rasmussen (2026). Below are famous birthdays, deaths, events for August 18, plus editor's picks and genealogy records.
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Ashikaga Takauji, Japanese Shōgun was born in 1305, while Decentius, Roman usurper died in 353.
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Famous people born on August 18
Famous people who died on August 18
2026
Bill Rasmussen (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)
American director of television sports broadcasting (1932–2026)
What happened on August 18
- 2019
One hundred activists, officials, and other concerned citizens in Iceland hold a funeral for Okjökull glacier, which has completely melted after having once covered six square miles (15.5 km2).
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2017
The Turku terror attack occurs in Finland when a knifeman kills two and injures eight.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2011
A terrorist attack on Israel's Highway 12 near the Egyptian border kills 16 and injures 40.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2008
The President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, resigns under threat of impeachment.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2008
War of Afghanistan: The Uzbin Valley ambush occurs.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2005
A massive power blackout hits the Indonesian island of Java; affecting almost 100 million people, it is one of the largest and most widespread power outages in history.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2003
One-year-old Zachary Turner is murdered in Newfoundland by his mother, who was awarded custody despite facing trial for the murder of Zachary's father. The case was documented in the film Dear Zachary and led to reform of Canada's bail laws.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1993
American International Airways Flight 808 crashes at Leeward Point Field at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, injuring the three crew members.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1989
Leading presidential hopeful Luis Carlos Galán is assassinated near Bogotá in Colombia.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1983
Hurricane Alicia hits the Texas coast, killing 21 people and causing over US$1 billion in damage (1983 dollars).
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1977
Steve Biko is arrested at a police roadblock under Terrorism Act No. 83 of 1967 in King William's Town, South Africa. He later dies from injuries sustained during this arrest, bringing attention to South Africa's apartheid policies.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1976
The Korean axe murder incident in Panmunjom results in the deaths of two US Army officers.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1976
The Soviet Union's robotic probe Luna 24 successfully lands on the Moon.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1973
Aeroflot Flight A-13 crashes after takeoff from Baku-Bina International Airport in Azerbaijan, killing 56 people and injuring eight.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1971
Vietnam War: Australia and New Zealand decide to withdraw their troops from Vietnam.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab)
Births, deaths and events from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab).
Editor's picks
Born on August 18
- 1305 — Ashikaga Takauji, Japanese Shōgun (died 1358)
- 1450 — Marko Marulić, Croatian poet and author (died 1524)
- 1458 — Lorenzo Pucci, Catholic cardinal (died 1531)
Died on August 18
- 353 — Decentius, Roman usurper
- 440 — Pope Sixtus III
- 472 — Ricimer, Roman general and politician (born 405)
Source: Wikipedia historical listings for August 18
Quick answers
Who was born on August 18? Summer McIntosh (2006), Kevin McGonigle (2004), Bart Verbruggen (2002).
Who died on August 18? Bill Rasmussen (2026), Ruth Johnson Colvin (2024), Alain Delon (2024).
Explore genealogy records
Researching someone born in August? Search birth records
Live genealogy events
This calendar is live and has its own date controls; it is separate from the August 18 historical article above.
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