February 13

He rose to prominence with his bold tactics at the Battle of the Saintes in 1782. As Commander-in-Chief of the Channel Fleet, he protected British trade routes from French privateers. Elevated to the peerage as 1st Baron Rodney in 1782, he later served as a member of Parliament. Rodney's innovative naval strategies influenced British maritime doctrine for decades. Despite controversies over prize money, he remained a celebrated figure in naval history.

Born in the Scottish Borders, he entered military service during the War of the Austrian Succession. Reid served in North America and the West Indies, rising to the rank of Lieutenant-General. Beyond his military duties, he was a passionate patron of music and amassed an extensive collection of musical manuscripts. In his will, he endowed funds for the study and performance of Scottish pipe music, leaving a lasting cultural legacy. His philanthropic efforts helped preserve traditional Scottish music for future generations.

Mortier distinguished himself in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, earning the title of Marshal of the Empire. He led successful campaigns in Germany, Spain, and Italy, demonstrating tactical skill on diverse battlefields. After Napoleon's fall, he remained active in politics and was appointed Prime Minister in 1834 under King Louis-Philippe. His tenure contributed to the stabilization of the July Monarchy during a turbulent period in French history. Mortier's career reflects the intersection of military prowess and political leadership in post-revolutionary France.

Bazaine achieved early success in Algeria and the Crimean War, earning a reputation for bravery. Appointed Commander of the Army of the Rhine in 1870, he was tasked with defending France against the Prussian invasion. Surrounded at Metz, his decision to surrender over 150,000 troops marked a pivotal point in the Franco-Prussian War. After the war, he faced trial for treason and spent years in prison before receiving a partial pardon. Bazaine's legacy remains debated, reflecting the complexities of military command under dire circumstances.

John Aaron Rawlins graduated from West Point and served with distinction in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He became General Ulysses S. Grant’s adjutant general and was known for his steadfast loyalty and organizational acumen. In 1869, President Grant appointed him Secretary of War, where he worked to professionalize the army and support veterans. Rawlins’s insistence on integrity and accountability earned him the nickname "Old Brains." His career was cut short by tuberculosis, and he died in office at the age of 38.

Born in 1912, Riipalu served initially in the Soviet Red Army after Estonia’s annexation. During World War II, he commanded Estonian volunteer units within the German forces on the Eastern Front. His tactical leadership earned military honors despite the complex allegiances of the period. After the war, Riipalu fled to Sweden to avoid Soviet persecution and became active in the Estonian exile community. He documented wartime experiences and worked to preserve Estonian military heritage. Riipalu died in Stockholm in 1961, remembered for his controversial yet significant military role.

Aung San (1915–1947) was a key figure in Burma’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. As founder of the modern Burmese army, he negotiated the country’s freedom and served as premier of the British Crown Colony. He united various ethnic groups under the promise of a federal union and laid the groundwork for democratic governance. Aung San’s vision and leadership earned him the title “Father of the Nation” in Myanmar. His assassination in 1947 cut short his career but secured his enduring legacy in Burmese history.

Francis Leslie Pym, Baron Pym (1922–2008) was a senior British Conservative politician who held several Cabinet positions, including Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs from 1982 to 1983. A veteran of World War II, he served in the Coldstream Guards before entering Parliament in 1961. Pym gained respect for his moderate stance during the Falklands War and for leading the House of Commons as Leader of the House. After retiring from the Commons, he was elevated to the House of Lords, where he continued to influence public policy through his writings and speeches.

Chuck Yeager was a decorated U.S. Air Force pilot and the first person to exceed the speed of sound in level flight. On October 14, 1947, he flew the Bell X-1 rocket plane at Mach 1.06, a milestone in aviation history. A World War II flying ace, Yeager downed five enemy aircraft and later trained new generations of test pilots. His daring spirit and technical skill earned him numerous military honors, including the Distinguished Service Medal. He rose to the rank of Brigadier General and served as commandant of the USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School. Yeager remained active in aviation throughout his life and inspired countless books and films. His achievements paved the way for modern high-speed flight and space exploration.

Omar Torrijos was the de facto leader of Panama from 1968 until his death in 1981, holding the title of Commander of the National Guard. A charismatic and influential ruler, he led a coup that deposed President Arnulfo Arias and established military rule. Torrijos championed social reforms, land redistribution, and education initiatives aimed at reducing inequality. He is best known internationally for negotiating the Torrijos–Carter Treaties in 1977, securing Panama’s eventual control of the Canal. Under his leadership, Panama achieved significant infrastructure development and economic modernization. Although never officially president, he maintained popular support through his nationalist policies and personal charisma. Torrijos’s sudden death in a plane crash remains a subject of speculation and marked the end of an era in Panamanian history.

Sigmund Jähn was selected for the Soviet Interkosmos program and flew on the Soyuz 31 mission in 1978. Born in 1937 in Laubegast, he trained as a fighter pilot in the East German Air Force. His eight-day mission aboard the Salyut 6 space station made him the first German to orbit Earth. During the flight, he conducted scientific experiments in materials processing and life sciences. After returning home, Jähn promoted space education and technology in both East Germany and reunified Germany. His pioneering flight remains a milestone in European space exploration. He passed away in 2019, leaving a legacy as Germany's trailblazing cosmonaut.

Born in Lafayette, Indiana, Donald E. Williams graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1964. He served as a Navy pilot, including tours in Vietnam, before being selected by NASA in 1978. Williams flew as pilot on STS-51D in 1985 and commanded STS-34 in 1989, deploying the Galileo probe to Jupiter. He logged over 380 hours in space and contributed to the advancement of human spaceflight. After retiring from NASA, he served as Director of Operations at Johnson Space Center until 1996.