August 02

Born in Bordeaux in 1646, Du Casse began his career as a buccaneer attacking Spanish shipping in the Caribbean. He later entered royal service, commanding French colonial forces and guarding Saint-Domingue. As Admiral, he played a key role in naval engagements during the Nine Years’ War. He governed French Santo Domingo, overseeing trade, defense, and colonial expansion. Du Casse’s blend of piracy and naval strategy exemplifies the blurred lines of 17th-century maritime warfare. He died in 1715, remembered for his adventurous reputation and strategic acumen.

Jean Baptiste Camille Canclaux was a French military general active during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic eras. He commanded the Army of the Coasts of Brest and defended Brittany against royalist insurgencies. Canclaux played a key role in suppressing the Vendée uprising and securing the western front. Despite setbacks, he was praised for his organizational skills and leadership under pressure. Under Napoleon, he continued to serve in various military and administrative capacities. He retired with honor and his legacy includes contributions to modern French military organization.

Manuel Pavía y Rodríguez de Alburquerque was a Spanish military general active in the 19th century. He participated in the First Carlist War and later conflicts during Spain's turbulent political transitions. Pavía was known for his decisive leadership in battles and sieges across the Iberian Peninsula. He held high command positions under Queen Isabella II and during the Glorious Revolution of 1868. His military reforms aimed to modernize the Spanish army's organization and tactics. Pavía's legacy remains in Spain's military history for his role in shaping mid-century conflicts.

George E. Stewart (1872–1946) was an Australian-American soldier who served in the United States Army and achieved the rank of colonel. He received the Medal of Honor for extraordinary bravery during combat operations abroad. Stewart continued his military career in training and leadership roles, mentoring junior officers. He was also awarded other commendations for his dedicated service. Stewart's distinguished record reflects a lifetime commitment to duty and courage under fire.

Karl-Otto Koch (1897–1945) was an officer in the Nazi SS and the first commandant of the Buchenwald concentration camp. Later he was appointed to lead the Majdanek camp in occupied Poland. Under his administration, prisoners endured brutal forced labor, systematic abuse, and mass murder. Despite his loyalty to the regime, Koch was implicated in corruption and personal enrichment, leading to his arrest and execution by the SS. His tenure exemplifies the cruelty and moral corruption of the Nazi camp system.

Born in 1925, Videla rose through the ranks of the Argentine Army, becoming a brigadier-general. In 1976, he led a coup d'état that overthrew Isabel Perón, establishing a military dictatorship. As head of the junta, Videla presided over the period known as the 'Dirty War', during which thousands of dissidents disappeared. His regime implemented strict censorship and human rights abuses under the justification of anti-communism. International pressure and economic difficulties weakened his government, and he stepped down in 1981. Long after his rule, Videla was convicted of crimes against humanity and died in prison in 2013. His legacy remains controversial in Argentina and beyond.

Valery Bykovsky joined the Soviet Air Force in 1952 and was selected as a cosmonaut in 1960, becoming one of the earliest space explorers. He commanded the Vostok 5 mission in 1963, setting a record for the longest solo spaceflight of nearly five days. Bykovsky later flew on Soyuz 22 and Soyuz 31, contributing to international space cooperation programs. His work advanced space medicine and flight operations, improving conditions for long-duration missions. Promoted to the rank of major general, he received honors including Hero of the Soviet Union and the Order of Lenin. After retiring, he trained new military aviators and remained active in veteran organizations. Bykovsky frequently shared his experiences at space forums and educational events. His pioneering achievements helped pave the way for future generations of astronauts and cosmonauts.

Terry Peck was born in Stanley and served in the Falkland Islands Defence Force for many years. During the 1982 Argentine invasion, he remained behind enemy lines as an intelligence agent for British forces. Peck guided Royal Marines through minefields and relayed crucial information under great personal risk. After the war, he became head of the local police force and authored the memoir 'No Picnic'. He continued advocating for the defense and rights of the Falkland community. Peck's bravery and dedication earned him local and international recognition. He passed away in 2006, honored as a hero of the Falklands conflict.

Born in 1943, Herbert M. Allison Jr. served as an Army lieutenant in Vietnam before earning his MBA at Harvard Business School. He rose through the ranks at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette and later became CEO of Fannie Mae. Allison guided the firm through significant restructuring and took the helm at TIAA, steering the organization toward stability and growth. During the 2008 financial crisis, he played a key advisory role at the U.S. Treasury. A respected leader in finance, he also served on numerous corporate boards, leaving a legacy of strategic innovation and ethical stewardship.

Born in 1943 in Dorset, England, Jon R. Cavaiani immigrated to America and enlisted in the U.S. Army. As a staff sergeant in Vietnam in 1971, he led his unit through intense combat near Dầu Tiếng, defending their position despite severe injuries. His courageous actions and leadership under fire earned him the Medal of Honor. After his military service, Cavaiani remained dedicated to veteran affairs and community outreach. He is remembered for his valor, selflessness, and commitment to his fellow soldiers, leaving a profound legacy of heroism.

Bertalan Farkas (born 1949) is a Hungarian Air Force pilot and the first Hungarian citizen to travel to space. Selected in 1978 for the Soviet Intercosmos program, he flew aboard Soyuz 36 to the Salyut 6 space station in 1980. During his mission, Farkas conducted scientific experiments in orbit and represented Hungary in international space research. Following his return, he continued his career as a military instructor and rose to the rank of general. In later years, Farkas has been involved in aerospace education and public outreach. He remains a national hero in Hungary for his pioneering contributions to space exploration.