March 18

Born in Saint-Amand-Montrond, France, in 1823, Chanzy graduated from the Saint-Cyr military academy. He served with distinction in Algeria and the Crimean War before rising through the ranks. During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, he commanded the Army of the Loire and led several key battles. His tactical skill at Orleans and Le Mans slowed German advances and earned him national recognition. After the war, Chanzy served as military governor in Algeria and contributed to army reforms. He is remembered as one of France's most capable military commanders of the 19th century.

Wilfred Owen was born in Oswestry, Shropshire, in 1893. He served as a second lieutenant in the British Army during World War I. His experiences in the trenches inspired his poetry, which vividly depicted the brutality of combat. Owen's most celebrated work, 'Dulce et Decorum Est', brought to light the true costs of war. He was killed in action one week before the armistice in November 1918, at the age of 25. His poems remain among the most powerful war literature in English.

Werner Mölders (1913–1941) was a German Luftwaffe colonel and one of the most successful fighter pilots of World War II. He became the first pilot in history to achieve 100 confirmed aerial victories, pioneering new tactics in air combat. Mölders commanded prominent fighter wings and was awarded the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds. His tactical innovations influenced Luftwaffe operations and air warfare strategies beyond his own missions. After serving on multiple fronts, he was appointed Chief Instructor at the fighter pilot school. Mölders died in a plane crash in 1941 but left a lasting legacy in military aviation through both combat and training contributions.

Mitchell WerBell III (1918–1983) was an American mercenary and weapons developer known for his work in private operations. After serving in World War II, he organized security teams and provided tactical training to various clients. WerBell designed specialized military gear for covert missions, earning a reputation in intelligence and paramilitary circles. His career spanned operations in multiple continents, where he applied his expertise in unconventional warfare. Though his methods were sometimes controversial, his technical contributions impacted the evolution of modern special operations equipment.

Fidel V. Ramos was a key figure in the Philippines' People Power Revolution of 1986, which led to the end of Ferdinand Marcos' dictatorship. He served as chief of the Philippine Constabulary and was the country's first general to become president. As the 12th President from 1992 to 1998, he implemented economic reforms that promoted growth and stability. Ramos fostered political reconciliation and oversaw infrastructure projects that modernized the nation. His leadership helped strengthen democratic institutions and set the stage for the Philippines' entry into the global economy.

Born in 1944, Amnon Lipkin-Shahak joined the Israel Defense Forces as a paratrooper and rose through the ranks during key conflicts including the Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War. In 1995, he was appointed Chief of Staff of the IDF, initiating modernization efforts and overseeing the force during a pivotal period. After retiring from military service in 1998, he entered politics and served as Israel's Transportation Minister from 1999 to 2000, focusing on infrastructure and public transit reforms. Lipkin-Shahak was known for his strategic vision, leadership under fire, and efforts to bridge military and civilian sectors. He passed away in 2012 and is remembered as a respected military figure and public servant.