July 30

Nikolai Yudenich was a distinguished commander in the Imperial Russian Army who earned acclaim for his campaigns against the Ottoman Empire on the Caucasus Front during World War I. Following the Bolshevik Revolution, he emerged as one of the principal leaders of the White movement, leading the Northwestern Army in efforts to capture Petrograd. Though ultimately unsuccessful, his strategic skill and bold offensives marked him as a formidable figure in early 20th-century military history.

Smedley Butler was one of the most decorated officers in U.S. Marine Corps history, earning two Medals of Honor for his service in the Banana Wars and World War I. After retiring, he became an outspoken critic of military adventurism, publishing 'War Is a Racket' to expose the profit motives behind armed conflict. His outspoken views made him a controversial figure and an early advocate for peace and veterans’ rights.

Lou Darvas served with distinction as an American soldier during World War II, participating in key battles in Europe. After the war, he pursued a career in cartooning, creating popular syndicated comic strips. His cartoons, noted for their humor and social commentary, appeared in newspapers nationwide. Darvas blended his military experiences with his art, offering unique perspectives on postwar American life. He inspired future cartoonists through his disciplined work ethic and creative storytelling.

Walter Schuck was a German Luftwaffe fighter pilot and lieutenant who became one of WWII’s most successful aces. Credited with over 200 aerial victories on the Eastern Front, he flew the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 with distinction. Schuck received the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his combat achievements. After the war, he documented his experiences in memoirs that provide insight into aerial warfare. His record remains among the highest-scoring fighter pilots in aviation history.

Marina Popovich graduated from military flight school and became one of the Soviet Union’s first female test pilots. During her career, she set more than 100 aviation world records across over 40 types of aircraft, including high-speed jet fighters. She logged more than 13,000 flight hours and was nicknamed “Madame MiG” for her mastery of Soviet jets. Popovich also earned a degree in engineering and trained other pilots, advocating for women in aviation and space exploration. Her achievements earned her high military honors and made her an inspirational figure in Soviet aerospace history.