May 20

Born on the island of Hydra in 1769, Andreas Vokos Miaoulis became one of the foremost naval leaders during Greece's struggle for independence. He organized and financed privateer fleets, securing key victories at battles such as Paros and Samos. His innovative use of fire ships disrupted Ottoman supply lines and boosted Greek morale. After independence, Miaoulis served in the new government and continued to influence naval affairs. Despite later political controversies, his reputation as a patriotic commander endured. He died in 1835, honored as a founding hero of modern Greece.

Pedro María de Anaya was a Mexican army officer and statesman during the turbulent era of the Mexican-American War. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Churubusco in 1847, sustaining serious wounds while organizing the defense of Mexico City. Anaya served as interim President of Mexico twice, in 1847 and again in 1848, navigating the nation through international conflict. As president, he negotiated prisoner exchanges and sought to maintain national unity amid defeat. Born in Huichapan, he rose through military ranks and gained a reputation for courage and leadership. His steadfast defense of Mexican sovereignty made him a national hero and symbol of resistance. He later held positions in government and the military until his death in 1854.

Cadmus Marcellus Wilcox was a career United States Army officer who became a Confederate general in the American Civil War. He graduated from West Point in 1846 and served in the Mexican-American War before resigning his U.S. commission. Wilcox commanded a brigade at the Battle of Seven Pines and earned praise for his defense at the Battle of Fredericksburg. He was promoted to major general and led troops at Gettysburg and the Siege of Petersburg. Despite being wounded several times, he remained committed to the Confederate cause until the war's end. After the conflict, he worked in railway management before returning to the South. Wilcox died in 1890, remembered for his tactical skill and bravery under fire.

Moshe Dayan (1915–1981) was a celebrated Israeli military leader and politician. He served as Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces during the 1956 Suez Crisis and as Minister of Defense in the Six-Day War of 1967. Dayan was famed for his eyepatch, symbolizing both his personal sacrifice and national resilience. After his military career, he held senior political roles, including Foreign Minister, shaping Israel's diplomatic relations. His strategic vision and charismatic leadership made him one of the most influential figures in Israeli history.

Alexey Maresyev (1916–2001) was a Soviet Air Force pilot and celebrated World War II flying ace. After being shot down in 1942 and losing both legs to frostbite, he taught himself to walk and flew combat missions again. His extraordinary determination inspired the book 'Story of a Real Man' by Boris Polevoy. Maresyev was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union for his bravery and service. His legacy remains a powerful testament to resilience and courage under adversity.

Born in 1918, Boyko joined the Red Army during the German invasion of the Soviet Union. She commanded a T-34 tank unit on the Eastern Front, one of the few female tank commanders. Boyko led her crew through key battles in Ukraine, demonstrating exceptional courage under fire. After the war, she served in armored divisions and helped train new tank crews. She remained active in veterans’ organizations and received multiple military honors for her service.

John Cruickshank joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1940 and trained as a pilot. In 1944, his Corsair was severely damaged over the Adriatic, yet he managed to return safely under fire. For his actions, he became one of the youngest recipients of the Victoria Cross in the Second World War. After military service, Cruickshank built a successful banking career, rising to executive roles in Scotland. He remained active in veterans’ affairs and was celebrated for both wartime heroism and postwar leadership.

Carlos Hathcock enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1959 and volunteered for sniper training during the Vietnam War. He served two tours of duty from 1966 to 1969, earning the nickname "White Feather" for his distinctive headgear. Hathcock achieved 93 confirmed kills and set a record for the longest sniper shot at approximately 2,500 yards. He developed and refined stalking techniques and sniper training programs that are still in use today. Hathcock was awarded the Silver Star and the Navy Cross for his extraordinary marksmanship and bravery. After retiring, he continued to train military snipers and wrote his memoir, "Marine Sniper." He passed away in 1999, leaving a lasting legacy in military history.

Colonel Thomas Akers joined NASA as a mission specialist and flew aboard STS-41, STS-49, and STS-61, contributing to satellite deployments and in-orbit repairs. He logged over 700 hours in space, including the first spacewalk to capture and repair a stranded satellite. Akers holds degrees in mechanical engineering and has worked on aerospace research projects. After leaving NASA, he transitioned to academia and industry, sharing his expertise with the next generation of engineers and astronauts.