Donn Fendler

Donn Charles Fendler was an American author and public speaker from Rye, New York. In July 1939 at the age of 12, he got separated from his family and became lost on Maine's Mount Katahdin. His disappearance launched a manhunt which became front page news throughout the nation and involved hundreds of volunteers. Donn survived for nine days without food or proper clothing, before following a stream and telephone line out of the woods near Stacyville, Maine. Fendler was dehydrated, covered with insect bites, and 16 pounds lighter than at the beginning of his odyssey, but otherwise unharmed. He credited his experience as a Boy Scout in helping him survive the ordeal.

29 August 1926

Born on the same birth date (29 August 1926): Betty Lynn • Helene Ahrweiler • René Depestre

Born on the same birth day (29 August): Aki Yashiro • Charles F. Kettering • Daryll Neita • Gary Gabelich • Henry Blanco • Jan Śniadecki • Lenny Henry • Meshell Ndegeocello • Preston Sturges • Richard Angelo • Timothy Shriver

Born in the same month (August 1926): Anthony Sampson • Betty Lynn • Can Yücel • Fidel Castro • Frank Rosolino • George Brecht • George Irving Bell • John Silber • Marc Bohan • Rushdy Abaza • Sami Michael