Thant, known honorifically as U Thant, was a Burmese diplomat and the third secretary-general of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971, the first Asian to hold the position. He held the office for a record 10 years and one month. Born: January 22, 1909 Died: November 25, 1974 In office: November 30, 1961 – December 31, 1971 Wiki link