April 13

Fawkes fought in the Spanish army in the Netherlands before returning to England to join the Catholic conspiracy. He was entrusted with guarding the explosives beneath the Houses of Parliament. His capture on November 5, 1605, foiled the plot to assassinate King James I and members of Parliament. Tortured and interrogated, Fawkes confessed to the conspiracy and was executed for treason. His name endures in the annual British celebration of Bonfire Night.

Educated at Cambridge, Wentworth rose to prominence as a capable administrator under King Charles I. As Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, he enforced royal authority and enacted fiscal reforms in the 1630s. A loyal royalist, he became a key advisor to the king and was granted the title Earl of Strafford in 1640. His authoritarian policies in Ireland and England made him controversial among Parliamentarians. Accused of treason, Wentworth was impeached, tried by the Long Parliament, and executed in 1641.

Born in Toul in 1764, Laurent de Gouvion Saint-Cyr entered the army in 1792 during the French Revolution. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Arcole and commanded forces in Italy and Prussia. In 1812, Napoleon appointed him Minister of War, and in 1816 he was named Marshal of France. He improved military administration and advocated for veterans. Under the Bourbon Restoration, he held several ministerial posts until his death in 1830. Saint-Cyr’s career bridged revolutionary fervor and imperial consolidation.

Friedrich Graf von Wrangel, often called Papa Wrangel, was a prominent Prussian field marshal born in 1784. He distinguished himself in the Napoleonic Wars, fighting at battles such as Ligny and Waterloo. In 1848 he commanded Prussian forces during the First Schleswig War, earning a reputation for leadership and tactical skill. Appointed Inspector-General of the Prussian Army, he was promoted to Field Marshal in 1854. Wrangel later served as Governor of Berlin and received the Order of the Black Eagle. He remained an influential military figure until his death in 1877.

Maurice Buckley (1891–1921) was an Australian Army sergeant and recipient of the Victoria Cross, the British Commonwealth’s highest military honor. He earned the VC for extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Mont Saint-Quentin in World War I. Buckley led a daring assault on enemy positions, capturing key trenches under intense fire. His leadership and courage inspired his fellow soldiers and contributed to a decisive Allied victory. Buckley’s heroism is remembered as a symbol of Australian valor in the Great War.

Sir Arthur Harris (1892–1984) was an English Air Marshal who commanded RAF Bomber Command during World War II. He orchestrated the strategic bombing campaign against Nazi Germany, earning a controversial legacy. Known for his belief in area bombing, Harris aimed to undermine enemy morale and war production. After the war, he defended his tactics while acknowledging the moral complexities of aerial warfare. His leadership significantly shaped the role of air power in modern military strategy.

Born in 1897, Werner Voss served as a Leutnant in the Imperial German Air Service during World War I. He flew with Jagdstaffel 10 under the command of Manfred von Richthofen and achieved 48 confirmed aerial victories. Voss's daring flying style and marksmanship earned him respect from both allies and adversaries. He is famous for a legendary last stand on 23 September 1917, when he engaged multiple British aces in a notable dogfight. Voss was killed in action during that engagement, at the age of 20, securing his legacy as a courageous and skilled pilot. He is remembered as one of Germany's most celebrated aces of the Great War.

Kermit Tyler (1913–2010) served as a lieutenant in the United States Army Air Corps and was the duty officer at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. In that pivotal moment, he misidentified incoming Japanese aircraft as friendly planes, contributing to a critical delay in the base’s defense. Despite the controversy, Tyler continued his military career, flying combat missions in World War II and later serving in the newly formed Air Force. He retired after a decorated service and remained a symbol of the complexities of that historic day.

Bill Clements (1917–2011) served as a United States Army officer during World War II before earning degrees in petroleum engineering. Appointed Deputy Secretary of Defense in 1973, he later made history as the first Republican governor of Texas since Reconstruction, serving two nonconsecutive terms (1979–1983 and 1987–1991). His administration focused on economic development, infrastructure expansion, and education reform. Clements’ blend of military discipline and technical expertise shaped modern Texas politics.

Admiral Nam Hae-il (born 1948) has served in the Republic of Korea Navy with distinction. Over his career, he has led key naval operations and overseen efforts to modernize the fleet. A graduate of the Korean Naval Academy, he is recognized for his strategic insight and commitment to maritime security. He played a pivotal role in enhancing Korea's maritime patrol capabilities and fostering international cooperation. Admired by his peers for his professionalism and vision, he has also been an advocate for veteran support programs. His leadership continues to shape South Korea's defense strategy and naval policies.