February 02

Owen Tudor was a Welsh soldier who served in the Lancastrian court and secretly married Catherine of Valois, widow of King Henry V. This union gave rise to the Tudor line when their son Edmund became Earl of Richmond, and his grandson Henry Tudor seized the English throne in 1485. Though Owen himself never ruled, his strategic marriage had profound dynastic consequences, ushering in a new royal house that shaped English history for centuries.

Bessho Nagaharu was the head of the Bessho clan in Harima Province during Japan’s Sengoku era. He initially allied with powerful warlords but rebelled against Oda Nobunaga in 1578, leading to the protracted Siege of Miki. Despite support from the Mōri clan, his forces were ultimately defeated in 1580. Nagaharu’s stand against centralization exemplifies the intense regional conflicts that characterized 16th-century Japan.

Abraham Duquesne (1610–1688) was a celebrated French naval officer and admiral under Louis XIV. A Huguenot by birth, he commanded fleets during the Franco-Dutch and Anglo-Dutch Wars, showcasing strategic brilliance at sea. Duquesne distinguished himself at the Battles of Solebay, Schooneveld, and the bombardment of Algiers. He earned the title Marquis d'Entraigues and was known for his innovative tactics and seamanship. Despite his Protestant faith, he remained loyal to the crown and received high honors from King Louis. Duquesne's naval legacy influenced French maritime strategy for generations.

Julius Kuperjanov was born in 1894 in Tartu, Estonia and served in the Imperial Russian Army during World War I. After Estonia declared independence in 1918, he organized and led the Partisan Battalion that achieved key victories against Bolshevik forces. Kuperjanov's leadership and daring tactics at the Battle of Pskov and other engagements bolstered the defense of the nascent Estonian state. He was wounded in combat and died of his injuries on February 2, 1919. His sacrifice made him a symbol of Estonian resistance and patriotism. Posthumously, Kuperjanov was honored with memorials, and his name graces schools and streets across Estonia. His legacy endures as a founding hero of the nation's freedom.

Vladimir Sukhomlinov was born in 1848 in Sevastopol, Russian Empire and rose through the military ranks to become Minister of War from 1909 to 1915. During his tenure, he oversaw attempts at army modernization but faced criticism for logistical and organizational failures once World War I broke out. Accusations of corruption and negligence led to his dismissal, arrest, and trial in 1916. After a brief exile, he was pardoned following the February Revolution of 1917. Sukhomlinov retired to civilian life and published memoirs defending his record. He died in 1926 in Helsinki, where he had lived in exile. His career remains a controversial chapter in the history of the Russian military.

Agha Petros was born in 1880 in Gazarta, Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey) and pursued legal studies before rising as a military commander. During World War I, he led Assyrian volunteers in battles against Ottoman and Kurdish forces, securing critical victories at Sain Kala and Hafir. After the war, Petros represented Assyrian interests at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, advocating for a protected homeland. His diplomatic efforts aimed to secure international support for Assyrian autonomy. Despite his plans, geopolitical changes prevented his community from gaining a state. Petros spent his later years in exile and wrote memoirs about his struggles. He died in 1932 in Baghdad, remembered as a national hero for the Assyrian people.

Lieutenant-General Edward Amy served with distinction in the Canadian Army during World War II. Born in Saskatchewan, he graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada and joined the Royal Canadian Artillery. Amy took part in key campaigns in Italy and Northwest Europe, earning the Distinguished Service Order. After the war, he held senior command positions, including head of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. As Commander of Mobile Command, he oversaw training and modernization of the Canadian Army during the Cold War. His leadership and reforms left a lasting impact on Canada's military capabilities and doctrine.

James F. Lloyd served as a Navy aviator during World War II, flying numerous combat missions in the Pacific Theater. After earning his law degree, he entered politics and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives at age 32. He served four consecutive terms from 1955 to 1963, focusing on veterans’ affairs, infrastructure development, and public education. Lloyd was known for his bipartisan approach and dedication to his constituents in California. Following his congressional service, he returned to practicing law and remained active in community affairs. He died in 2012, remembered for his dual legacy of military service and public leadership.

Chris Kyle enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1999 and became a SEAL sniper, serving four tours in the Iraq War. He recorded 160 confirmed kills, earning the unofficial title of the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history. Kyle received two Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars for valor under fire. In 2012, he published his bestselling memoir American Sniper, which provided a gripping account of modern combat and personal sacrifice. The book was later adapted into an Academy Award–winning film by director Clint Eastwood. Tragically, Kyle was killed in 2013 while helping a fellow veteran. His story remains a powerful testament to courage and brotherhood.

Born in 1943, Lino Oviedo rose through the ranks of the Paraguayan Army to become a general by the early 1990s. In 1996, he controversially led a military uprising against President Juan Carlos Wasmosy, an event that marked the transition to civilian rule. After his return to politics, Oviedo founded the National Union of Ethical Citizens (UNACE), becoming a key figure in Paraguayan democracy. He ran for president several times, attracting widespread support despite legal challenges. Known for his charismatic leadership, he influenced national politics until his death in a helicopter crash in 2013. Oviedo’s legacy remains complex, balancing military boldness with political ambition.

Michael 'Mad Mike' Hoare was born in 1919 in Dublin and served in the British and South African armies during World War II. After the war, he worked as a security consultant before leading mercenary units in the Congo Crisis, earning a reputation for bold tactics. He authored several books recounting his experiences, including 'Congo Mercenary'. In 1981, Hoare led a failed coup attempt in the Seychelles that culminated in a notorious hijacking. His career became emblematic of the controversial world of private military operations. Hoare remained unapologetic about his actions, viewing them as necessary in post-colonial conflicts. He died in 2020, leaving behind a polarizing legacy in military history.

Captain Sir Tom Moore was born in 1920 in Yorkshire and served with distinction in the British Indian Army during World War II. After his military career, he worked in insurance and dedicated himself to community service. In April 2020, on the eve of his 100th birthday, he began a challenge to walk 100 laps in his garden to raise funds for NHS Charities Together during the COVID-19 pandemic. His efforts captured worldwide attention, and he ultimately raised over £30 million. Moore was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his extraordinary charitable contributions. He used his status to inspire hope and solidarity during a global crisis. He passed away shortly after his 100th birthday in early 2021, leaving a enduring legacy of compassion and resilience.