November 14

Geoffrey II, also called Geoffrey Martel, governed Anjou from 1040 until his death in 1060. He was the son of Count Fulk III Nerra and continued his father's policy of consolidating Angevin holdings. Geoffrey fought successful campaigns against neighboring Normandy and Maine, strengthening his position in western France. He married Agnes of Burgundy, reinforcing political alliances but died without direct heirs. His death triggered succession disputes, but his conquests laid foundations for the later Plantagenet dynasty. Geoffrey's military skill and territorial ambitions made him one of the most formidable counts of his era.

Born in 1220, Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky became Prince of Novgorod in 1236 and Grand Prince of Vladimir in 1252. He secured his legacy by defeating the Swedish invaders at the Battle of the Neva (1240) and the Teutonic Knights at Lake Peipus (1242). Balancing warfare with diplomacy, he maintained a pragmatic relationship with the Mongol Empire to preserve Russian autonomy. Alexander was canonized by the Orthodox Church in 1547 and remains a symbol of Russian national identity and spiritual resilience. His life inspired legendary tales and continues to be commemorated in Russian culture and the Orthodox liturgical calendar.

Trafford Leigh-Mallory was born in 1892 and rose through the ranks of the Royal Air Force during the interwar years. As Air Officer Commanding No. 12 Group during the Battle of Britain, he coordinated fighter defense of Southeast England. Later, he served as commander of Allied air forces in the Normandy campaign, supporting ground operations after D-Day. Known for advocating robust fighter tactics, he sometimes clashed with fellow commanders over strategy. Leigh-Mallory's leadership helped shape the air war alongside other RAF figures. He was killed in a flying accident on November 14, 1944, at the age of 52.

He began his career as a naval officer, commanding ships and navigating challenging waters during his service. After leaving active duty, he turned to writing and published works that explored nautical themes and historical events. Baker leveraged his firsthand experiences at sea to bring authenticity to his books, earning praise from readers and critics alike. Passionate about public service, he later entered politics and was elected to public office, where he advocated for veterans and maritime communities. His unique blend of military discipline, literary talent, and political acumen made him a multifaceted figure whose impact spanned different spheres of British life.

Haywood S. Hansell began his military career in the interwar period, rising through the ranks of the Army Air Corps. During World War II, he commanded bomber units and advocated for daylight precision bombing strategies. Hansell’s emphasis on accuracy and careful planning contrasted with area bombing approaches and influenced air combat doctrine. After the war, he served in senior positions within the newly formed U.S. Air Force, shaping training and operations during the early Cold War. A proponent of technological innovation, he supported the integration of advanced aircraft into strategic missions. Hansell’s contributions to military aviation continue to be studied in airpower history.

John A. Cade served in the U.S. Army before embarking on a political career as a Maryland state senator in 1974. During his 20-year tenure, he focused on veterans’ affairs, public safety, and education reform. Known for his bipartisan spirit and commitment to constituent outreach, Cade played a key role in shaping state legislation on mental health and environmental protection. His military background informed his leadership style and dedication to service. Cade retired in 1995 and passed away in 1996, leaving a legacy of integrity and community advocacy.

Sumner Shapiro (1926 – November 14, 2006) was a Vice Admiral in the United States Navy known for his expertise in naval intelligence and strategic planning. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he held leadership positions including Director of Naval Intelligence and Director, Joint Staff at the Pentagon. Shapiro guided critical assessments of maritime threats during tense periods of the Cold War. His insights helped shape U.S. naval policy and cooperation with allied fleets. After retiring, he continued to advise on defense matters until his passing.

Ahmed Jabari was the military chief of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas. He played a pivotal role in orchestrating Hamas' military operations in the Gaza Strip. Jabari was widely seen as a moderate within the organization and a primary negotiator in ceasefire talks with Israel. In 2012, his leadership significantly influenced the dynamics of the Gaza conflict. He was killed in an Israeli airstrike in November 2012, triggering renewed hostilities. His death marked a turning point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and had lasting geopolitical repercussions.