July 14

Born in 1608 into a prominent noble family, Goring began his military career abroad. He returned to England and served King Charles I against Parliament’s forces. As Lord Goring, he led cavalry units in battles such as Newbury and maintained Royalist strongholds in the West Country. His flamboyant lifestyle and disputes with fellow officers caused tension among Royalist leadership. After the Civil War, he spent time in exile before returning to England, where he died in 1657. He is remembered for his boldness and impact on cavalry warfare.

Born in 1675, Bonneval began his military career in the French army and fought in the War of the Spanish Succession. After disagreements with Louis XV, he entered Habsburg service but fell out with Austrian commanders. In 1717, he converted to Islam and took the name Humbaracı Ahmet Pasha in the Ottoman Empire. He reorganized the Ottoman artillery and introduced European training methods for gunners. Bonneval’s reforms strengthened Ottoman military capabilities and influenced later modernization efforts. He died in 1747, celebrated for bridging European and Ottoman military practices.

Michel de Beaupuy was born in 1755 in Gascony, France. He joined the French Revolutionary armies in 1792 and distinguished himself through bravery and tactical insight. Serving under generals Custine and Hoche in the Armée du Rhin, he commanded divisions in key engagements such as the siege of Mainz. Beaupuy was mortally wounded during the Siege of Mannheim in 1796 and died shortly after, becoming a celebrated martyr of the Revolution. His courage and sacrifice were honored by his peers and commemorated in French military history.

Buenaventura Durruti was born in 1896 in León, Spain, and became an influential anarchist activist. He participated in labor movements and prison breaks in early 20th-century Spain. During the Spanish Civil War, Durruti led the Durruti Column, a volunteer militia defending Republican ideals. His charismatic leadership and commitment to social revolution made him a symbol of anarchist resistance. Durruti’s writings and speeches inspired many to challenge authoritarianism and fight for worker self-management. He died in 1936 under controversial circumstances on the Madrid front, becoming a martyr for his cause. His legacy endures in anarchist writings and commemorations worldwide.

Plaek Phibunsongkhram was born in 1897 and trained at the Royal Military Academy. He rose through the ranks, participating in the 1932 coup that ended absolute monarchy in Siam. As the country’s third prime minister (1938–44, 1948–57), he pursued nationalist and modernization policies. Phibun changed the country’s name from Siam to Thailand and promoted Western-style reforms. His alliances during World War II shifted between Japan and the Allies, reflecting geopolitical pressures. After a second term marked by economic development and political turmoil, he was ousted in 1957. Phibunsongkhram died in 1964, remembered for his controversial yet transformative leadership.

Robin Olds was a distinguished American fighter pilot and general in the United States Air Force. He flew combat missions during World War II and the Vietnam War, achieving 16 confirmed aerial victories and earning triple ace status. Olds commanded fighter wings with exceptional skill, becoming known for innovative tactics like Operation Bolo. Decorated with the Air Force Cross and multiple Distinguished Flying Crosses, he inspired generations of aviators. After retiring, he advocated for personnel reforms and served as a mentor and speaker. Olds's autobiography and leadership legacy continue to influence military aviation.

Born in 1930, Sinzogan rose through the ranks of the Beninese Army to become a colonel, playing a key role in national defense. Transitioning to politics, he held several ministerial portfolios, shaping policy in defense and internal affairs. He was instrumental in modernizing the military during periods of political change. Throughout his career, Sinzogan advocated for stability and professionalization of the armed forces. He passed away in 2021, remembered for bridging military service and public leadership in Benin.

Born in 1936, Overmyer graduated from the United States Naval Academy and earned his wings as a naval aviator. He later transferred to the Air Force, becoming a test pilot and participating in the Manned Orbiting Laboratory program. Selected by NASA in 1969, Overmyer flew as pilot on STS-5, the first operational Space Shuttle flight, and commanded STS-51-B. He logged hundreds of hours in space and contributed to scientific experiments aboard Spacelab. After retiring, Overmyer remained active in aerospace until his death in a test plane accident in 1996.

Claudia J. Kennedy commissioned as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Army in 1970 after graduating from Texas Woman's University. She broke new ground in military history in 1997 by becoming the first female lieutenant general. Throughout her career, Kennedy held key positions in intelligence and national defense, including serving on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. After retiring in 2000, she became an advocate for military reform and provided expert commentary on defense issues. Her pioneering achievements paved the way for women across all branches of the U.S. armed forces.