April 12

Born into a noble equestrian family, Pompeius rose to prominence in the 1st century BC commanding Rome's eastern campaigns. He formed the informal alliance known as the First Triumvirate with Julius Caesar and Marcus Licinius Crassus, shaping the Republic's politics. He secured key victories over Mithridates VI and expanded Rome's territories in Anatolia and Syria. His fierce rivalry with Caesar sparked a civil war that altered the course of Roman governance. After his defeat, he sought refuge in Egypt, where he was assassinated, signaling the Republic's twilight.

Born in 1619 in England, Ambrose Dixon later emigrated to the Virginia colony where he became a respected militiaman. He participated in conflicts with Indigenous peoples and played a role in the colony’s defense during its formative years. Dixon acquired land and established a plantation in what is now Charles City County. His service reflects the challenges and ambitions of early settlers in North America. Records indicate he was involved in local governance and community affairs. Dixon died in 1687, remembered as one of the pioneering figures in Virginia’s colonial history.

Born in 1710, Johann Kaspar Basselet von La Rosée pursued a military career in the Electorate of Bavaria. He took part in the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years’ War, rising through the ranks due to his tactical acumen. Basselet von La Rosée commanded infantry and contributed to the modernization of the Bavarian army. He was known for his discipline and commitment to training his troops. His leadership helped strengthen Bavaria’s position among the German states. Basselet von La Rosée died in 1795, remembered as a dedicated officer and influential military reformer.

Richard Taylor was a Confederate lieutenant general and the son of President Zachary Taylor. Born in Kentucky, he practiced law before joining the Confederate Army in 1861. Taylor commanded forces in the Bayou Teche campaigns and the Red River campaign in Louisiana. His leadership at battles such as Mansfield and Pleasant Hill delayed Union advances in the region. After the war, he returned to Louisiana and managed his plantation and railroad interests. Taylor authored the memoir Destruction and Reconstruction reflecting on the Civil War. He also served as a proponent of reconciliation and civic development in postwar America. His tactical skill under challenging conditions is studied by military historians.

Born in 1835, Adelbert Ames served as a Union Army general in the American Civil War, earning distinction for his leadership at key battles. After the war, he entered politics and was appointed military governor of Mississippi during Reconstruction. In 1874, Ames was elected the 30th Governor of Mississippi, where he supported civil rights and economic rebuilding. His tenure faced fierce opposition but laid groundwork for educational and legal reforms in the postwar South. Ames later served briefly as a U.S. Senator before retiring from public life.

Born in 1889, Viktor Puskar was a key military leader during the Estonian War of Independence (1918–1920). As a colonel, he commanded volunteer battalions that fought to establish Estonia’s sovereignty from Soviet Russia. Puskar was known for his strategic acumen and ability to inspire troops under challenging conditions. After independence, he contributed to the formation of the national defense forces and military training programs. His dedication to Estonia’s freedom cemented his reputation as a national hero.

Prince Yasuhiko Asaka, born in 1887, was a grandson of Emperor Meiji and served as a general in the Imperial Japanese Army. He represented Japan at the 1919 Paris Peace Conference and later commanded forces in Shanghai during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Asaka's tenure in China is controversial due to allegations of involvement in the Nanking Massacre of 1937. Despite postwar tribunals, he avoided prosecution through imperial status and remained in Japan. After the war, he relinquished his royal titles and lived quietly as a private citizen. His complex legacy intertwines imperial privilege, military leadership, and historical debate. Prince Asaka died in 1981, leaving a contentious chapter in Japan's wartime history.

Born in 1903, Edwin T. Layton graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and rose through the ranks to become a key figure in naval intelligence. As the fleet intelligence officer for Admiral Nimitz, he led efforts to decrypt the Imperial Japanese Navy's JN-25 code. His analytical insights and collaboration with Allied cryptographers significantly contributed to U.S. victories in the Pacific theater. After the war, Layton continued to serve in intelligence roles and attained the rank of rear admiral. He later wrote memoirs detailing his wartime experiences and the strategic impact of codebreaking on naval warfare.

Born in 1916 in Essen, Alfred Eick joined the Kriegsmarine in the mid-1930s and trained as a submariner. During World War II he commanded multiple U-boats, conducting patrols in the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters. Eick achieved several successful sinkings, earning the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for bravery and leadership. His wartime service was marked by tactical skill and the resilience of his crew under challenging conditions. After the war, he returned to civilian life and pursued a career outside the military, later sharing his experiences through memoirs and interviews. He died in 2015 at the age of 98, remembered as one of Germany's notable U-boat commanders.