February 26

Roger Mortimer (1328–1360) inherited the title 2nd Earl of March and served as a leading commander under King Edward III. He fought in the Hundred Years' War, taking part in campaigns in France and the defense of the Scottish border. Mortimer was noted for his chivalric reputation and loyalty to the crown during a time of frequent conflict. He died in 1360 after falling ill during a military expedition in France. His contributions to England's military efforts are remembered as part of the early phases of the Hundred Years' War.

Joshua Rowley was born in 1730 into a naval family in Suffolk, England, and joined the Royal Navy as a teenager. He served in the Seven Years’ War, where his tactical skill gained him rapid promotion to flag rank. During the American Revolutionary War, he commanded squadrons on blockade duty along the North American coast. Rowley was noted for his disciplined leadership and advocacy for sailors’ welfare and training. He later served as Commander-in-Chief at The Nore, overseeing critical Channel defenses. He died in 1790, remembered for a distinguished naval career that spanned four decades.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1718. He was appointed by the Continental Congress as the first Commander in Chief of the Continental Navy in 1775. Under his command, the Continental Navy launched its first expedition against British forces, capturing military supplies at Nassau in 1776. His leadership and disputes with Congress led to his court martial and dismissal in 1778. After the war, he retired to Rhode Island and continued to serve his community. He died in 1802, remembered as a pioneering figure in the founding of the United States Navy.

Born in Saint-Domingue in 1762 to a French nobleman and an enslaved African woman. He joined the French army and rose rapidly through the ranks during the French Revolution. In 1793, he became the first general of African descent in French military history. He led successful campaigns in the Alps and Italy, earning acclaim for his bold tactics. Political rivalries led to his arrest and harsh imprisonment, where he endured two years of captivity. After his release, he was honored but never fully regained his former position. He died in 1806, leaving a legacy of courage and inspiration for his son's literary works.

Born in 1737 into the Saxon royal family. He entered the Austrian army and advanced rapidly due to his tactical skill. He fought against Prussia in the Seven Years' War and later led troops in the Austro-Turkish War. During the French Revolutionary Wars, he commanded campaigns against revolutionary France in the Rhineland. He was renowned for disciplined leadership and strategic acumen on the battlefield. He retired from active service in 1796 and died in Coburg in 1815. He is remembered as one of the foremost military commanders of his era.

Born in 1761 in Fairfield, Connecticut, into a militiaman's family. At 16, she rode nearly 40 miles on April 26, 1777, across New York to warn local militia of a British raid. Her daring ride helped gather 400 militia troops who defended Danbury against British forces. Often compared to Paul Revere, Ludington's contribution remained little known until later accounts. She married Captain Edmund Ogden in 1783 and lived in New York and Kentucky. Although celebrated in local commemorations, widespread recognition of her ride came posthumously. She died in 1839, remembered as a symbol of youthful bravery and patriotism.

On February 26, 1936, young officers of the Imperial Japanese Army launched a coup attempt known as the February 26 Incident. They assassinated Takahashi Korekiyo, the 20th Prime Minister of Japan; Saitō Makoto, the 30th Prime Minister; and General Jōtarō Watanabe. The attackers hoped to purge the government of perceived corrupt officials and restore direct imperial rule. Although the coup ultimately failed, it revealed deep divisions within Japan's military and political elite. The incident marked a turning point that accelerated militarism in Japan's government.

Theodor Eicke was one of the earliest members of the SS and served as commandant of Dachau concentration camp, where he helped set the brutal standards of the Nazi camp system. He was appointed Inspector of Concentration Camps and later took command of the SS-Totenkopf Division on the Eastern Front during World War II. Known for his strict discipline and ruthless tactics, he played a central role in the implementation of the Holocaust. Eicke was killed in action in 1943 when his plane was shot down by Soviet fighters near Demyansk. His legacy remains a stark reminder of the atrocities committed under the Nazi regime.

Theodoros Pangalos began his career as an officer in the Hellenic Army, distinguishing himself in the Balkan Wars and World War I. In June 1925, he seized power in a military coup and proclaimed himself President of the Republic. His brief authoritarian rule introduced administrative reforms but faced criticism for suppressing political freedoms. He was overthrown in August 1926 and spent years in exile before returning to Greece in the 1930s. Pangalos remained a controversial figure until his death in 1952, remembered for both his military service and dictatorial tenure.

Levi Eshkol was born in 1895 in Ukraine and emigrated to Palestine in 1914, becoming an early member of the Zionist labor movement. He served as Israel’s first Finance Minister, laying the groundwork for the country’s economic development. Eshkol became Prime Minister in 1963 and led Israel during the pivotal Six-Day War in 1967. He fostered close ties with the United States and promoted infrastructure projects like the National Water Carrier. Eshkol died in office in 1969, remembered for his steady leadership during a formative period for the young nation.

Born in 1913, George L. Street III graduated from the US Naval Academy and embarked on a distinguished career in submarine warfare. During World War II, he commanded submarines on daring patrols against enemy shipping, showcasing exceptional tactical skill. For his actions in April 1945, Street was awarded the Medal of Honor, the Navy's highest decoration for valor. After the war, he served in various leadership roles, contributing to submarine training and strategy development. He retired with the rank of Captain, remembered for his steadfast dedication to his crew and country.

Born in 1905, Adolf Ehrnrooth graduated from Finland's military academy and quickly rose through the ranks. He distinguished himself in the Winter War of 1939–40 and the Continuation War, leading infantry units with exceptional courage. Ehrnrooth's tactical acumen and determination earned him national recognition as a symbol of Finnish resilience. After World War II, he continued serving in high-ranking posts and became an influential figure in veterans' affairs. He passed away in 2004, remembered as one of Finland's most respected military leaders.