April 08

Born in 1435 into the prominent Clifford family, John Clifford inherited the title of 9th Baron de Clifford. He remained a staunch Lancastrian loyalist in the Wars of the Roses against the rival Yorkists. Clifford commanded forces in key battles, seeking to avenge his father's death at Wakefield. His ferocity in battle earned him the grim nickname 'Butcher Clifford'. He served King Henry VI and led troops at the Battle of Ferrybridge. Clifford died in 1461 during the conflict, marking a turning point for his family's fortunes. His legacy remains tied to the tumultuous history of medieval England.

Born into a noble English family in 1641, Henry Sydney rose through military ranks to become a trusted adviser to William of Orange. He played a key role in the Glorious Revolution of 1688, helping to secure William III’s accession to the throne. Appointed Secretary of State for the Northern Department in 1694, he managed foreign affairs with European powers. As 1st Earl of Romney, he balanced his duties as both a soldier and a diplomat. His influence extended to domestic politics, where he was known for his moderate Whig principles. He remained a close confidant of the king until his death in 1704, leaving a legacy of loyal service and statecraft.

Born in 1826 in Alajuela, Carrasco joined the Costa Rican forces as a nurse and support worker during the conflict against William Walker’s filibusters. Legend holds that when a cannon crew fell, she bravely took their place and fired on enemy positions. Her courage became a symbol of national resistance, inspiring women’s involvement in the defense of Costa Rica. After the war, Carrasco was honored for breaking gender barriers and contributing to the country’s sovereignty. She lived in Alajuela, where she continued to serve her community until her death in 1890. Carrasco’s legacy remains celebrated in Costa Rican history and in monuments honoring her bravery.

Stanisław Taczak was born in 1874 in Greater Poland (then part of Prussia). He graduated from military academies and served in the Imperial German Army. In 1918, Taczak became the first commander of the Greater Poland Uprising against German rule. His leadership helped secure Polish control of the region, facilitating its integration into the newly independent Poland. Taczak later served in various posts in the Polish Army until his retirement. He lived to see Poland’s postwar recovery before passing away in 1960.

Dimitrios Levidis was born in 1885 and served as an officer in both the Greek and French armies before turning to music. He studied composition in Europe and developed a distinctive style blending classical forms with national folk elements. As an educator, he taught at major conservatories, shaping a generation of Greek musicians. Levidis also composed orchestral and chamber works that were performed internationally, bringing modern Greek music to a wider audience. He remained active in the cultural scene until his death in 1951.

Alois Brunner joined the SS and quickly rose under Adolf Eichmann's patronage to become one of the Holocaust's most feared bureaucrats. He organized the deportation of tens of thousands of Jews from Austria, Greece, and France to extermination camps. After World War II, Brunner evaded capture by fleeing to the Middle East, reportedly living in Syria. Despite numerous attempts to bring him to justice, he remained at large, and his exact fate remains uncertain. Brunner's actions stand as a chilling example of systematic genocide.

Anthony Farrar-Hockley was commissioned into the British Army and saw active service in the Korean War, where he commanded the 1st Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders at the Battle of the Imjin River. He rose to the rank of major-general and was respected for his leadership during times of conflict. After retiring, he authored numerous books on military history, including detailed accounts of the Korean War and World War II campaigns. His works combined scholarly rigor with firsthand experience, making them valuable resources for historians and military enthusiasts. Farrar-Hockley remained active in veteran affairs and historical societies until his death in 2006.

Albert Garza Bustamante (April 8, 1935 – November 30, 2021) was an American soldier, educator, and politician from Texas. He served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1985 to 1993 representing the 23rd congressional district. Prior to his political career, he served in the United States Army and taught in local schools. During his time in Congress, he focused on issues such as border security, veterans' benefits, and education reform. After leaving office, he remained active in community development and advocacy until his passing in 2021.

Chris Kyle was a U.S. Navy SEAL sniper credited with 160 confirmed kills during the Iraq War. He served four tours in Iraq between 2003 and 2009, earning a reputation for his marksmanship. His memoir, American Sniper, became a bestseller and was later adapted into an Academy Award-winning film. After leaving the military, he founded a nonprofit organization to support fellow veterans. Kyle was tragically killed in 2013, leaving a complex legacy as both a decorated soldier and an author.