February 11

Patrick Leigh Fermor gained renown for his foot journey across Europe in 1933–34, capturing his adventures in the memoir A Time of Gifts. During World War II, he served as an officer in the British Special Operations Executive and helped organize the abduction of a German general in Crete. His vivid prose and scholarly knowledge of classical history set his travel writing apart in works like Between the Woods and the Water. Fermor’s diplomatic fluency and deep cultural insight earned him honors from several European nations. He continued to write and lecture well into his 90s, leaving a legacy as one of the 20th century’s most celebrated travel authors.

Daniel 'Chappie' James Jr. was a pioneering U.S. Air Force officer. He flew combat missions in Korea and Vietnam, earning numerous decorations. James served as the first African American wing commander and later four-star general. He was a featured speaker at national events and a symbol of racial progress in the military. In 1977, he was slated to become Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff before his death. His career broke barriers and paved the way for future generations in the armed forces.

Manuel Noriega rose through the ranks of the Panamanian National Guard and became its commander in 1983. He consolidated power and ruled the country with authoritarian control, influencing politics and the economy. Noriega was implicated in drug trafficking and corruption, straining relations with the United States. In December 1989, the U.S. invaded Panama, apprehending Noriega and ending his regime. He was tried and convicted in the U.S. on drug-related charges and served sentences in multiple countries. Noriega died in 2017, leaving a controversial legacy marked by dictatorship and international legal battles.