April 11

Elmer E. Ellsworth (1837–1861) was an American army officer and close personal friend of Abraham Lincoln. He organized the 'Fire Zouaves,' a volunteer regiment composed largely of New York City firefighters. On May 24, 1861, Ellsworth was killed while removing a Confederate flag in Alexandria, Virginia, becoming the first Union officer to die in the Civil War. Before his military service, he worked as a law clerk in Springfield, Illinois, alongside Lincoln. His death made him a martyr and symbol of Northern resolve at the war's outset.

Edward Lawson (1873–1955) was an English Army corporal and recipient of the Victoria Cross. He earned the Victoria Cross for his gallantry during the 1898 Mahdist War in Sudan. Under heavy fire, he rescued wounded comrades and led his men with unwavering courage. Lawson's actions exemplified leadership and sacrifice in one of Britain’s colonial conflicts. After military service, he shared his experiences to educate and inspire future soldiers. His medal and story continue to honor the highest standards of military valor.

António de Spínola was a prominent Portuguese general who became a key figure during the Carnation Revolution of 1974. His leadership in supporting anti-colonial policies helped accelerate the end of the Estado Novo regime. In May 1974, he was appointed as the 14th President of Portugal, guiding the country through its transition to democracy. Spínola championed dialogue among political factions to stabilize the post-revolution government. He wrote influential books on military strategy and political change, reflecting his thoughtful approach to leadership. Although his presidency was brief, his decisions laid the groundwork for modern Portuguese governance. He passed away in 1996, remembered as a soldier and statesman who shaped Portugal's democratic future.

David Westheimer (1917–2005) was an American soldier, journalist, and author whose experiences in World War II shaped his writing. Captured as a prisoner of war in Italy, he later wrote for publications such as The Saturday Evening Post. Westheimer gained fame with his thriller novel Von Ryan's Express, which was adapted into a film starring Frank Sinatra. Over his career, he authored more than a dozen books, including historical and travel works that showcased his narrative skill. His blend of action-driven plots and well-developed characters earned him a lasting reputation in 20th-century American literature.

Richard Wainwright was an English soldier and politician who served in the Royal Navy during World War II and later entered Parliament. As a naval officer, he saw action in convoy escorts and earned commendations for his service. After the war, Wainwright was elected as a Member of Parliament, representing his constituency for multiple terms. During his political career, he focused on defense issues and veterans' affairs, leveraging his military background in public service. He remained active in both fields until his death in 2003, remembered for his dedication to country and constituents.

William Royer was an American soldier and politician who served his country in the armed forces before entering public office. After completing his military service, he dedicated himself to political work at the local and state level. Royer was known for advocating veterans' benefits, education, and community development during his tenure in elected positions. His background as a veteran informed his approach to policy and constituent engagement. He remained committed to public service until his death in 2013.

Born in 1922 in Estonia, Arved Viirlaid served as a soldier during World War II and later emigrated to Canada. He became a prolific author, writing novels, poetry, and memoirs that explored themes of war, displacement, and national identity. His writings gained acclaim among the Estonian diaspora and contributed to preserving Estonian culture abroad. He authored numerous books in Estonian and English, receiving several literary awards. Viirlaid also worked to raise awareness about Soviet oppression in his homeland. He remained active in the Estonian expatriate community until his death in 2015.

Yuriy Lituyev was born in 1925 in the Soviet Union and served as a commander in the Red Army during World War II. After the war, he excelled as an athlete specializing in the 400 meter hurdles. Lituyev claimed the silver medal at the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games, becoming one of the USSR's prominent track and field competitors. He later dedicated himself to coaching and developing future generations of athletes. His dual career in the military and sports made him a celebrated figure in Soviet history. Lituyev died in 2000, remembered for his contributions to athletics and his service to his country.

David Manker Abshire was born in 1926 and served as an Army officer during World War II and the Korean War. After military service, he entered public service and held key policy positions in the U.S. government. Abshire was appointed Permanent Representative to NATO from 1983 to 1987, playing a vital role in Cold War diplomacy. He also led think tanks and commissions focused on national security and public policy. Abshire was a prolific author, writing on arms control and international relations. He passed away in 2014, remembered for his leadership in defense and diplomacy.

Anatoly Berezovoy was a Soviet Air Force colonel and cosmonaut. He commanded the Soyuz T-5 mission to the Salyut 7 space station in 1982. Berezovoy spent over 211 days in orbit, contributing to scientific research. He was awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union for his achievements in space. Before becoming a cosmonaut, he served as a military pilot and test pilot. After his spaceflight, Berezovoy worked in cosmonaut training and administration. He passed away in 2014, leaving a legacy in human space exploration.