July 29

Born in 1703, Peter Warren joined the Royal Navy and quickly rose through the ranks during wartime. He achieved fame commanding British squadrons in the Mediterranean and North American colonies. Warren captured the French stronghold of Louisbourg in 1745, a key victory in the War of the Austrian Succession. After retiring from active service, he represented Westminster in the British Parliament. His strategic acumen and leadership left a lasting mark on British naval history.

Born in 1771, Jean-Andoche Junot rose rapidly through the ranks of the Revolutionary armies. He became one of Napoleon's trusted generals and was granted the title Duke of Abrantès. Junot led the French invasion of Portugal in 1807, opening the Peninsular War. Despite early successes, his forces struggled against Spanish guerrillas and British intervention. Wounded in battle, he later served in administrative roles until his death in 1813.

Floriano Peixoto, known as the 'Iron Marshal', served as Vice President under Deodoro da Fonseca and assumed the presidency in 1891. He faced internal rebellions and political opposition, responding with firm measures to maintain the new republic's stability. A veteran of the Paraguayan War, he brought military discipline and authority to early republican Brazil. Peixoto promoted infrastructure development, including telegraph lines and railroads, to unify the nation. His administration laid foundations for Brazil's transition from empire to republic, despite controversies over authoritarianism. His decisive leadership during turbulent times cemented his legacy in Brazilian history.

Born in 1926 in Ibadan, Nigeria, Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi was commissioned into the British Army in 1945. He rose through the ranks and was appointed Military Governor of the Western Region after the January 1966 coup. Fajuyi worked to maintain stability amid rising ethnic tensions in the region. On July 29, 1966, he was assassinated alongside Head of State Aguiyi-Ironsi during the counter-coup in Ibadan. His loyalty and service remain honored in Nigeria's military history.

David Niven was born in 1910 in London and served with distinction as a lieutenant in the British Army during World War II. After graduating from Sandhurst, he fought in France and participated in the Dunkirk evacuation before retiring from military service to pursue acting. Niven became known for his suave screen persona in films such as The Pink Panther and Separate Tables, for which he won an Academy Award. His charismatic performances and dry humor made him a beloved figure in Hollywood's golden age. Beyond acting, Niven authored bestselling memoirs recounting his adventures in war and film. He died in 1983, leaving a legacy of elegance and storytelling.

Christian de Castries was born in 1902 into a noble French family and pursued a military career in the French Army. He rose through the ranks to become commander of the French garrison at Dien Bien Phu during the First Indochina War. In 1954, he led his troops in a fierce defense but ultimately surrendered after a prolonged siege. De Castries's leadership at Dien Bien Phu marked a turning point in colonial history and influenced France's decision to withdraw from Indochina. He continued to serve in the military in various capacities before retiring and writing memoirs of his experiences. His legacy remains tied to one of France's most dramatic military engagements of the 20th century.

Born in 1937 in Masang Mayu, Sierra Leone, Foday Sankoh served in the Sierra Leonean army before turning rebel. In 1991, he launched the RUF, igniting a conflict marked by atrocities and child soldier recruitment. The RUF financed its campaign through "blood diamonds" smuggled across West Africa. Sankoh proclaimed himself vice president in a 1997 coup but was later arrested by British forces. He was indicted by the Special Court for Sierra Leone for war crimes but died in custody in 2003. His legacy remains tied to the devastation of Sierra Leone's decade-long conflict.

Wing Commander Tony Gaze (1920–2013) was an Australian pilot who earned the Distinguished Flying Cross as a fighter ace during World War II. He served with the Royal Air Force, shooting down multiple enemy aircraft in aerial combat over Europe. After the war, Gaze became one of the first Australians to compete in Formula One, racing for teams like Ferrari and Maserati. He won races and set lap records in non-championship Grand Prix events, helping to popularize motor racing in Australia. Gaze later co-founded the Riverside International Raceway in California, contributing to the sport's global growth. His dual legacy as a war hero and motorsport pioneer made him a celebrated figure in both fields.

Born in 1943 in England, Cavaiani immigrated to the United States as a child and enlisted in the Army. In 1971, during a fierce engagement in Vietnam, he exhibited extraordinary bravery by directing artillery fire and leading his men despite sustaining serious wounds. His actions saved numerous lives and earned him the Medal of Honor. Cavaiani continued to serve with distinction until his retirement, receiving additional commendations for leadership. After his military career, he dedicated himself to speaking about service and sacrifice until his passing in 2014.

Born in 1919, St. George served as an Army officer in Europe during World War II. He documented his experiences in the memoir 'C/O Postmaster,' which became a bestseller for its candid and humorous portrayal of wartime life. His authentic voice and vivid storytelling resonated with readers and provided a new perspective on the soldier's experience. After the war, he balanced a career in business with continued writing, producing novels and short stories. St. George also advocated for veterans and contributed to military and literary communities. He passed away in 2014, leaving a dual legacy in both service and literature.