Count von Zeppelin, full name Ferdinand Adolf Heinrich August Graf von Zeppelin, was a German general and aviation pioneer born on July 8, 1838. He is best known for inventing the zeppelin, a type of rigid airship that revolutionized air travel in the early 20th century. His designs and innovations laid the groundwork for modern airship technology. Zeppelin's first successful flight took place in 1900, and he continued to improve his designs throughout his life. His contributions to aviation earned him recognition and respect, and he became a symbol of early air travel. Count von Zeppelin passed away on March 8, 1917.