July 13

Robert Calder (1745-1818) was a British naval officer who served with distinction during the American Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Born in Scotland, he joined the Royal Navy as a boy and rose through the ranks by demonstrating tactical skill and bravery. As commodore, he commanded the HMS Prince of Wales at the Battle of Cape Finisterre in 1805, engaging a larger Franco-Spanish fleet. Though criticized for failing to secure a decisive victory, his actions disrupted enemy plans. Calder later served in administrative roles, overseeing dockyards and naval preparations. His career reflected the challenges of command during a transformative era in naval warfare. Knighted in 1806, he left records that provide insight into fleet tactics and leadership during the age of sail.

Alexander Balashov, born in 1770, was a prominent Russian military officer and statesman. He rose through the ranks of the Imperial Russian Army and played a key role in military administration. In addition to his military career, Balashov was appointed Minister of Police, overseeing internal security. He was known for implementing reforms that strengthened law enforcement and public order across the empire. Balashov retired from public service before his death in 1837, leaving a legacy in both military and political spheres.

Nathan Bedford Forrest, born in 1821, rose to prominence as a cavalry commander in the Confederate Army. He was respected for his tactical brilliance and unconventional warfare strategies during the American Civil War. After the war, Forrest became a controversial figure as the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. His involvement with the Klan has overshadowed his military legacy, sparking extensive debate among historians. Forrest died in 1877, leaving a complex and contested legacy in American history.

John Jacob Astor IV, born in 1864, was a prominent American businessman and real estate magnate. He served as a colonel during the Spanish-American War. Astor managed and expanded his family's extensive property and hotel holdings. He was among the wealthiest men in the United States at the turn of the 20th century. Astor died tragically aboard the RMS Titanic in 1912, cementing his place in history.

Schreck served on the Western Front during World War I, where he was known for his discipline and loyalty. After the war, he became one of Adolf Hitler's earliest supporters and joined his personal bodyguard. He co-founded the Stosstrupp-Hitler, a precursor to the SS. In 1925, Schreck was appointed the first Reichsfuhrer-SS, leading the organization until 1926. Under his command, the SS began shaping its identity and structure as a paramilitary group. He later held various security roles within the Nazi Party hierarchy. Schreck's work laid the groundwork for the SS's future expansions. He died in 1936, remembered as a key but controversial figure in the early Nazi movement.

Alfredo M. Santos joined the Philippine Scouts in the 1920s and rose through the ranks with distinction. He served with valor during World War II, earning recognition for his leadership in the defense of the Philippines. After the war, Santos played a key role in reorganizing and modernizing the newly independent Philippine Army. In 1960, he was promoted to lieutenant general and later achieved the rank of full general, becoming the first Filipino four-star general. Santos advocated for improved training and welfare for soldiers and helped establish key military institutions. He retired in the late 1960s and was honored for his lifelong dedication to national defense. Santos died in 1990, remembered as a trailblazer in Philippine military history.

Helmy Afify Abd El-Bar was a senior commander in the Egyptian Army whose career spanned from the monarchy era through the republican period. Rising through armored and mechanized units, he played a key role in developing training programs and operational planning. Abd El-Bar's leadership during periods of military reform helped professionalize the Egyptian armed forces. He mentored younger officers and promoted tactical innovation within the Army. After retiring, he continued to advise on defense education and remained a respected figure in military circles.

James H. Harvey was one of the pioneering Tuskegee Airmen who earned his wings at the historic Tuskegee Army Air Field during World War II. Flying combat missions in the European theater, he demonstrated exceptional skill and bravery under fire. After the war, Harvey continued his career in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a flight instructor and demonstration pilot for the Thunderbirds aerobatic team. His service helped break racial barriers in the military and paved the way for integration. In retirement, he remained an active advocate for veteran recognition and aerospace education.