February 24

Don John of Austria (1545-1578) was a Spanish military leader and the illegitimate son of Emperor Charles V. He achieved fame as commander of the Holy League fleet that defeated the Ottoman navy at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. His victory secured Mediterranean trade routes and marked a turning point in the struggle with the Ottoman Empire. John later served as governor of the Spanish Netherlands, navigating complex political and religious tensions. Known for his charisma and bravery, he became a legendary figure in European martial lore. He died of typhus at the age of 33. His legacy inspired countless military commanders and celebrated chivalric ideals.

Born in 1593 into one of England’s oldest earldoms, Henry de Vere inherited the title of 18th Earl of Oxford at a young age. He traveled to the Low Countries to support Protestant forces in the Eighty Years’ War, serving under Prince Maurice of Orange. Known for his courage in battle, he led a cavalry troop at the Battle of Nieuwpoort. Returning to England, he became a favored courtier of King James I and took part in royal ceremonies. His life was cut short in 1625, and his death marked the end of his branch of the de Vere family.

Born in Sutton, England in 1723, John Burgoyne embarked on a military career that saw service in European conflicts and colonial postings. He was a Member of Parliament while advancing through the ranks of the British Army. In 1777, Burgoyne led an invasion force from Canada into New York but was surrounded and forced to surrender at Saratoga, a turning point in the American Revolution. His defeat weakened British prospects in the colonies and elevated French support for the American cause. After returning to Britain, Burgoyne continued his political duties, wrote several plays and memoirs, and remained a controversial figure. He died in 1792.

Born in Charlottenburg, he began his career in the Prussian army and rose to the rank of general. In 1890 he succeeded Otto von Bismarck as Chancellor under Kaiser Wilhelm II. Caprivi promoted naval expansion, colonial treaties, and trade agreements such as the Caprivi Line. He introduced social and administrative reforms but faced opposition at court and resigned in 1894. His tenure marked the start of Germany’s shift from Bismarckian conservatism to Wilhelmine policies.

Chester W. Nimitz was born in 1885 in Texas and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1905. He became an early submariner and held various commands before World War II. As Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, he orchestrated naval strategy at key battles such as Midway and Guadalcanal. Nimitz later served as Chief of Naval Operations, overseeing post-war naval policy and reconstruction. In 1945, he was promoted to Fleet Admiral, one of only four to hold that rank in U.S. history. He retired in 1947 and died in 1966, remembered as a decisive leader in naval warfare.

Kurt Tank was a pioneering German aeronautical engineer and fighter pilot. He led Focke-Wulf's design team and developed the Fw 190, one of the Luftwaffe's most effective fighters. After World War II, he continued his work in Argentina, designing the Pulqui II jet aircraft. Tank's innovative designs combined power with durability, influencing fighter development around the world. He also served as a test pilot for many of his creations. His contributions to aviation technology spanned both wartime and peacetime projects. Tank's legacy remains significant in the history of military and civilian aircraft design.

Telford Taylor was an American brigadier general, lawyer, and historian known for his role as a prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was appointed by Justice Robert Jackson to lead prosecutions of Nazi war criminals. After the trials, Taylor taught at Columbia University Law School and authored influential works on international law and wartime justice. His books, including 'The Anatomy of the Nuremberg Trials,' provided critical insights into the legal and moral issues of prosecuting war crimes. Taylor also spoke out on civil rights and criticized U.S. policies during the Vietnam War. His career bridged military service, legal scholarship, and public advocacy. He was a respected voice in discussions on justice and accountability until his death in 1998.

Born in Sioux City, Iowa, Bud Day enlisted in the United States Navy before transferring to the Air Force. He flew combat missions in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In 1967, his F-100 was shot down over North Vietnam and he endured severe torture and solitary confinement as a prisoner of war. For his extraordinary valor and resistance, he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1977. After his release, he continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve, retiring as a colonel. Day became an outspoken advocate for veterans' rights and POW/MIA issues. He authored a memoir about his experiences and remained a respected figure in military circles. He passed away in 2013, leaving a legacy of courage and resilience.

Željko Glasnović (born February 24, 1954) is a Croatian politician and retired army general. He emigrated to Canada in childhood and returned to Croatia at the outbreak of the Homeland War in 1991. As a commander in the Croatian Defence Forces, he played a key role in several military operations during the war of independence. After retiring from active duty, Glasnović entered politics and was elected to the Croatian Parliament in 2016. He is known for his nationalist views and advocacy of veterans' rights. Glasnović remains a vocal figure in Croatian public life, often commenting on national security and historical issues.