1939day.year

Ioannis Tsangaridis

(1887 - 1939)

Greek general

Greek general
Greek Army general who served in the Balkan Wars and World War I. He played key roles in early 20th-century military campaigns.
Born in 1887, he graduated from the Hellenic Military Academy. He saw action in the Balkan Wars of 1912–1913, earning recognition for bravery. During World War I, he served with the Greek Expeditionary Force in the Macedonian front. In the Greco-Turkish War, he commanded infantry divisions with distinction. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant General and worked on army modernization. He died on March 31, 1939, remembered for his leadership and strategic acumen.
1939 Ioannis Tsangaridis
1944day.year

Mineichi Koga

(1885 - 1944)

Japanese admiral

Japanese admiral
Fleet Admiral of the Imperial Japanese Navy and Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet. He led major naval operations during World War II.
Born in 1885 in Fukuoka, he graduated from the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy. He specialized in naval aviation and served as naval attaché to the United States. He commanded aircraft carriers during early Pacific campaigns. In 1943, he was promoted to Fleet Admiral and assumed command after Admiral Yamamoto's death. He oversaw naval strategy in the central Pacific theater amid heavy losses. He died in an aircraft accident near Palau on March 31, 1944, during wartime operations.
1944 Mineichi Koga
1961day.year

Pyrros Spyromilios

(1913 - 1961)

officer of the Greek Navy and director of the Greek Radio Orchestra

officer of the Greek Navy and director of the Greek Radio Orchestra
Greek naval officer and orchestra director who bridged military service and cultural leadership.
Pyrros Spyromilios was born in 1913 and pursued a distinguished career in the Hellenic Navy, rising to the rank of officer. He demonstrated leadership during challenging times for Greece in the mid-20th century. Beyond his military duties, he served as the director of the Greek Radio Orchestra, championing national music. In this role, he brought orchestral works to a wider audience through radio broadcasts. Spyromilios's unique blend of service and cultural advocacy earned him respect in both fields. He continued his contributions to the navy and the arts until his death in 1961.
1961 Pyrros Spyromilios
1970day.year

Semyon Timoshenko

(1894 - 1970)

Soviet Commander during the Winter War and the Eastern Front of World War II

Soviet Commander during the Winter War and the Eastern Front of World War II
Soviet military commander who led Red Army forces during the Winter War and on the Eastern Front of World War II.
Semyon Timoshenko was born in 1894 in what is now Ukraine and rose through the ranks of the Red Army. He commanded Soviet forces in the Winter War against Finland from 1939 to 1940, demonstrating strategic skill. On the Eastern Front of World War II, he led key armies in major operations against Nazi Germany. His leadership was instrumental in stabilizing fronts during critical battles in 1941–42. Later appointed People's Commissar of Defense, he influenced Soviet military policy. After the war, he retired and passed away in 1970, remembered as one of the USSR's foremost commanders.
1970 Semyon Timoshenko Winter War Eastern Front
2004day.year

Scott Helvenston

(1965 - 2004)

American soldier

American soldier
Former U.S. Navy SEAL and private security contractor killed in the 2004 Fallujah ambush.
Scott Helvenston was born in 1965 and served as a Navy SEAL for eight years. After military service, he founded a security firm and protected celebrities and executives. In 2004, he joined Blackwater USA and worked as a contractor in Iraq. He was ambushed and killed in Fallujah, becoming one of the conflict's first contractor casualties. His death sparked debates on the use of private military companies in war zones. Helvenston was also a martial artist and appeared in films as a technical advisor. He died at age 38, honored for his military service and professional expertise.
2004 Scott Helvenston
2011day.year

Mary Greyeyes

(1920 - 2011)

the first First Nations woman to join the Canadian Armed Forces

the first First Nations woman to join the Canadian Armed Forces
Trailblazing First Nations woman who broke barriers as the first Indigenous female enlistee in Canada's military.
Mary Greyeyes made history by becoming the first First Nations woman to enlist in the Canadian Armed Forces. Serving during World War II, she challenged societal norms and opened doors for Indigenous participation in national defense. Her pioneering spirit inspired future generations of women and Indigenous peoples to serve their country. Greyeyes advocated for recognition of Indigenous contributions and worked to ensure veterans received support. Her courage and determination remain a symbol of progress in Canada's military history.
Mary Greyeyes First Nations Canadian Armed Forces
2022day.year

Tullio Moneta

(1937 - 2022)

Italian mercenary and actor

Italian mercenary and actor
Italian mercenary turned actor, best known for his role in the film 'The Wild Geese' and service in African conflicts.
Tullio Moneta was an Italian mercenary who served in the Rhodesian Bush War before transitioning to acting. He gained international recognition for his portrayal of the Niger Commando in the 1978 film 'The Wild Geese.' Moneta drew on his military experience to lend authenticity to his roles and served as a technical advisor on film sets. His dual career bridged real-world combat operations and the entertainment industry. Moneta's memoirs and interviews offer insight into the life of a soldier of fortune turned screen performer.
Tullio Moneta