March 30

Born in 1633, Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban served under King Louis XIV and became renowned for his expertise in fortifications and siegecraft. He designed the star-shaped fortresses that bore his name and authored influential treatises on military engineering. Vauban led numerous successful sieges and reforms of France's border defenses, significantly strengthening the kingdom's security. He also advocated for social and fiscal reforms, proposing efficient tax systems in his later writings. His legacy endures in the many fortified towns of Europe and in the principles of military engineering he established before his death in 1707.

Born in 1718, Victor-François de Broglie began his military career during the War of Austrian Succession and distinguished himself in the Seven Years' War. He was promoted to Marshal of France for his service and later appointed Secretary of State for War in 1790. De Broglie implemented organizational reforms in the army and sought to modernize France's military administration. A member of one of France's oldest aristocratic families, he navigated the turbulent political climate of the Revolution with cautious loyalty to the crown. He died in 1804, remembered for his contributions to both military strategy and government service.

Sir John Gilmour, 2nd Baronet, was born in 1876 into a prominent Scottish family and pursued a dual career in the military and politics. He served in the British Army during the Second Boer War and World War I, attaining the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. After his military service, Gilmour was elected as a Conservative Member of Parliament. He held the office of Secretary of State for Scotland from 1931 to 1938, overseeing Scottish affairs during a period of economic challenge. Gilmour advocated for rural development and infrastructure improvements. He was known for his dedication to public service and connection to his Scottish roots. He died in 1940, leaving a legacy of both military leadership and political stewardship.

Jan Bytnar was born in 1921 and became a Polish Army lieutenant and a key figure in the anti-Nazi resistance. As a member of the Grey Ranks (Szare Szeregi), he led sabotage operations and gathered intelligence in occupied Warsaw. Bytnar earned the codename 'Rudy' for his fiery red hair and fearless leadership. In March 1943, he was arrested by the Gestapo but refused to betray his comrades under torture. A daring rescue attempt by fellow resistance fighters briefly freed him, but he succumbed to his injuries two days later. Bytnar’s heroism became a symbol of Polish defiance and inspired post-war generations. He is remembered as a martyr in the struggle for Poland’s freedom.

Maciej Aleksy Dawidowski, born in 1920, was a sergeant in the Polish underground during World War II. As part of the Grey Ranks, he played a prominent role in covert operations against German occupiers in Warsaw. Dawidowski specialized in sabotage and intelligence gathering, demonstrating exceptional bravery and leadership. Known by the codename 'Alek', he took part in the assassination of Nazi informants and other high-risk missions. In early 1943, he was wounded during a fight with Gestapo agents and died from his injuries. His sacrifice and courage exemplify the determination of Polish youth in resisting oppression. Dawidowski remains a celebrated hero of the Warsaw resistance.

John Auden was born in 1894 in England and pursued a career in law after graduating from Oxford. He served as a solicitor and later held the office of deputy coroner, overseeing inquests with meticulous care. During World War I, he joined the Territorial Army, balancing legal duties with military service. Auden was known for his integrity, calm demeanor, and dedication to both civic and military responsibilities. He was also the brother of famed poet W.H. Auden and supported his sibling's early literary endeavors.

Memduh Tağmaç rose through the ranks of the Turkish Army to become Chief of the General Staff from 1972 to 1973.\nHe oversaw significant organizational reforms aimed at modernizing Turkey's military structure during the Cold War.\nEarlier, he commanded various regional units and contributed to strategic planning at the army headquarters.\nKnown for his disciplined leadership style, he emphasized professional training and operational readiness.\nHis tenure coincided with a tense period in Turkish politics, requiring a balance between military and civilian authorities.\nTağmaç's efforts helped prepare the armed forces for future challenges and left a mark on Turkey's defense policy.

Airey Neave began his career as a British Army officer, serving with distinction in the First and Second World Wars.\nHe became the first British prisoner of war to successfully escape from the German fortress at Colditz Castle in 1942.\nAfter the war, Neave returned to Britain, qualified as a barrister, and entered politics as a Conservative MP in 1953.\nHe served as Margaret Thatcher's Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, where he advocated for firm security measures during the Troubles.\nNeave was known for his sharp intellect, courageous war record, and dedication to public service.\nHe was tragically killed by a car bomb planted by the IRA in 1979, becoming the first British MP assassinated in office in modern times.

Born in Brooklyn in 1913, Green excelled in track and field at Indiana University. He set American records in the 110-meter hurdles and competed in national championships. During World War II, Green served as an officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps, flying missions in Europe. After the war, he worked as a coach and athletic administrator, promoting youth sports. Green's combination of athletic excellence and military service made him a respected figure. He died in 2005, leaving a legacy of achievement both on the track and in the air.

Morris R. Jeppson was born in 1922 and served as a lieutenant in the US Navy during World War II. As a physicist on the Enola Gay mission, he managed the bomb’s implosion system on the flight that dropped "Little Boy" on Hiroshima. After the war, Jeppson continued his career in physics, conducting research on nuclear instrumentation. His firsthand insights into atomic warfare contributed to historical understanding of the Manhattan Project. Jeppson’s experiences were documented in interviews and memoirs until his death in 2010.

Martin Sandberger was born in 1911 and quickly rose through the ranks of the SS and Sicherheitsdienst. He commanded Einsatzgruppe A, orchestrating mass murders in the Baltic states and Belarus. Sandberger was tried at the Nuremberg Trials and sentenced for war crimes and crimes against humanity. After serving time, his case became controversial due to early release and denazification debates. He spent his later years in Germany and died in 2010, leaving behind a legacy of wartime horror and legal precedent.

Born in 1935, Leonid Shebarshin joined the Soviet security services and rose through the ranks of the KGB. He held key positions in foreign intelligence, overseeing operations in various regions during the Cold War. In 1991, Shebarshin briefly served as head of the KGB at a critical juncture in Soviet history. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, he authored memoirs reflecting on espionage and international affairs. He was respected for his strategic acumen and deep understanding of intelligence work. Shebarshin's career offers insights into the inner workings of Soviet-era covert operations.