April 23

Saint George is celebrated as a saint in multiple Christian traditions after being executed for refusing to renounce his faith under Emperor Diocletian. His legend blends historical martyrdom with folklore, most famously the tale of dragon-slaying to rescue a princess. Artistic depictions across centuries have portrayed him as the ideal knight and protector. He became the patron saint of England, Georgia, and other regions, inspiring chivalric ideals in medieval Europe. Annual feast day ceremonies on April 23rd honor his legacy and the principles of courage and sacrifice.

Rising through the ranks under the warlord Zhu Wen, Yang Shihou became one of the most trusted commanders of the Later Liang dynasty. He secured strategic victories against rival states, helping to consolidate the fledgling empire's control over northern China. As military governor of the Weibo Circuit, he demonstrated a talent for administration, maintaining stability and prosperity in his territories. His loyalty and competence kept potential rebellions at bay during a period of intense fragmentation. Yang Shihou died in 915, leaving behind a legacy of disciplined leadership that influenced subsequent military governors in the region.

Minamoto no Tametomo (1139–1170) was a renowned samurai of the late Heian period. Son of Minamoto no Tameyoshi and older brother to Minamoto no Yoshitomo. He distinguished himself during the Hōgen Rebellion with his legendary marksmanship. After defeat by the rival Taira clan, he was exiled to the island of Izu Ōshima. Legends tell of his lone stand against the imperial navy before his defiant death. His exploits became central to samurai folklore and later literary works.

He rose to prominence as a leading captain of the French army during the Hundred Years' War. Born into a noble Breton family, he inherited the lordship of Clisson and became a key figure in regional politics. He distinguished himself in numerous battles, defending French interests against English incursions. Clisson skillfully balanced loyalty to the French crown with the autonomy of his Breton heritage. Despite facing accusations of treason and periods of exile, he was ultimately restored to favor and continued his military career. His legacy endures as one of the most formidable commanders of medieval France.

Maurice of Orange was appointed stadtholder of several Dutch provinces and became the main military leader against Spanish rule. Educated in the arts of war by his uncle William the Silent, he refined the modern approach to siegecraft and battlefield tactics. Under his command, the Dutch army secured key victories, including the capture of Breda in 1590. He implemented strict discipline and innovative formations that influenced European armies for centuries. Beyond the battlefield, Maurice played a vital political role in the Dutch Republic's governance and religious tolerance. His legacy endures as a pioneer of early modern military science and a founding father of the Netherlands.

James Abercrombie began his military career in the Scots Guards and rose through the ranks to major general. He commanded British forces in the American colonies during the Seven Years' War and the early stages of the American War of Independence. Abercrombie also held a seat in the British Parliament, representing a Scottish constituency. He was involved in key campaigns that shaped colonial policy and military strategy overseas. Despite mixed results on the battlefield, his administrative reforms improved army logistics and training. After retiring from active service, he focused on his political duties and estate management in Scotland.

Born in 1780 under Ottoman rule, Karaiskakis initially fought as a klepht before emerging as a commander in the 1821 uprising. His strategic acumen and bravery at battles such as Gravia and Peta disrupted Ottoman control in mainland Greece. He inspired troops with his charismatic leadership and intimate knowledge of local terrain. In 1827, while campaigning near Phaleron, he was mortally wounded in battle, delivering a significant blow to the revolutionary forces. His martyrdom and military successes cemented his legacy as a symbol of Greek resistance and patriotism.

Born in 1768, Hamelin joined the French Navy and saw action during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. In 1800 he captained Le Néréide on a voyage to chart the coasts of New Holland (Australia) and gather hydrographic data. His squadron captured the British settlement of Bencoolen on Sumatra, disrupting enemy trade routes. Promoted to rear admiral, he later commanded forces in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Hamelin's contributions to maritime exploration and naval warfare advanced French interests in the early 19th century and enriched geographical knowledge of remote regions.

Glanton's early life remains obscure, but he surfaced as a Texas Ranger and fought in the Mexican-American War. Afterward, he formed the Glanton gang under contract to hunt Native American scalps, though his group often turned to indiscriminate violence for profit. Tales of brutality and lawlessness followed him across the frontier as he targeted both indigenous peoples and settlers. In 1850, local villagers in Sonora ambushed and killed the gang in retaliation for their depredations. Glanton's story exemplifies the violent and chaotic nature of the American West during its expansion.

Born in 1838 in Ohio, Soule moved to Kansas and joined Free State militias during the conflict over slavery. Commissioned as a lieutenant in the Colorado Cavalry, he was ordered to attack Cheyenne and Arapaho villages at Sand Creek in 1864. Outraged by the slaughter of noncombatants, he defied his commanders and led his men away from the assault. His subsequent testimony before a Congressional inquiry exposed the massacre and helped spur reforms in military conduct. In 1865, Soule was assassinated under mysterious circumstances, widely believed to be retribution for his courage in speaking out.

Born in 1913, Jean Victor Allard had a distinguished military career spanning World War II and the Korean War. He rose through the ranks to become Chief of the Defence Staff in 1969, the first French-speaking officer to hold Canada’s highest military position. Allard advocated for bilingualism within the armed forces and oversaw significant modernization initiatives. After retirement, he lectured on defense policy and contributed to military scholarship. He died on April 23, 1996.