April 26

Esek Hopkins was appointed as the inaugural Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Navy in 1776, overseeing naval operations against British forces. He led one of the first American naval expeditions to raid the Bahamas, capturing valuable military supplies. Hopkins faced controversies over command decisions and was eventually replaced in 1778. Beyond his naval career, he served in the Rhode Island legislature and was involved in politics. His pioneering efforts laid the groundwork for the future United States Navy. Hopkins's leadership during a formative period of American maritime warfare marked him as a significant military figure in early U.S. history.

Ernst Udet was born in Frankfurt in 1896 and became Germany's second-highest scoring ace of WWI with 62 victories. He was renowned for his daring aerobatic displays and innovative stunt flying. In the 1930s, Udet joined the Luftwaffe high command as Chief of Procurement and Supply, influencing aircraft development. Plagued by political struggles and personal dilemmas, he took his own life in 1941. His aerial achievements and tragic end continue to fascinate aviation historians and enthusiasts.

Paul Verner (1911–1986) was a German soldier and politician in the German Democratic Republic. He joined the Socialist Unity Party and served as First Secretary of the Free German Youth, influencing youth policies nationwide. Later, he became a member of the party's Central Committee and Politburo, shaping GDR governance for decades. Known for his organizational skills, he played a key role in the SED's internal administration. Verner remained a prominent figure in East German politics until his death in 1986.

Ken Wallis (1916–2013) was an English Wing Commander, engineer, and pioneering pilot, best known for designing and flying autogyros. He served with distinction in the Royal Air Force during World War II, gaining expertise in aerial engineering and flight. After the war, Wallis developed compact, efficient autogyro models and set multiple world records for speed and distance. His autogyro designs also appeared in the James Bond film "You Only Live Twice", showcasing their versatility. Wallis authored technical papers on rotorcraft engineering and inspired future generations of aviation enthusiasts. He remained active in flight until his later years, earning honors for his contributions to aeronautics.

Michael Mathias Prechtl served as a German soldier during World War II before pursuing his passion for art. After the war, he studied illustration and developed a distinctive style that blended classical techniques with modernist influences. His evocative illustrations appeared in books, magazines, and exhibition catalogues across Europe. Prechtl's work was celebrated for its attention to detail and imaginative composition. In addition to his illustration career, he taught art at prominent institutions and influenced a generation of artists.

Jessica Lynch is a former United States Army soldier born in 1983 who was deployed during the Iraq War. In March 2003 her convoy was ambushed in Nasiriyah, where she was severely wounded and taken prisoner by Iraqi forces. Lynch's subsequent rescue in Operation Iraqi Freedom became a widely publicized event and symbol of U.S. military efforts. She received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for her actions and injuries in combat. After leaving the military, Lynch pursued higher education and became an advocate for veterans' issues. Her memoir offers an account of her experiences and challenges the initial media narrative. Lynch's story remains a powerful example of courage under fire.