April 01

Born into Portuguese nobility in 1360, Nuno Álvares Pereira was appointed Constable of Portugal amid threats from Castile. He achieved decisive victories at the Battles of Atoleiros (1384) and Aljubarrota (1385), ensuring John I’s accession and Portugal’s sovereignty. Renowned for his strategic acumen, he later joined the Carmelite order and was canonized in 2009 as Saint Nuno de Santa Maria. His legacy endures in Portuguese history as a symbol of patriotism and faith.

Antonios Kriezis was born in 1796 on Psara and joined the Greeks in their fight for independence in 1821. He distinguished himself as a naval commander, leading successful engagements against Ottoman ships. Following independence, Kriezis held senior positions in the Hellenic Navy and influenced naval policy. He served as Prime Minister of Greece from 1849 to 1854, overseeing internal stability and infrastructure projects. Kriezis’s dual legacy as a war hero and statesman cemented his reputation in the formative years of the Greek kingdom.

Mozhaysky served as a naval officer in the Russian Empire and developed a keen interest in flight. He designed and built one of the first heavier-than-air flying machines powered by steam. In the 1880s, he conducted test glides from elevated platforms, laying groundwork for future aviation. Though his steam-powered aircraft never achieved sustained flight, his innovative approach influenced later pioneers. He combined military discipline with engineering curiosity, earning recognition as one of Russia's first aviation visionaries. Mozhaysky passed away on April 1, 1890, after a career that bridged soldiering and inventive engineering.

Recep Peker was a Turkish soldier turned statesman who held the office of Prime Minister from 1946 to 1947. Born in 1889 in Istanbul, he served with distinction in the Ottoman Army during the Balkan Wars and World War I. After the foundation of the Republic of Turkey, Peker joined the Republican People's Party and rose through its ranks. As Minister of Defense and later as Prime Minister, he promoted secularism and national unity during post-war recovery. His government introduced economic and educational reforms to modernize Turkey's institutions. Peker's leadership style was often described as authoritarian, reflecting the era's emphasis on strong central governance. He resigned in 1947 amid political tensions but continued to influence Turkish politics until his death. He passed away in 1950, remembered for his role in shaping the early Turkish Republic.

Simo Häyhä, nicknamed the 'White Death', served as a soldier in the Finnish Army during the Winter War of 1939–40. He gained legendary status for his remarkable marksmanship and stealth tactics in subarctic conditions. Häyhä is credited with over 500 confirmed kills, making him one of the deadliest snipers in history. He operated without a telescopic sight, relying solely on iron sights to avoid detection. Surviving a shot to the face, he continued to inspire future generations of sharpshooters. His legacy endures as a symbol of resilience, discipline, and unparalleled skill in military history.

In Tam was a senior Cambodian general who became the country's 26th Prime Minister in 1962. He initially served in the colonial forces before rising through the military ranks after independence. Tam led Cambodia during a period of political tension and worked to modernize the nation's institutions. Following his brief premiership, he remained an influential figure in opposition politics under Prince Sihanouk's regime. In exile after the Khmer Rouge takeover, he continued to advocate for democracy until his death.

Tzannis Tzannetakis was a Greek army officer who transitioned into politics during the post-junta era. He served briefly as Prime Minister in 1989, leading a coalition government during a time of political deadlock. A member of the New Democracy party, he played a role in dismantling the remnants of authoritarian control. Tzannetakis later held various ministerial posts, contributing to Greece's democratic restoration. His career bridged military service and political leadership in a pivotal moment of modern Greek history.

Born in Nimiah, Grand Gedeh County, in 1947, Blah rose through the ranks to become a general in the Liberian army. He served as Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Charles Taylor before becoming Vice President in 2000. Following Taylor's resignation and exile in August 2003, Blah assumed the presidency during a critical transitional period. His short tenure oversaw the handover of power to a United Nations-led interim government later that year. After leaving office, he remained active in Liberian politics and community affairs until his death in 2013.

Lou Conter served for over four decades in the United States Navy, participating in multiple theaters of operation. He achieved the rank of commander and held leadership posts aboard various vessels. Conter was recognized for his organizational skills and dedication to naval service. He oversaw training programs for new officers and contributed to strategic planning efforts. His career reflected a strong commitment to duty and operational excellence. After retiring, he remained active in veterans’ organizations and shared his experiences with younger generations.

Over a career spanning several decades, Mohammad Reza Zahedi advanced through the ranks of Iran's military establishment. He held key command positions and oversaw strategic operations. Zahedi was known for his organizational acumen and expertise in military logistics. He played a central role in training new officers and developing defense capabilities. His leadership contributed to modernizing aspects of Iran’s armed forces. Zahedi received numerous honors for his service. Following retirement, he remained active as a defense consultant and lecturer.