March 21

Born José Miguel Ramón Adaucto Fernández y Félix in 1786, Victoria adopted his honorary name during the War of Independence. He fought alongside Miguel Hidalgo and José María Morelos in key battles for independence from Spain. As President from 1824 to 1829, he established Mexico’s first national bank and military academy. Victoria defended federalism and religious freedoms in a fledgling republic. He retired to Veracruz, remembered as a unifying founding father after his death in 1843.

Born in 1795 in Huichapan, Anaya became known for his fierce defense at the Battle of Molino del Rey. He famously declared, "If there were more ammunition, we would not surrender," emblematic of his courage. Anaya served as interim President of Mexico in 1847 and again in 1848 amidst political turmoil. He negotiated armistices and sought to stabilize Mexico after devastating war losses. Retiring as a respected statesman, he left a legacy of honor before passing away in 1854.

Edwin Vose Sumner (1797–1863) was a career US Army officer who distinguished himself in the Mexican–American War and rose to major general in the Union Army during the Civil War. Known by the nickname Bull for his forceful leadership, he led the II Corps of the Army of the Potomac in key campaigns, including the Peninsula Campaign and the Battle of Antietam. Sumner was noted for his strict discipline and mentorship of younger officers. His military career spanned over fifty years, making him one of the longest serving officers of his era. His leadership and organizational skills helped shape professional standards in the American Army.

Juan Nepomuceno Almonte (1803–1869) was a Mexican general and diplomat who played a pivotal role in 19th-century politics and military affairs. The son of independence hero José María Morelos, he served as foreign minister and was appointed regent of the Second Mexican Empire under Emperor Maximilian I. Almonte represented Mexico in diplomatic missions to the United States, Canada, and Europe, negotiating treaties and advocating for conservative monarchist policies. His support for the Mexican monarchy made him a controversial figure in republican circles. Throughout his career, he balanced military leadership with diplomatic skill, leaving a complex legacy in Mexico's history.

Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807–1891) was a career US Army officer who became one of the senior generals of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He served with distinction in the Mexican–American War and was known for his cautious defensive tactics at battles such as Seven Pines and during the Atlanta Campaign. Johnston's reluctance to take offensive actions drew both praise for preserving his troops and criticism for missed opportunities. After the war, he worked in railroad management and briefly returned to service during the Spanish–American War. His long military career and postwar reconciliation efforts left a lasting imprint on American history.

Born in 1877 in the Ottoman Empire, Ali Hikmet Ayerdem graduated from the military academy and served in multiple campaigns. He fought in the Italo-Turkish War and Balkan Wars before playing a key role in World War I. After the Turkish War of Independence, he became a high-ranking officer in the newly formed Republic. Transitioning to politics, he represented his region in parliament and contributed to military reforms. Ayerdem’s career bridged the late Ottoman period and modern Turkey, and he died in 1939.

Born in 1919 in Nashville, Cornelia Fort earned her pilot’s license at age 18 and became a flight instructor. She was one of the first women to volunteer as a Civilian Pilot Training Program instructor for the Army Air Corps. Fort was airborne during the attack on Pearl Harbor and witnessed the bombing firsthand. Later, she joined the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), ferrying aircraft and training pilots. Tragically, she died in a midair collision during a training mission in 1943.

Born in 1894 in Berlin, Arthur Nebe rose through the police ranks before joining the SS under Heinrich Himmler. He commanded Einsatzgruppe B, responsible for mass shootings of Jews and other civilians in Eastern Europe. Despite his role, Nebe became involved in the July 20 plot to assassinate Hitler and was arrested. He was executed in 1945 for his connection to the conspiracy. Nebe’s legacy remains tied to both his crimes and his ultimate resistance to Nazi leadership.

Umar Wirahadikusumah graduated from the Indonesian Military Academy and rose through the ranks to become a respected army general during the nation's formative years. He held senior military and governmental posts, including Chief of the Army General Staff, before being appointed Vice President in 1983. In that role, he focused on social welfare programs and anti-corruption initiatives, earning a reputation for disciplined leadership and integrity. After leaving office in 1988, he continued to advise on defense and national policy, bridging military and civilian spheres. His tenure is remembered for efforts to strengthen national unity and promote development across Indonesia.

Major Mohit Sharma was an officer in the Indian Army’s elite Para Special Forces born in 1978. During a counter-insurgency operation in Jammu and Kashmir in 2009, he led an assault on a militant hideout and neutralized multiple adversaries. Despite sustaining severe injuries, he continued to engage the enemy until he was fatally wounded. His bravery and leadership under fire earned him India’s highest peacetime military decoration, the Ashok Chakra, posthumously. Sharma’s sacrifice is remembered as an example of courage and dedication to duty. He left behind a legacy that inspires future generations of Indian soldiers.

Bill Boedeker was born in 1924 and made his mark as both an athlete and a serviceman. He played professional American football, showcasing his skills on the gridiron. After his sports career, Boedeker served in the military, demonstrating his dedication to his country. His dual roles highlight a life of discipline and teamwork. Boedeker is remembered for his contributions to sports and his service in uniform. He passed away in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of athletic achievement and patriotism.

Ishaya Bakut was born in 1947 and pursued a career in the Nigerian Army. He achieved the rank of general, illustrating his leadership and commitment to national defense. Transitioning to politics, Bakut was appointed as the Governor of Benue State. He focused on security and development policies to support his community. Bakut's dual roles bridged military discipline with public administration. He passed away in 2015, remembered for his service in both the armed forces and government.