April 22

Born into the distinguished Esterházy family in 1711, Paul II Anton embraced both nobility and arms. He served with distinction during the War of the Austrian Succession, rising through military ranks. As Field Marshal, he oversaw strategic operations and fortifications against rival European powers. Beyond his military career, he patronized music and the arts at his court, fostering cultural growth. His leadership exemplified the enlightened aristocracy of Central Europe in the 18th century. Paul II Anton died in 1762, remembered for his dual contributions to military and cultural life.

Charles-Denis Bourbaki (1816–1897) was a French general during the 19th century. He rose through the ranks, serving in Algeria and the Crimean War before commanding army corps. During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71, he led the Armée de l'Est in an ill-fated campaign to relieve besieged forces. After a series of defeats, his troops retreated into Switzerland, resulting in internment but saving many soldiers from capture. Bourbaki’s campaigns influenced later French military reforms and his name became linked to the 'Bourbaki informal trenches' analogy. His experiences were documented in military studies and inspired the pseudonymous mathematician group Nicolas Bourbaki.

Lewis Thornton Powell (1844–1865) was a Confederate soldier and conspirator in the Lincoln assassination plot. On the night of April 14, 1865, he attempted to kill Secretary of State William H. Seward in his home. Disguised as a messenger, Powell seriously wounded Seward and other household members before being subdued. He was captured shortly after and tried by a military commission for his role in the conspiracy. Powell was convicted and executed by hanging in July 1865 alongside other conspirators. His actions were part of a broader attempt to destabilize the U.S. government at the end of the Civil War.

Born in Zhili Province in 1874, Wu Peifu rose through the ranks of the Beiyang Army under Yuan Shikai. As a leader of the Zhili clique, he secured major victories against rival factions during the Warlord Era. Known as the “Jade Marshal,” he advocated for constitutional government and sought to restore central authority. His influence peaked in the early 1920s before he was outmaneuvered by the Nationalists. After several years of political exile, Wu died in 1939. His career exemplifies the complex interplay of military power and politics in modern Chinese history.

Born in Greiz, Richard Glücks joined the SS in the early 1930s and quickly rose through its ranks. In 1942, he was appointed Chief of the Concentration Camps Inspectorate, managing the network of SS camps across Europe. Glücks played a central role in implementing the Nazi regime's policies of forced labor and genocide. His administrative oversight directly impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of prisoners. In 1945, facing capture by Allied forces, Glücks took his own life in Austria, ending a dark chapter of history.

José Quiñones Gonzales was a lieutenant in the Peruvian Air Force during the 1941 Ecuadorian–Peruvian War. On July 23, 1941, while leading a bombing mission, his aircraft sustained heavy fire and he piloted it into an enemy anti-aircraft position. His act of deliberate self-sacrifice ensured the destruction of the target and saved his fellow airmen. He was posthumously awarded Peru's highest military honors and proclaimed a national hero. Airbases, streets, and military academies in Peru bear his name in tribute to his valor. His legacy remains central to Peruvian commemorations of military courage.

Michael Wittmann served as an officer in the Waffen-SS during World War II, renowned for his skill in armored warfare. He commanded Tiger I tanks in major battles on the Eastern and Western Fronts, demonstrating tactical brilliance. In June 1944, during the Battle of Villers-Bocage, he destroyed numerous Allied tanks and vehicles in a single engagement. Wittmann was credited with over 130 confirmed tank kills before his death in Normandy on August 8, 1944. He received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords for his battlefield achievements. His legacy remains controversial but his tactical prowess has been studied by military historians.

Richard Diebenkorn (1922–1993) served with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II before pursuing art. He became a leading figure in the Bay Area Figurative Movement in the 1950s. Diebenkorn's work bridged abstraction and representation, evolving into his celebrated Ocean Park series. These abstracted urban landscapes of Southern California are noted for their luminous color and geometric harmony. He taught at major art institutions, influencing a generation of artists. Diebenkorn's paintings are held in major museums worldwide, reflecting his lasting impact on American modern art.

Peter Kane Dufault (1923–2013) served as a B-24 bomber pilot in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. After the war, he earned degrees in English and became a respected poet and essayist. Dufault published several poetry collections, exploring themes of nature, war, and human experience. He taught creative writing at colleges and led workshops across the country. His writing was praised for its lyrical precision and reflective depth. Dufault's dual legacy as a veteran and artist underscores the transformative power of storytelling.

John Foley is an English army officer and politician who has dedicated his career to public service. Reaching the rank of general in the British Army, he held senior command posts before transitioning to a governmental role. In his capacity as Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey, Foley represented the Crown and oversaw the island's constitutional affairs. His military background informed his leadership style and strategic decision-making. Foley has been recognized for his contributions to both national defense and regional governance. He continues to be respected for his service in military and civil roles.

Steven L. Bennett was born on April 22, 1946. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and became a HH-53 rescue helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. On March 28, 1972, during a search-and-rescue mission over North Vietnam, his helicopter was hit by enemy fire. Bennett remained at the controls to protect his crew and ensured their safety. He sustained fatal injuries and died shortly after. For his selfless actions and extraordinary bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His legacy lives on as an example of courage and sacrifice in military aviation.