April 23

He succeeded his father as Earl of Oxford in 1422 and inherited extensive lands and responsibilities. John de Vere fought in France during the Hundred Years’ War, participating in campaigns under King Henry V. He served as Lord High Admiral of England, overseeing naval operations and defending the realm’s coasts. As a trusted courtier, he held various commissions and maintained close ties to the Lancastrian monarchy. He married twice, forging alliances with prominent noble families, and managed his estates efficiently. John de Vere died in 1462, leaving a lasting impact on English military and naval administration.

Maarten Tromp rose through the ranks of the Dutch navy, distinguishing himself at sea against Spanish and English fleets. He famously flew a broom from his mast to signify sweeping the English from the seas at the Battle of Dungeness. As Lieutenant-Admiral, he commanded fleets in key engagements such as the Battle of the Downs and the Four Days' Battle. His leadership bolstered Dutch maritime power and secured vital trade routes for the young republic. Tromp's legacy endures as a symbol of naval innovation and tactical daring in the 17th century.

Edmund Allenby, 1st Viscount Allenby (1861-1936), was a celebrated British field marshal renowned for his Middle East campaigns during World War I. As commander of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, he captured Jerusalem in 1917 and secured victories across Palestine and Syria. After the war, Allenby served as British High Commissioner in Egypt, navigating complex postwar politics and emerging nationalist movements. His strategic use of coordinated cavalry and infantry operations transformed desert warfare. Ennobled as Viscount, his military acumen and diplomatic leadership left a lasting imprint on the modern Middle East.

Ali-Agha Shikhlinski (1865-1943) was a distinguished Russian-Azerbaijani general renowned for his mastery of artillery tactics. He served in the Russo-Turkish War, the Russo-Japanese War, and World War I, earning commendations for strategic innovations. After the Russian Revolution, he supported the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic before integrating into the Soviet military system. Shikhlinski authored several influential artillery manuals that shaped Soviet training and doctrine. His career bridged imperial, nationalist, and Soviet eras, highlighting his adaptability and military acumen.

Georges Vanier was born in Montreal in 1888 and had a distinguished military career in both World Wars, rising to the rank of major-general. After the war, he transitioned to diplomacy, serving as ambassador to Belgium and France. In 1959, Vanier became the first French Canadian Governor General of Canada, championing bilingualism and social welfare programs. He worked tirelessly to bridge cultural divides and was beloved for his warmth and dedication to public service. Vanier's legacy endures in various scholarships and the Vanier Cup, Canada's university football championship.

Karel Doorman was born in 1889 and pursued a naval career that saw him rise to Rear Admiral in the Royal Netherlands Navy. In 1942, he commanded the ABDA (American–British–Dutch–Australian) naval forces in the critical Battle of the Java Sea. Despite being outnumbered, he engaged overwhelming Japanese forces in an effort to defend the Dutch East Indies. Doorman went down with his flagship, HNLMS De Ruyter, after refusing to abandon ship. He is remembered as a courageous leader and national hero in the Netherlands.

Lucius D. Clay was born in 1898 and graduated from West Point in 1918, serving in both World Wars. As Military Governor of the U.S. Occupation Zone in Germany, he orchestrated the Berlin Airlift (1948–1949) to supply West Berlin amid the Soviet blockade. Clay's leadership helped cement Western resolve during the early Cold War. Later, he advised on NATO strategy and served as Deputy to General Eisenhower. His strategic vision contributed significantly to the reconstruction of Europe.

Lieutenant-General Guy Simonds commanded the II Canadian Corps in Northwest Europe, playing a pivotal role in the Battle of Normandy and the liberation of France. Known for his strategic insight, he planned and executed operations such as Operation Totalize and Operation Tractable. Simonds earned a reputation for innovative tactics and strong leadership under pressure. After the war, he served as Chief of the General Staff of the Canadian Army from 1951 to 1955. He later wrote memoirs detailing his military experiences and strategic philosophies. Simonds is remembered as one of Canada’s most distinguished military commanders.

Ivo Lola Ribar was born into a prominent Communist family in Zagreb in 1916. He emerged as a key organizer of youth movements and anti-fascist activities before WWII. During the war, Ribar served as a commander in the Yugoslav Partisan army, earning the rank of Major. His leadership and bravery in the face of Axis forces made him a celebrated People's Hero of Yugoslavia. He was killed in an ambush in 1943, becoming a martyr for the partisan cause. Ribar remains commemorated with monuments, schools, and streets bearing his name across the former Yugoslavia.

Born in Ukraine in 1919, Oleg Penkovsky rose through the ranks of Soviet military intelligence (GRU) to the rank of colonel. Between 1960 and 1962, he became a double agent for British and American intelligence, supplying detailed information on Soviet missile deployments and strategy. His intelligence allowed the United States and its allies to gauge Soviet capabilities and intentions, contributing significantly to the resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Arrested by Soviet authorities in 1962, Penkovsky was tried and executed in 1963. His actions are credited with helping avert a potential nuclear conflict, making him one of the most consequential spies of the Cold War.

Rafał Gan-Ganowicz (April 23, 1932 - September 2, 2002) was a Polish mercenary, political activist, and journalist who fought in post-colonial African conflicts during the 1960s. He served with various military units in the Congo and Guinea, earning a reputation for unconventional tactics and courage under fire. After his mercenary career, he became an outspoken critic of totalitarian regimes, writing articles and giving lectures across Europe. As a journalist, he documented human rights abuses and advocated for democratic reforms in Eastern Europe. Gan-Ganowicz returned to Poland following the fall of communism and remained active in politics and media until his death. His life reflected a deep commitment to freedom and resistance against oppression. He is remembered as both a daring soldier and an uncompromising voice for justice.

Born April 23, 1946, Carlton Sherwood served in the U.S. armed forces before forging a career in journalism. He reported for major newspapers and television networks, covering political and military affairs with rigor. Sherwood’s investigative articles earned him recognition for uncovering key stories of national importance. He produced award-winning documentaries that explored social and historical issues in depth. Throughout his career, he authored several books and taught journalism workshops. He remained an active voice in reporting until his death in 2014, remembered for his dedication to truth.