February 01

John Barry (1873–1901) was an Irish soldier in the British Army who received the Victoria Cross for his acts of bravery during the Second Boer War. He enlisted at a young age and served with distinction on the battlefield. Barry was recognized for risking his life to rescue wounded comrades under heavy fire. His valorous actions made him one of the celebrated war heroes of his time. He continued to serve until his untimely death in 1901. His legacy endures as a symbol of courage and selflessness in military history.

Charles Nordhoff (1887–1947) was an English-American pilot and author best known for co-authoring the Mutiny on the Bounty trilogy. He served as a lieutenant in the Lafayette Escadrille during World War I and later traveled through the South Pacific. Collaborating with James Norman Hall, Nordhoff drew on his experiences to create vivid adventure novels such as Mutiny on the Bounty. His writings captured exotic locales and resonated with a wide readership. Nordhoff’s work remains a classic of early 20th-century literature.

Nikolai Reek was one of the foremost military leaders in the Estonian War of Independence. He organized and commanded armored trains and frontline units against invading forces. As the 11th Minister of War, he oversaw the establishment of the modern Estonian armed forces. Reek also held political office in the young Estonian Republic. After the Soviet occupation, he was arrested and died in prison under unclear circumstances. His legacy is honored in Estonia for his contributions to national defense and statehood.

Frank Buckles enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 16 and served as a motorcycle dispatch rider in World War I. After the war, he founded a transportation company and later worked in the shipping industry. Buckles was captured and held as a civilian POW by the Japanese during World War II. In his later years, he became an advocate for building a memorial to American World War I veterans. He received numerous honors and met with presidents to promote his cause. Buckles passed away in 2011 as the last known American veteran of World War I, closing a chapter in U.S. military history.

Born in Lhasa in 1910 to a noble Tibetan family, Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme held both political and military roles during the mid-20th century. He commanded Tibetan regional forces and negotiated with the People's Liberation Army, signing the 1951 Seventeen Point Agreement that brought Tibet under Chinese sovereignty. Ngapoi later served as Vice Chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region and held seats in the National People's Congress. He advocated for economic development and modernization in Tibet while navigating complex cultural and political changes. Ngapoi lived to the age of 98, passing away in 2009. His legacy remains debated in discussions of Tibet-China relations.

Eiji Sawamura (1917–1944) was a celebrated Japanese right-handed pitcher whose talent left an enduring legacy in Nippon Professional Baseball. He gained fame for striking out five of the first six New York Giants in an exhibition game during the 1934 tour. In professional play, he recorded multiple no-hitters and later inspired the Sawamura Award, Japan's equivalent of the Cy Young Award. With the outbreak of World War II, Sawamura enlisted in the Imperial Japanese Army and was deployed to Guadalcanal. He was killed in action in 1944, and his sacrifice, combined with his athletic excellence, cemented his status as a national hero.

Patricia Robins (1921–2016) served as a wireless operator in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force during World War II, contributing to vital communications efforts. After the war, she became a successful author of more than fifty romance novels under her own name and the pseudonym Claire Lorrimer. Her works, often set in exotic locales, captivated readers with lush descriptions and compelling characters. Robins balanced her writing career with public engagements and writing workshops, inspiring many aspiring authors. Her longevity and dedication to storytelling left a lasting mark on the British romantic fiction genre.

Born in 1930 in present-day Bangladesh.\nJoined the military of Pakistan and later the Bangladesh Army after independence.\nSeized power in a bloodless coup in 1982, becoming President.\nIntroduced development policies focusing on rural areas and education.\nFaced widespread protests and resigned in 1990, returning power to civilians.\nRemained active in politics as the leader of his party until his death.\nDied in 2019.

Born in 1952, Owoye Andrew Azazi attended the Nigerian Defence Academy and rose through the army ranks. In 2005 he was appointed Director General of the Department of State Services, where he overhauled the country's intelligence framework. The following year, he became Chief of Defence Staff, overseeing military operations and driving reforms to strengthen national security. Known for his focus on professionalism and collaboration, he forged partnerships with international defence organizations. Azazi tragically died in a helicopter crash in 2012, leaving a legacy of modernization and dedication to his country.