February 12

Born in 1547 into a prominent Norfolk family, Edward Denny gained renown as a bold soldier and adventurer. He was knighted as a Knight Banneret under Queen Elizabeth I for his service in the Dutch Wars. Transitioning to privateering, he led voyages against Spanish ships, capturing valuable prizes in the Atlantic. Denny's ventures took him to the West Indies, where he explored new territories and trade routes. His daring exploits exemplified the spirit of Elizabethan maritime expansion and the privateer tradition. Despite military successes, many details of his later life remain obscure amid records of early modern exploration. He died in 1600, leaving a legacy as one of his era's most daring privateers and soldiers.

Ethan Allen was a farmer-turned-militiaman who led the Green Mountain Boys in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775. Born in 1738 in Connecticut, he became an early settler and landowner in what is now Vermont. Allen was a fierce advocate for Vermont's independence from New York and New Hampshire, playing a key role in its founding. During the Revolutionary War, he held the rank of colonel and was known for his bold tactics and fiery speeches. Captured by British forces in 1775, he endured imprisonment before being exchanged in 1778. After the war, Allen served in the Vermont House of Representatives and promoted the state's interests. He died in 1789, leaving a legacy as a folk hero and symbol of American frontier spirit.

Born in 1855 in Crimea, Samad bey Mehmandarov served as a general in the Imperial Russian Army. He fought in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78 and World War I, earning distinction for his leadership of cavalry units. Following the 1918 establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, he was appointed its third Minister of Defense. Mehmandarov worked to modernize the fledgling national army amidst political turmoil. After the Soviet takeover, he lived in exile in Poland until his death in 1931. His military reforms and dedication to Azerbaijan’s independence cemented his historical legacy.

Eugene Esmonde was born in County Waterford, Ireland, in 1909 and joined the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. He served as a lieutenant and pilot of Fairey Swordfish biplanes aboard HMS Victorious. During the Channel Dash on 12 February 1942, Esmonde led a torpedo strike against superior German warships. Despite heavy enemy fire and long odds, he pressed home the attack and was killed in action. For his extraordinary valor, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. Esmonde’s fearless leadership remains a testament to courage under fire.

Avraham Stern was born in Poland in 1907 and immigrated to British Mandate Palestine in 1925. He served in the Haganah before breaking away to form the more radical Lehi, also known as the Stern Gang. Under his leadership, the group carried out clandestine operations against British authorities. Stern advocated for uncompromising resistance and envisioned a Jewish state on both banks of the Jordan. In 1942, he was betrayed and fatally shot by British police in Tel Aviv. His legacy remains controversial, influencing debates on resistance and national liberation.

Yan Su (1930-2016) was a Chinese military officer and prolific composer who served as a major general in the People's Liberation Army. He crafted lyrics and music for over a thousand songs, many of which became anthems of modern China. His most famous works include My Motherland, featured in the film Battle on Shangganling Mountain, and Ode to the Yellow River. Yan Su's compositions blended traditional melodies with patriotic themes, resonating with audiences across generations. He received numerous awards for his contributions to national culture and military morale. His legacy endures through the enduring popularity of his songs in Chinese musical repertoire.