May 18

Charles Vane, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, was an Anglo-Irish peer who distinguished himself as an officer under the Duke of Wellington in the Peninsular War and at the Battle of Waterloo. He then served as British Ambassador in Vienna from 1814 to 1823, playing a key role in post-Napoleonic diplomacy. Vane later took his seat in the House of Lords and served as Lord-Lieutenant of County Down. Known for his strategic acumen and aristocratic connections, he influenced European politics during the Congress of Vienna. His career bridged military valor and diplomatic leadership in the early 19th century.

Born in 1895 in Nicaragua, Augusto César Sandino led a guerrilla campaign against U.S. Marines occupying his country from 1927 to 1933. His guerrilla forces employed hit-and-run tactics and rallied peasant support, inspiring resistance to imperialism in Latin America. Sandino's struggle became a symbol of national sovereignty and anti-colonialism. After negotiating an end to U.S. involvement, he was assassinated in 1934 on orders from Nicaragua's National Guard. His legacy influenced the Sandinista movement, which named itself in his honor during Nicaragua's 1979 revolution. Sandino remains a national hero and an enduring symbol of resistance against foreign intervention.

Hedley Verity was a leading English cricketer renowned for his precise slow left-arm spin bowling. He took 1,956 first-class wickets at an average of under 15 runs apiece and claimed 144 Test wickets for England between 1931 and 1939. His performance of 10 wickets for 10 runs against Nottinghamshire in 1932 remains one of cricket's most extraordinary feats. During World War II, Verity served as an officer with the Green Howards regiment and fought in North Africa and Sicily. He sustained fatal injuries during the Allied landings at Salerno in 1943 and died shortly thereafter. His courage on the battlefield and excellence on the cricket field earned him widespread respect. Verity’s dual legacy lives on in both sports and military history.

Warren Rudman was born in 1930 in Salem, Massachusetts and served as an officer in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After earning his law degree, he practiced law and served as New Hampshire Attorney General before winning a seat in the U.S. Senate in 1980. As a Senator, Rudman co-sponsored the Gramm–Rudman–Hollings Act aimed at reducing federal deficits. He was known for his moderate conservatism, work on campaign finance reform, and advocacy for ethics in government. After leaving the Senate in 1993, Rudman was appointed to the U.S. Commission on National Security and later the 9/11 Commission. He remained active in public policy and legal circles until his death in 2012.

Fred Saberhagen was born in 1930 in Chicago and served in the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic in his early years. He began his writing career in the 1960s, publishing short stories in science fiction magazines. His 'Berserker' series, featuring ruthless robotic antagonists, became a genre classic and spawned novels, anthologies, and graphic adaptations. Over a career spanning five decades, Saberhagen wrote more than 50 novels and numerous short stories in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. He also authored retellings of classic vampire legends in his Dracula novels. Known for his blend of suspense, moral complexity, and imaginative world-building, his works continue to influence modern speculative fiction.

Gordon O'Connor graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada and served as an armoured corps officer, retiring with the rank of Major-General. He transitioned to politics, winning a seat in the House of Commons in 2004 as a Conservative MP. From 2006 to 2007, he served as Canada's Minister of National Defence, overseeing operations in Afghanistan and other international commitments. O'Connor's tenure focused on modernizing equipment and supporting veteran affairs. After leaving politics, he remained active in defense consulting and veterans’ advocacy.

David Leakey rose through the ranks of the British Army to become a lieutenant general, earning recognition for his leadership and service. Following his military career, he served as Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod in the UK Parliament, overseeing ceremonial and security functions in the House of Lords. Known for his dedication to duty and decorum, Leakey has been a prominent figure in both military and parliamentary circles. His expertise bridges defense and governance, making him a distinctive public servant.