January 22

Claudius Smith was born in 1736 in the Hudson Valley of New York. As a Loyalist sympathizer during the American Revolution, he led a band of irregular fighters against Patriot forces. His raids and ambushes in the Catskill Mountains earned him the moniker 'The Terror of the Catskills'. Smith and his followers targeted militia units and supply wagons, disrupting rebel operations. He was captured in late 1778 and executed by hanging in January 1779. His exploits became part of local folklore and remain a dramatic example of guerrilla warfare in colonial America.

Anthony Durnford was born in 1830 in County Cork, Ireland. He joined the British Army and served in conflicts including the New Zealand Wars. By 1879, he was a lieutenant colonel stationed in South Africa during the Anglo-Zulu War. At the Battle of Isandlwana, Durnford led reinforcements to support the front line under intense Zulu attack. Despite brave efforts, his forces were overwhelmed, and he was killed in the final moments of the battle. Durnford's actions and leadership under fire have been subject to both criticism and admiration. He is remembered as a courageous officer who faced overwhelming odds.

Henry Pulleine was born in 1838 in England and pursued a military career in the British Army. He commanded the garrison at Rorke's Drift prior to the famous defense by the 24th Regiment. In January 1879, Pulleine joined forces at Isandlwana to reinforce the outpost against the Zulu army. He was killed in action during the battle, which resulted in a catastrophic defeat for the British. Pulleine's decisions and the circumstances of the battle have been analyzed by historians of the Anglo-Zulu War. He is often cited for his role in one of the most significant colonial engagements of the 19th century. His death marked a poignant moment in Britain's military history.

Born in 1894, General Sir Oliver Leese had a distinguished military career spanning both World Wars. He commanded the British Eighth Army in Italy and later led the 8th Army Group in the campaign against Germany. Renowned for his tactical acumen and leadership, Leese played a pivotal role in the Allied advance through North Africa and Italy. After the war, he served as Commander-in-Chief in India before retiring in 1947. His memoirs and service record highlight a lifetime dedicated to military service and strategic innovation. Leese died in 1978, leaving a legacy as one of Britain's respected generals.

Herbert Sutcliffe was born in 1894 and became one of England's greatest Test cricketers, forming a formidable opening partnership with Sir Jack Hobbs. Known for his impeccable technique and determination, he averaged over 60 in Test cricket, a record at the time. Sutcliffe served in the British Army during World War I, balancing military duty with his sporting career. After the war, he returned to dominate county and international cricket, captaining Yorkshire and inspiring future generations. He retired in 1945, later serving as a coach and administrator. Sutcliffe passed away in 1978, remembered for his sportsmanship and cricketing excellence.

Born in 1940, Ali Hassan Salameh was a senior operative of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and commander of Black September, the PLO's covert operations unit. He played a significant role in organizing high-profile actions in the 1970s, including efforts to internationalize the Palestinian cause. Salameh survived multiple assassination attempts before being killed in Beirut in 1979, an event that escalated regional tensions. His charismatic leadership and controversial tactics made him a polarizing figure. Salameh's life and death remain subjects of study in Middle Eastern history and counterterrorism studies.

Born in 1894, Carlo Orelli served in the Italian Army during World War I, experiencing the hardships of trench warfare. After the conflict, he returned to civilian life and witnessed major events like World War II and the rise and fall of Fascism. In his later years, he gained recognition as one of Italy's last living WWI veterans, sharing vivid first-hand accounts of the war. He participated in numerous commemorations and interviews, offering invaluable historical insights. Orelli's longevity and willingness to recount his experiences made him a symbol of remembrance and resilience. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 110, leaving a legacy of historical testimony.

Born in 1929 in central Vietnam, Ngô Quang Trưởng graduated from the Vietnamese National Military Academy. He rose through the ranks to command major units, including the II Corps Tactical Zone. Trưởng earned a reputation for strategic acumen and strict discipline in critical battles against North Vietnamese forces. His leadership style emphasized morale, training, and defensive fortifications. After the fall of Saigon, he emigrated to the United States and remained active in veteran communities. Trưởng's career is remembered for his professionalism and dedication to his troops until his death in 2007.