February 04

Theodoros Kolokotronis was a central figure in Greece's War of Independence against Ottoman rule. Born in 1770, he gained a reputation as a cunning commander, leading guerrilla forces in the Peloponnese. His strategic victories at battles like Dervenakia were pivotal in securing Greek autonomy. Kolokotronis served in provisional governments, advocating for a unified Greek state and constitution. Imprisoned and later pardoned, he remained a symbol of resistance and patriotism for Greeks. His memoirs provide invaluable insights into the tactics and politics of the independence struggle.

Born in 1895, Wilhelm Gustloff was a German-Swiss soldier who became the head of the Swiss branch of the Nazi Party (NSDAP/AO). A devoted follower of Adolf Hitler, he organized propaganda and recruitment efforts among German expatriates in Switzerland. In 1936, he was assassinated in Davos by a Jewish medical student, an event which the Nazi regime exploited for propaganda. In his honor, they christened the ship MV Wilhelm Gustloff, which later suffered the worst maritime disaster in history. Gustloff’s life and death illustrate the transnational reach of early Nazi activism.

Born in 1901, Florence Green joined the Women’s Royal Air Force in 1918 at age 17. She worked on aircraft maintenance during the final months of WWI. After the war, she returned to civilian life and worked in agriculture. Recognized as the last living British WWI veteran, she received international attention in her final years. She lived to the age of 110, passing away peacefully in Suffolk.

Born in 1936, Robert Daniel served in the U.S. Army before returning to Virginia to manage his family farm. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1972 and served five terms from 1973 to 1983. As a congressman, he focused on agricultural policy and rural development. After leaving office, he returned to farming and remained active in community affairs. He died in 2012 at the age of 76.

Born in 1921 in Besana in Brianza, Italy, Eugenio Corti served as an officer in the Italian army during World War II. His war-time experiences profoundly influenced his writing, particularly his acclaimed novel 'The Red Horse'. Corti’s works blend historical insight with personal reflection, exploring themes of faith, morality, and community. He also wrote plays and essays that examined Italy’s social and political landscapes. He died in 2014, leaving a body of literature celebrated for its depth and authenticity.

Born in 1925 in Texas, Fitzhugh L. Fulton served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, including test flights for cutting-edge aircraft. After a distinguished military career, he joined NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center as a civilian research pilot. Fulton flew chase planes and support aircraft for projects such as the X-15 rocket plane, contributing vital observations to flight research. Over his 40-year career, he logged thousands of test hours and was honored with multiple aviation awards. He passed away in 2015, remembered for his pioneering spirit and contributions to aerospace advancement.