January 13

The second son of King John I of Portugal, he was appointed Constable in 1418, becoming the kingdom's highest military officer. Infante John led campaigns in North Africa, including the conquest of Ceuta, solidifying Portugal's emerging overseas empire. He served as a mentor to his nephew, the future King Afonso V, and acted as regent during his minority. Known for his diplomatic skill and martial prowess, he balanced court politics with aggressive expansionist policies. His premature death in 1442 curtailed a promising career that shaped Portugal's golden age of exploration.

Educated at the University of Paris, Boyd penned Latin and vernacular poetry reflecting humanist ideals. He fought in the French Wars of Religion and later served as a mercenary in the Netherlands. His works, including epigrams and elegies, were circulated in manuscript before posthumous publication. Boyd's blending of martial life and literary talent exemplifies the Renaissance soldier-poet archetype. Though he died in obscurity, his verse influenced later Scottish poetry and the Baroque literary tradition.

Born into the influential Booth family, Henry Booth fought in the Monmouth Rebellion before embarking on a political career. He was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1682 to 1684 under King Charles II. A staunch Whig, he supported the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and was created Earl of Warrington in 1690. Booth advocated for parliamentary authority and financial reform during a turbulent era in British politics. He passed away in 1694, remembered for his blend of military service and governmental leadership.

Born in 1869, Emanuele Filiberto belonged to the House of Savoy, Italy's ruling dynasty. He gained distinction as commander of Italy's Third Army during World War I. Under his leadership, the army played a crucial role in the Battle of Vittorio Veneto in 1918. His strategic skill helped bring about the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian front. After the war, he remained a senior figure in the Italian monarchy. He died in 1931, remembered as a national hero.

Charles Arnison was born in England in 1893. He served as a lieutenant pilot during World War I, flying reconnaissance and combat missions on the Western Front. Arnison demonstrated bravery under fire and contributed to early military aviation efforts. After the war, he continued his involvement in aviation, supporting peacetime developments. His career exemplified the pioneering era of military flight and the courage of early pilots.

Dave Edwards was born on January 13, 1938. He served as a captain in the American armed forces, where he honed his leadership skills. Transitioning to politics, he was dedicated to serving his community with the same commitment he showed in uniform. His unique background informed his approach to governance and public engagement. Edwards passed away in 2013, leaving a legacy of bridging military service and civic duty.

Born in 1949 in Patiala, India, Rakesh Sharma joined the Indian Air Force and trained as a pilot. In 1984, he was selected for the Soviet Interkosmos program and became the first Indian in space. Aboard Soyuz T-11, Sharma conducted scientific experiments and Earth observation tasks on the Salyut 7 station. He logged over seven days in orbit, making significant contributions to international space research. For his mission, he received India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashoka Chakra. After returning, he held leadership roles in the Air Force and later shared his experience through lectures. Sharma remains a symbol of India’s early space achievements.

Major Mohit Sharma served in the National Security Guard of the Indian Army. He played a key role in several high-risk counter-terrorism missions. During a 2009 operation in Jammu and Kashmir, he displayed exceptional courage and was killed in action. For his gallantry, Sharma was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime military decoration. He is remembered as a role model for dedication and sacrifice. His legacy continues to inspire members of the armed forces. Sharma's family and colleagues honor his memory through commemorative events and scholarships.