1752day.year

Samuel Ogle

(1692 - 1752)

English-American captain and politician, 5th Governor of Restored Proprietary Government

English-American captain and politician 5th Governor of Restored Proprietary Government
Colonial governor of Maryland who advanced agricultural development and frontier defense. He oversaw reforms and negotiated treaties with Native tribes.
Born in 1692 in England, Samuel Ogle emigrated to the Maryland colony and was appointed its governor in 1731. During his administration, he promoted land cultivation, encouraged tobacco farming, and fortified the colony’s defenses against frontier threats. Ogle negotiated peace agreements with Native American tribes to secure the colony’s borders. He also introduced administrative and fiscal reforms that improved government efficiency. To showcase colonial prosperity, he built the Belair Mansion as a center of political and social life. Ogle died on May 3, 1752, leaving a legacy of growth and stability in early Maryland.
1752 Samuel Ogle Governor of Restored Proprietary Government
1882day.year

Leonidas Smolents

(1806 - 1882)

Austrian–Greek general and army minister

Austrian–Greek general and army minister
Leonidas Smolents was an Austrian–Greek general and army minister who played a key role in modernizing Greece’s military in the 19th century.
Born in 1806, his family had roots in both Greece and the Austrian Empire. He rose through the ranks of the Hellenic Army, known for his organizational skills and leadership. As Minister of Military Affairs, he implemented reforms to modernize training and logistics. He helped establish a more professional officer corps and introduced new artillery practices. He served under King Otto and navigated complex political challenges during his tenure. He died in 1882, remembered for his contributions to Greece’s military foundation.
1882 Leonidas Smolents
2006day.year

Earl Woods

(1932 - 2006)

American colonel, baseball player, and author

American colonel baseball player and author
U.S. Army officer, minor league baseball player, and author best known as Tiger Woods' father.
Earl Woods (1932–2006) served as a U.S. Army colonel and saw combat in the Korean War before playing minor league baseball. He later wrote the memoir Training a Tiger, chronicling his methods in nurturing his son Tiger Woods into a golf legend. Woods emphasized discipline, mental toughness, and unconventional training techniques throughout Tiger's upbringing. His experiences in the military and sports informed his coaching philosophy. Remembered for his unwavering support and mentorship, he built a multifaceted legacy that extended beyond his famous family name.
Earl Woods
2007day.year

Wally Schirra

(1923 - 2007)

American captain, pilot, and astronaut

American captain pilot and astronaut
One of NASA's original Mercury Seven astronauts and the only one to fly Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions.
Walter M. Schirra (1923–2007) was a U.S. Naval officer selected in 1959 as one of NASA's first astronauts. He piloted Mercury-Atlas 8, commanded Gemini 6A and Apollo 7, the inaugural crewed Apollo mission. Schirra's calm leadership and flying expertise were vital in the early years of human spaceflight. Before joining NASA, he served as a fighter pilot in the Korean War. After retiring in 1969, he worked as a television commentator and author, sharing his pioneering experiences. His achievements helped pave the way for lunar exploration.
Wally Schirra
2010day.year

Peter O'Donnell

(1920 - 2010)

English soldier and author

English soldier and author
English soldier and author best known for creating the Modesty Blaise series.
Peter O'Donnell was an English soldier who served in World War II before gaining fame as an author. He created the iconic fictional spy heroine Modesty Blaise, first introduced in a comic strip in 1963. The character's adventures were later adapted into novels, films, and stage productions. O'Donnell's writing blended action, humor, and strong character development, earning a dedicated fan base. He also wrote scripts for film and television, showcasing his versatility as a storyteller. He passed away on May 3, 2010, leaving an enduring legacy in adventure fiction.
Peter O'Donnell
2013day.year

Keith Carter

(1924 - 2013)

American swimmer and soldier

American swimmer and soldier
American swimmer and soldier who balanced athletic achievement with military service.
Keith Carter was born in 1924 in the United States. He competed in national swimming competitions, specializing in freestyle events. Alongside his athletic pursuits, Carter served honorably in the U.S. armed forces. After his military career, he promoted swimming through coaching and community programs. His dedication to both sport and service left a meaningful legacy.
Keith Carter
2024day.year

Dick Rutan

(1938 - 2024)

American military aviator and officer

American military aviator and officer
American test pilot who co-piloted the first non-stop, non-refueled flight around the world.
Colonel Dick Rutan was a pioneering aviator and United States Air Force officer celebrated for his contributions to experimental flight. In 1986, he co-piloted the Rutan Voyager, completing the first successful non-stop, non-refueled flight around the globe and setting multiple world records. A graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School, he flew various prototype aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base. Rutan's career blended military precision with innovative spirit, inspiring generations of pilots. After retiring from active duty, he remained an advocate for aviation safety and exploratory flights.
2024 Dick Rutan