1653day.year

John Benbow

(1653 - 1702)

Royal Navy admiral

Royal Navy admiral
Esteemed Royal Navy admiral famed for his valor during the Nine Years' War against France.
Born in 1653, John Benbow embarked on a naval career that earned him a reputation for courage and tenacity. He fought in the Anglo-Dutch Wars and later commanded squadrons against French forces in the Caribbean. As Admiral of the Blue, he led daring assaults despite limited resources and challenging conditions. In 1702, he sustained fatal wounds during an engagement off the coast of Cuba and died shortly after. Benbow's leadership and personal bravery made him a celebrated figure in naval lore. His legacy endures in the Royal Navy through numerous ships named HMS Benbow.
1653 John Benbow
1918day.year

Günther Rall

(1918 - 2009)

German general and pilot

German general and pilot
German Luftwaffe fighter ace and general, credited with 275 victories and later a NATO advisor.
Günther Rall was a German Luftwaffe general and fighter ace in World War II. Born in 1918, he flew over 600 combat missions and claimed 275 aerial victories. Rall received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for his combat achievements. After the war, he joined the newly formed West German Air Force and rose to the rank of general. He served as Inspector of the Air Force and NATO consultant, shaping postwar military aviation. Rall’s memoirs and legacy remain central to the history of aerial combat.
1918 Günther Rall
1937day.year

Sam Hall

(1937 - 2014)

American diver, legislator, and mercenary

American diver legislator and mercenary
American diver who later served as a state legislator and worked as a mercenary.
Sam Hall was born on March 10, 1937, in the United States and excelled in competitive diving during his youth. He represented his state in national championships before embarking on a career in public service. Hall served multiple terms as a state legislator, focusing on veterans' affairs and public safety. Later in life, he took part in private security operations overseas as a mercenary in conflict zones. His diverse career path reflected a fearless approach to challenges both in athletic arenas and on the political and military fronts. Despite the controversies of his later work, Hall remained respected for his dedication to service until his death in 2014.
Sam Hall