January 01

Born in 1711 in Reggio, Franz von der Trenck joined the Austrian army and quickly made a name for himself with daring exploits. He formed and led the Pandurs, an irregular light infantry known for their guerrilla tactics and fierce combat style. Trenck saw action at key battles such as Mollwitz and Prague, earning both admiration and controversy for his methods. Court-martialed for the Pandurs' brutal actions, he chronicled his campaigns in vivid memoirs. His career exemplifies the volatile nature of 18th-century warfare. Trenck died in prison in 1749, remembered as a bold and polarizing commander.

Born in Chester County, Pennsylvania in 1745, Anthony Wayne earned the nickname 'Mad Anthony' for his fearless leadership during the American Revolution. As a brigadier general, he led Continental forces to victory at the Battle of Stony Point and displayed tenacity at Monmouth. Following the war, Wayne served in the U.S. House of Representatives and was appointed commander in the Northwest Indian War, securing American expansion into the Ohio Territory. Known for his strict discipline and aggressive strategies, he influenced the development of the young nation's military. Wayne died in 1796, remembered as one of the Revolution's most daring figures.

William Gamble (1818–1866) was a cavalry officer born in Ireland who emigrated to the United States before the Civil War. Commissioned as a colonel and later promoted to brigadier general, he commanded the Michigan Cavalry Brigade in the Army of the Potomac. At the Battle of Gettysburg, Gamble's leadership was crucial in holding Cemetery Hill against repeated Confederate assaults. After the war, he continued to serve in the Regular Army, helping to reorganize cavalry units before his resignation. He died in 1866, remembered for his tactical skill and dedication to duty.

George Foster Shepley (1819–1878) was an American lawyer who became a brigadier general in the Union Army during the Civil War. After the capture of New Orleans, he was appointed military governor of Louisiana, overseeing civil administration and early Reconstruction efforts. President Lincoln later nominated him as U.S. District Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of Louisiana, a role he held until his death. Shepley balanced military authority with judicial responsibility, influencing the legal framework of post-war Louisiana.

William Joseph Donovan was born in Buffalo, New York in 1883 and graduated from Harvard University. He served with distinction in World War I, earning the Medal of Honor for bravery. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed him Coordinator of Information, and he soon became the first Director of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II. Under his leadership, the OSS conducted espionage, propaganda, and covert operations across multiple theaters. Known as the father of American Intelligence, his work laid the foundation for the Central Intelligence Agency. After the war, he returned to practicing law and served as U.S. ambassador to Thailand. He died in 1959.

Wilhelm Canaris was born in Aplerbeck, Germany, in 1887. He joined the Imperial German Navy and served in World War I as a submarine officer. Rising through the ranks, he became an admiral and, in 1935, was appointed head of the Abwehr, Germany's military intelligence service. Despite his position, Canaris covertly undermined Nazi policies by passing critical information to resistance groups and the Allies. He was implicated in the July 20 plot to assassinate Hitler and was arrested in 1944. He was executed in April 1945 shortly before the end of the war. Canaris is remembered for his complex legacy as a spy chief who ultimately turned against the regime he served.

Georgios Stanotas was born in 1888 and graduated from the Hellenic Army Academy. He served with distinction in the Balkan Wars and World War I, demonstrating tactical skill on multiple fronts. In the interwar period, he rose through the ranks to become a general and took part in modernizing the Greek Army's structure and training programs. He held key command positions and was respected for his leadership and organizational abilities. Following World War II, Stanotas continued to advise on military affairs during Greece's reconstruction. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant General and died in 1965. His career spanned some of the most turbulent periods in modern Greek history.

Born in 1893, Mordechai Frizis was one of the few Jewish officers in the Hellenic Army, rising to the rank of colonel. He commanded troops during the Greco-Italian War of 1940-1941, notably at the Battle of Elaia-Kalamas, where his leadership and bravery were instrumental. Frizis was killed in action on the Albanian front, becoming one of the highest-ranking Greek officers to fall in battle. His death galvanized Greek morale during the early phases of World War II. Frizis is remembered for his duty, patriotism, and as a symbol of Greece's resolve. Monuments and plaques across Greece honor his service and legacy.

Born in western Ukraine, Bandera became a prominent leader of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists. He advocated for Ukrainian independence during the interwar period and World War II. Under his leadership, the OUN engaged in guerrilla warfare against occupying forces. Bandera’s strategy and ideology remain contentious due to accusations of collaboration and ethnic violence. After the war, he lived in exile and continued political activism in Western Europe. He was assassinated by a Soviet agent in Munich in 1959. Bandera’s legacy is still fiercely debated in Ukraine and beyond.

Born in 1918, Patrick Anthony Porteous joined the British Army and served with distinction in the Royal Artillery. In July 1943, during the Allied invasion of Sicily, he led a daring assault on enemy positions under heavy fire. His courageous actions in neutralizing artillery gun positions enabled his unit to advance, earning him the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest military honor. After the war, Porteous continued his career in the army, undertaking various command and staff appointments. He was respected for his leadership and commitment to training younger officers. Porteous retired with the rank of colonel and remained active in veterans' associations. His VC citation remains an inspiration in military valor and selfless service. He passed away in 2000, leaving a legacy of bravery.

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1943, Tony Knowles graduated from Yale University in 1965 and served as an infantry officer in the Vietnam War, earning the Bronze Star Medal. After his military service, he worked in the oil industry before entering public office as Mayor of Anchorage. In 1994, he was elected Governor of Alaska, where he focused on education reform, economic diversification, and sustainable resource management. Following two terms in the governor's office, he led a nonprofit research foundation dedicated to Arctic policy and environmental study. Knowles also explored national politics and briefly considered a presidential bid in 2004. His career is marked by a blend of public service, business leadership, and environmental advocacy.

Grachev launched his career in the Soviet Army, rising to the rank of general through distinguished service. After the Soviet Union's dissolution, he was appointed Russia's first Minister of Defence in 1992, tasked with reorganizing the military. He directed Russian forces during the First Chechen War, a conflict that tested the new defense establishment. Grachev worked closely with President Boris Yeltsin to define post-Soviet military policy. His tenure saw both modernization efforts and critiques over military operations. Grachev retired from public office in 1996 but remained a subject of study for his role in shaping Russia's armed forces.