March 28

Born in 1780 in Euboea, Govios joined the Greek struggle for freedom as an experienced armatolos commander. He led guerrilla units in central Greece, employing hit-and-run tactics against Ottoman forces. His victories in the early stages of the War of Independence boosted Greek morale and secured key territories. Govios emphasized unity among rival Greek factions, striving for coordinated military actions. He fell in battle in 1822 but became a martyr and symbol of the Greek fight for sovereignty. Today, he is honored as one of the national heroes of modern Greece.

James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, was born in 1797 into an aristocratic English family. He pursued a military career, serving in the Peninsular War and rising through the cavalry ranks. In 1854, as Colonel of the 11th Hussars, he infamously led the doomed Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava. Though criticized for strategic errors, the charge became emblematic of courage under fire. Brudenell also served in Parliament and was known for his flamboyant personality and dueling history. He died in 1868, leaving a complex legacy of valor and controversy.

Born in 1816 in Virginia, George Henry Thomas graduated from West Point in 1840. He fought in the Mexican–American War and earned respect as a disciplined officer. During the Civil War, he remained loyal to the Union despite his Southern roots. At the Battle of Chickamauga in 1863, his unyielding defense prevented a complete Union rout. Thomas later commanded forces in the Atlanta Campaign and helped secure Union victories in Georgia. He retired from the army after the war and died in 1870, remembered for his loyalty and leadership.

Edmund Kirby Smith (1824–1893) was a commanding general in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He led Confederate forces in the Trans-Mississippi Department and was noted for his strategic skill. After the war, Smith pursued an academic career and became a professor and president at the University of the South in Tennessee. He was the last surviving full general from the Civil War at the time of his death. Smith’s life spanned military leadership and educational service, leaving a complex legacy in American history.

Petrus Jacobus 'Piet' Joubert (1831–1900) was a key military and political figure in the South African Republic (Transvaal). He led Boer forces to victories in the First Anglo-Boer War and served twice as Commandant-General. Joubert was known for his fairness, strict discipline, and moral integrity. He ran for president of the republic but was narrowly defeated in elections. His leadership helped shape the early Boer state and its resistance against British imperialism.

Born in 1897 in Russia to a Polish family, Karol Świerczewski joined the Bolshevik forces during the Russian Civil War. He commanded the XIII International Brigade in the Spanish Civil War, earning recognition for his leadership and bravery. Świerczewski was twice awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union for his service during World War II. After the war, he became deputy minister of defense in Poland and helped reorganize the Polish People's Army. He died in a plane crash in 1947 while serving as a senior military commander. His career reflects the complex loyalties and turbulent history of mid-20th century Europe.

Born in 1931 in Cyprus, Stylianos Lenas joined the EOKA guerrilla organization in 1955 during the struggle for Cypriot independence. He carried out sabotage operations targeting British military installations and supply lines. Lenas became known for his courage and skill in organizing resistance cells across the island. During an operation in 1957, he was wounded by British forces and succumbed to his injuries later that year. His sacrifice made him a martyr figure in the campaign that eventually led to Cyprus gaining independence in 1960. Lenas is remembered for his dedication to national freedom and his role in the anti-colonial movement.

Dwight D. Eisenhower was born in 1890 in Denison, Texas, and raised in Kansas. He rose to prominence as Supreme Commander of Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during WWII. Eisenhower planned and executed Operation Overlord, the D-Day invasion of Normandy in 1944. After the war, he served as Army Chief of Staff and later as President of Columbia University. He was elected President in 1952, serving two terms and overseeing post-war prosperity and Cold War tensions. Eisenhower championed the Interstate Highway System and enforced desegregation in schools. He passed away in 1969, remembered as a unifying leader and strategic military planner.

Born in San Francisco in 1917, Weinberger served as a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. After earning his law degree from Harvard, he embarked on a political career that included serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. As Secretary of Defense from 1981 to 1987, he championed a substantial increase in defense spending and modernization of the military. Weinberger played a key role in shaping U.S. strategy during the late Cold War and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon leaving office. He returned to private life after 1987 and authored reflections on defense policy before his death in 2006.

Jeremiah Denton was a U.S. Navy rear admiral and decorated veteran who endured almost eight years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. He famously blinked the word "TORTURE" in Morse code during a televised propaganda interview, revealing the harsh conditions he faced. After his release in 1973, Denton continued his naval service and rose to the rank of two-star admiral. He entered politics and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1980, representing Alabama for six years. As a senator, he advocated for conservative fiscal policies and a strong national defense. His legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and patriotism.

Didier Ratsiraka was a Malagasy naval officer who rose to become President of Madagascar from 1975 to 1993 and again from 1997 to 2002. Nicknamed the 'Red Admiral' for his socialist policies, he nationalized key industries and pursued non-aligned foreign relations during the Cold War. Ratsiraka's leadership transformed Madagascar's political landscape, emphasizing education and infrastructure development, while also facing economic challenges and political opposition. After losing power in 1993, he staged a return to the presidency before ultimately leaving office amid protests. His later years involved peaceful political activism and advisory roles. Ratsiraka's complex legacy includes both ambitious modernization efforts and controversies over governance. He died in 2021, leaving a lasting impact on his nation's post-colonial history.