January 16

Erasmo of Narni, known as Gattamelata, was a renowned condottiero who served the Republic of Venice and other Italian states. He rose to prominence through his leadership of mercenary forces in the early 15th century. A master tactician, he played a key role in numerous battles across Northern Italy. His legacy was immortalized by Donatello’s equestrian statue in Padua, the first of its kind since antiquity. Gattamelata’s career exemplified the military culture of Renaissance Italy.

Edward Clinton, 1st Earl of Lincoln, was a prominent English admiral and politician of the Tudor era. He commanded naval expeditions against Spain and participated in the defeat of the Spanish Armada. As Lord High Admiral, he reformed the English navy and guarded trade routes against piracy. Clinton also held courtly offices and advised Queen Elizabeth I on military matters. His leadership at sea and in government exemplified the rise of England as a naval power.

Prince Ivan Trubetskoy was born in 1667 into one of Russia’s oldest noble families and became a trusted military leader under Tsar Peter the Great. Rising to the rank of field marshal, he played a key role in the Great Northern War, commanding troops in major engagements that expanded Russian influence in the Baltic region. Beyond his battlefield exploits, Trubetskoy held important administrative and political offices, contributing to the westernization efforts of Peter’s reign. He was known for his firm leadership, diplomatic skill, and dedication to military reform. His career exemplified the merging of noble lineage with professional military service during Russia’s transformation into a major European power. Trubetskoy’s legacy is remembered in Russian military history as that of a capable commander and statesman.

Sir John Moore was born in Glasgow in 1761 and rose through the ranks of the British Army to become a respected commander. He is best remembered for his daring leadership of British forces during the retreat to Corunna in 1809, where he was mortally wounded. Moore’s tactical retreat preserved his army and exemplified disciplined command under immense pressure. Earlier in his career, he also served in Parliament, bringing military insight to political debates. His reforms in light infantry training had a lasting impact on British military tactics. Moore’s courage and professionalism made him a celebrated figure in both military history and popular memory. His tomb in Corunna marks the spot where he fell, symbolizing sacrifice and leadership.

George Dewey was born in Montpelier, Vermont, in 1837 and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1858. He served throughout the Civil War and rose through the ranks with distinguished service. As commander of the Asiatic Squadron, he led U.S. forces to a crushing victory over the Spanish fleet at Manila Bay on May 1, 1898. His triumph made him an instant national hero and earned him rapid promotion to Admiral of the Navy, a unique rank in U.S. history. Dewey's strategic vision and leadership style became a model for naval warfare in the 20th century. He remained an influential figure in naval affairs until his death in 1917.

Born in Buckingham Palace in 1850, Arthur was the seventh child and third son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He attended the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and served in the British Army, rising to the rank of Field Marshal. In 1911, he was appointed Governor General of Canada and worked to strengthen imperial ties and support charitable causes. He married Princess Louise Margaret of Prussia and had three children who continued the royal lineage. Arthur was known for his dedication to public service, patronage of the arts, and support for veterans. After returning to Britain in 1916, he held numerous honorary military posts and public offices. He died in Bagshot Park at the age of 91, remembered as a beloved royal and soldier.

Born Prince Alexander of Teck in 1874, he renounced his German titles in 1917, adopting the surname Cambridge and becoming the Earl of Athlone. He served with distinction in the Second Boer War and World War I, rising to senior ranks in the British Army. From 1924 to 1931, he served as Governor-General of the Union of South Africa, fostering national development and unity. Later, during World War II, he became Governor General of Canada, where he supported the Allied war effort and boosted public morale. Athlone was also a patron of education and veteran affairs, championing numerous charitable initiatives. After retiring from public office in 1946, he continued to serve in ceremonial military roles. He died in 1957, remembered for bridging Commonwealth ties through turbulent times.

Born in 1895, Teller Ammons began his career as a soldier before entering politics. He was elected to the Colorado State Legislature and later became Lieutenant Governor. In 1937, he took office as the 28th Governor of Colorado, leading the state through economic challenges. Ammons championed reforms in education and infrastructure, earning respect across party lines. After his term, he continued to influence public affairs through civic engagement and writing. His leadership during the late 1930s left a lasting imprint on Colorado’s political landscape.

After serving in the U.S. military, Biber entered civilian medical practice. He established one of the first clinics dedicated to gender reassignment procedures in the United States. Performing thousands of surgeries, he refined techniques that improved safety and outcomes for transgender patients. Biber faced social and medical skepticism but advocated tirelessly for his patients' well-being and rights. He trained and mentored other surgeons in this emerging field, sharing his expertise at conferences and seminars. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern gender confirmation surgery and advanced the acceptance of transgender healthcare.

Hiroo Onoda was a Second Lieutenant in the Imperial Japanese Army who fought in World War II. He was stationed on Lubang Island in the Philippines and refused to surrender after the war ended, believing it was a deception. Living in the jungle with a small group of soldiers, Onoda carried out survival and guerrilla operations for nearly 29 years. He finally laid down his arms in March 1974 when his former commanding officer traveled to the island to formally relieve him of duty. His story attracted global attention and highlighted deep commitment to duty and loyalty. After returning to Japan, Onoda wrote memoirs about his experiences and became a public speaker. He later moved to Brazil where he lived on a cattle ranch and continued to reflect on his past before passing away in 2014.