April 27

Born in 85 BC into a patrician Roman family, he served as a trusted lieutenant under Julius Caesar and was appointed governor of Cisalpine Gaul. Despite his loyalty, he joined the conspiracy that led to Caesar's assassination in 44 BC and became one of the Liberators. He commanded forces in Gaul and resisted Mark Antony’s supporters, fighting at Mutina and later at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC. After the Liberators’ defeat, he fled to the provinces, where he was ultimately betrayed and killed in 43 BC. His actions influenced the final collapse of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. He remains a controversial figure, remembered both for his military skill and his role in the murder of Caesar.

Born in 1822 in Point Pleasant, Ohio, Grant graduated from West Point in 1843. He served with distinction in the Mexican-American War and later returned to civilian life. During the American Civil War, he rose to command all Union armies, accepting Lee's surrender at Appomattox. Elected president in 1868, he oversaw Reconstruction and worked to protect civil rights of freed slaves. After leaving office, he wrote his memoirs before dying in 1885, securing his family's financial future.

He served in the German Army and gained prominence as commander of the Ninth Army. In 1914 he orchestrated the Siege of Antwerp, securing a crucial victory for the Central Powers. Later he was appointed Governor-General of the occupied Polish territories, overseeing administration during wartime. He navigated complex political and military challenges in occupied Poland. After the war he retired from public life and his memoirs provided insights into early 20th-century military strategy. His career exemplifies the intersection of military command and political administration during World War I.

Draža Mihailović served as a colonel in the Royal Yugoslav Army before forming the Chetnik guerrilla movement after the Axis invasion of Yugoslavia in 1941. A committed royalist, he aimed to restore the monarchy and protect civilian populations while resisting occupying forces. Initially recognized by the Allies, his movement became embroiled in conflicts with communist Partisans and faced accusations of collaborating with Axis troops. By 1944, Allied support shifted exclusively to Tito’s Partisans, weakening his position. After the war, he was captured by the new Yugoslav government, tried for treason and war crimes, and executed in 1946. His legacy remains deeply contested in the Balkans, with debates over his role as patriot or collaborator.

Lim Bo Seng (1909–1944) was a Chinese businessman from Singapore who became a celebrated resistance leader during World War II. As head of Force 136’s operations in Malaya and Singapore, he coordinated espionage and sabotage missions against Japanese occupying forces. After his arrest in 1942, he endured torture but refused to divulge information and died in captivity, becoming a symbol of anti-Japanese resistance. Lim’s bravery inspired allied guerrilla movements and civilian morale throughout Southeast Asia. Posthumously honored with monuments in Singapore and Malaysia, his legacy endures as a testament to courage and self-sacrifice in the face of oppression.

James Robert Mann was an American colonel, lawyer, and politician with a distinguished career in both military and public service. He served as a colonel in the United States Army, demonstrating leadership and commitment to his country. After his military service, he practiced law, building a reputation for integrity and advocacy. Mann later transitioned into politics, where he focused on veterans' affairs and legal reform. He was known for bridging his military experience with legislative initiatives aimed at supporting service members. His diverse career left a lasting impact on both his community and the broader legal and political landscape.

Joseph Patrick Moakley (1927–2001) began his career serving as a Marine in the Korean War before earning a law degree and entering politics in Massachusetts. He represented the state in the U.S. House of Representatives for over three decades, becoming known for his bipartisan approach and dedication to constituent services. As Chairman of the House Rules Committee, Moakley played a pivotal role in shaping legislation and floor procedures. He also led investigations into human rights abuses in El Salvador, highlighting his commitment to global justice. Moakley’s legacy endures in the community projects and scholarships established in his name.

George Kenneth Butterfield Jr. (born 1947) served as an officer in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War before earning a law degree and entering private practice. He was appointed to the North Carolina Supreme Court and later elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2004. As a congressman, Butterfield has focused on healthcare policy, civil rights, and veterans' issues. His legislative work includes co-founding the Congressional Black Caucus' Veterans Braintrust and advocating for social justice reforms.

Frank Bainimarama is a Fijian naval officer turned politician who led a military coup in 2006 and subsequently became interim Prime Minister. Born in October 1954 in Dreketi, he rose to prominence as Commander of the Royal Fiji Military Forces. In 2007, he was formally appointed as Prime Minister and won democratic elections in 2014 and 2018. His tenure has focused on constitutional reform, economic development, and regional diplomacy. Known for his decisive leadership style, Bainimarama has played a central role in shaping modern Fijian politics.