April 11

Gaston de Foix, Duke of Nemours (1489–1512), was a celebrated French general in the Italian Wars. Grandnephew of King Louis XII of France, he led royal armies at a remarkably young age. Nicknamed the 'Thunderbolt of Italy' for his swift and decisive victories, he drove back Papal and Spanish forces in several engagements. His most famous triumph occurred at the Battle of Ravenna in 1512, where his leadership secured a critical victory for France. Tragically, he was killed in the same battle at the age of 22. Despite his short life, de Foix's daring campaigns influenced military strategy for generations.

Born in Alajuela in 1831, Santamaría joined the Costa Rican army at a young age. He volunteered for a daring mission to set fire to the enemy stronghold in Rivas, Nicaragua, during the Filibuster War. Despite facing intense gunfire, his actions were pivotal in securing victory, though they cost him his life on April 11, 1856. Posthumously, Santamaría became a symbol of patriotism and sacrifice, honored annually on Juan Santamaría Day. His legacy endures as a cornerstone of Costa Rican national identity.

Born in 1801 into a prominent landowning family, Urquiza rose to prominence as a military leader. He led forces against Juan Manuel de Rosas at the Battle of Caseros in 1852, paving the way for constitutional governance. As president from 1854 to 1860, he promoted infrastructure, immigration, and educational reforms across Argentina. His administration helped unify the Argentine Confederation and laid the foundations for modern federal institutions. Urquiza was assassinated in 1870, but his vision for a united Argentina endures.

A graduate of West Point in 1839, Canby fought in the Mexican–American War before rising to prominence in the Civil War. He commanded troops in the Western Theater, earning a reputation for strategic skill and leadership. Following the Civil War, he oversaw military operations and peace negotiations with Native American tribes in the West. In 1873, Canby was killed during the Modoc War while negotiating a peace settlement, making him the only general officer to die in that conflict. He is remembered for his commitment to both military duty and diplomatic engagement.

Born in Charleston in 1818 into one of America's wealthiest plantation families, Hampton excelled at horsemanship. He served as a cavalry officer under Robert E. Lee and reached the rank of lieutenant general during the Civil War. After the war, Hampton became a leading figure in the Redeemer movement, opposing Radical Reconstruction. Elected governor in 1876, he focused on restoring Democratic rule and modernizing the state's economy. Hampton later served as a U.S. Senator, leaving a complex legacy intertwined with the politics of the Gilded Age.

Thomas Farrell served as Deputy Chief of the Manhattan Engineer District during World War II. He oversaw the production and delivery of uranium and plutonium for the atomic bombs. Farrell witnessed both Trinity and Hiroshima test explosions, shaping military strategy. After the war, he held senior posts in the Army Corps of Engineers and Ground Forces. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his management of critical wartime projects. His leadership helped usher in the nuclear age and modern military engineering.

Born in Scotland in 1920, Speirs immigrated to the United States and enlisted in the Army in 1941. As a member of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, he earned a reputation for bravery and strict discipline. He led troops through pivotal battles including Normandy, Operation Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge. Speirs' combat experience was popularized by the HBO series Band of Brothers. After the war, he continued his military career and served in various command roles. He died in 2007, remembered as one of the most daring officers of his generation.

Born in 1985, German enlisted in the Army in 2003 and was deployed to Iraq as a combat medic. In 2005, he suffered life-threatening burns from an IED while tending to wounded soldiers. His determined recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center was documented in a series of widely viewed videos. German used his experience to inspire others, sharing his story through interviews and speaking engagements. He earned praise for his resilience and advocacy for wounded veterans. German passed away in 2008, remembered as a symbol of strength and hope.

Born in 1916 in Maghnia, Ben Bella served in the French Army during World War II before embracing nationalist politics. He co-founded the National Liberation Front (FLN) and played a key role in Algeria's war of independence against France. Following independence in 1962, he was elected as Algeria's first President and initiated socialist reforms. His presidency was marked by land redistribution and non-alignment in foreign policy. In 1965, he was overthrown in a military coup led by Houari Boumédiène and spent years under house arrest. Ben Bella lived in exile before returning to Algeria as an elder statesman and died in 2012.

Lieutenant General Hanut Singh Rathore was a distinguished officer of the Indian Army, born in 1933. He commanded an armoured regiment and later led the 54th Infantry Division in the pivotal Battle of Basantar during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. Renowned for his strategic acumen and bravery under fire, Singh earned numerous honors, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal. After the war, he held key positions in the Army’s Armoured Corps, contributing to its modernization. Singh retired with a reputation as one of India’s finest military commanders. He passed away on April 11, 2015, leaving behind a legacy of valor and service.