August 10

Maarten Tromp (1598–1653) was a celebrated admiral of the Dutch Republic during its struggle for independence from Spain. Rising from a privateer to a fleet commander, he earned fame for his victories in the early stages of the Eighty Years' War. Tromp played a pivotal role in the First Anglo-Dutch War, achieving notable successes against the English navy. His innovative tactics and charismatic leadership helped establish the Netherlands as a major maritime power. He died in battle off the coast of Scotland during the Battle of Scheveningen. Tromp's legacy endures in Dutch naval history and folklore as a symbol of seafaring prowess.

Erich Löwenhardt was a German World War I fighter ace credited with 54 confirmed aerial victories. Born in 1897, he joined the Luftstreitkräfte as a young officer and quickly distinguished himself in combat. Löwenhardt earned the Pour le Mérite for his remarkable success over the Western Front. Known for his daring tactics and leadership, he became one of Germany's highest-scoring pilots. He was shot down and killed in 1918 at the age of 20, leaving a legacy among early military aviators.

Henry Cabot Lodge Bohler served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Forces and was among the trailblazing Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. He flew combat missions that helped challenge segregation in the military. After the war, Bohler advocated for civil rights and community development. His courage and leadership left an enduring mark on both military history and the fight for racial equality.

Ioan Dicezare was born on November 13, 1916, and served as a fighter pilot for the Royal Romanian Air Force during World War II. He achieved ace status with multiple aerial victories on the Eastern Front. After the war, he continued his military career, rising to the rank of general in the Romanian Air Force. Dicezare was awarded the Order of Aeronautical Virtue and other honors for bravery. He contributed to postwar aviation training and development in Romania. His experiences exemplified the challenges faced by Eastern European aviators during the Cold War. Dicezare passed away on August 10, 2012, remembered as one of Romania's premier aviation figures.

Born in Tennessee in 1916, Momyer graduated from West Point in 1939 and joined the Army Air Corps. During World War II, he flew combat missions in Europe, earning multiple decorations for valor. As a senior officer, Momyer commanded the Ninth Air Force in Europe and later served as Commander of Pacific Air Forces during the Vietnam War, overseeing strategic bombing campaigns and tactical operations. Known for his belief in aggressive air power, he influenced USAF doctrine on tactical air support. After retiring, he remained active in veteran affairs and authored books on air warfare history. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 96.

Born in Kansas in 1921, Jones graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and commissioned into the Army Air Forces. He flew combat missions in Europe during World War II, earning numerous commendations. Rising through the ranks, he commanded tactical fighter wings and served as Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force. In 1978, he became the ninth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, overseeing U.S. military operations at the height of the Cold War. Known for advocating joint service cooperation and readiness, he strengthened inter-service coordination and modernized strategic planning. After retiring in 1982, he continued to advise on defense policy and served on corporate boards. Jones passed away in 2013, remembered for his leadership and vision in the U.S. military.