January 23

Born in 1764, Robert Craufurd served in the British Army during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. He commanded the elite Light Division under the Duke of Wellington, earning a reputation for rigorous training and daring tactics. Craufurd led his troops through battles in Portugal and Spain, demonstrating exceptional leadership amid fierce combat. After the war, he briefly pursued a political career as a Member of Parliament. Craufurd was mortally wounded during the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo in 1812, and his courage and dedication made him a revered figure in military history.

Born in 1757, Edward Pellew rose through the Royal Navy to become one of its most respected officers, earning acclaim in the American Revolutionary War and the French Revolutionary Wars. Appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet, he orchestrated the 1816 Bombardment of Algiers, securing the release of thousands of enslaved Europeans and Muslims. In recognition of his service, he was created Viscount Exmouth. Pellew briefly sat in the House of Lords and served as First Naval Lord. He died in 1833, leaving behind a legacy of naval reform and humanitarian action.

Keith Laumer was born in 1925 and served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force before embarking on a career in writing. He gained fame for his Retief series, which blended humor, diplomacy, and space adventure in interstellar settings. Laumer’s military background added authenticity to his vivid portrayals of command and conflict. In the later part of his life, he worked as a diplomat in the U.S. State Department, drawing further on his government experience. His novels and short stories, often laced with satirical wit, have influenced generations of science fiction writers. Laumer died in 1993, leaving behind a diverse and inventive body of work.

Nikolai Ogarkov was born in 1917 and rose through the ranks of the Red Army during World War II. In 1977, he was appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Soviet Armed Forces, where he championed the integration of modern technology and precision-guided weapons. Ogarkov’s emphasis on automation and advanced systems sought to transform Soviet military doctrine. He played a key role in high-level strategy during the late Cold War era. After being relieved of his post in 1984, he served as a military advisor and professor. Ogarkov passed away in 1994, remembered as a pioneering strategist in Soviet military history.

Born in 1921, Morys Bruce succeeded his father as the 4th Baron Aberdare in 1957. He served as a lieutenant in the British Army before embarking on a political career in the House of Lords. From 1966 to 1999, he held key roles including Deputy Chairman and Deputy Speaker, earning respect for his fair and knowledgeable conduct. Lord Aberdare was also active in charitable and educational causes, supporting youth development and historical preservation. His long tenure in Parliament reflected his dedication to public service and the traditions of the British peerage. He passed away in 2005, leaving a record of distinguished civic contribution.

Kermit Tyler was a U.S. Army Air Forces officer who served as the radar lieutenant at the Pearl Harbor Fighter Direction Center on December 7, 1941. Tasked with interpreting early warning signals, his decision to classify incoming Japanese aircraft as a scheduled flight delayed the defense response. Despite this, he remained a dedicated pilot and officer throughout World War II. After the war, Tyler continued to serve in the newly formed U.S. Air Force until his retirement. His experience highlighted the challenges of early radar operations in military aviation. He later recounted his Pearl Harbor role in interviews before his death in 2010.