August 30

Samuel Frederick Henry Thompson was an English captain and pilot born in 1890 who served in military aviation during World War I. He undertook reconnaissance and combat missions over the Western Front and was noted for his bravery in the skies. Thompson’s skill as an aviator contributed to early airborne intelligence gathering. He played a role in training and leading fellow pilots facing the challenges of trench warfare below. His leadership and courage exemplified the pioneering spirit of early military flight. Tragically, Thompson was killed in action in 1918, highlighting the risks faced by those on the front lines of aerial combat. He is remembered for his dedication and service during a transformative era in warfare.

Roger Bushell (1910-1944) was a South African–English Royal Air Force officer and pilot. After being shot down and captured in 1942, he became a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft III. Bushell organized Operation 'Big X', famously known as the 'Great Escape', planning tunnels and escape routes. Though only a handful of prisoners reached safety, his leadership and ingenuity inspired thousands. He was recaptured and executed by the Gestapo on Hitler's orders in 1944. Bushell's daring exploits remain emblematic of courage and resistance in adversity.

Nancy Wake (1912-2011) was a New Zealand–born journalist turned Special Operations Executive agent. Known as the 'White Mouse' by the Gestapo, she evaded capture while aiding Allied servicemen in occupied France. Wake later led guerrilla operations for the French Resistance, organizing arms drops and sabotages. Her daring missions helped free hundreds of POWs and disrupted German military activities. After the war, she received honors from France, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. Her fearless leadership made her one of the most decorated women of WWII.

Arnold Green was an Estonian soldier who served in the Soviet armed forces during World War II before transitioning to political roles in Estonia. He became a leading figure in the Communist Party, overseeing military affairs and later sports administration. Green served as a government minister and was instrumental in organizing major sporting events, promoting athletic development. His career bridged military service and state leadership, reflecting the dynamics of post-war Soviet-era Estonia. After Estonia's independence, Green remained a controversial figure due to his ties to the Soviet establishment. He left a complex legacy as both a decorated veteran and a political operator in a transformative time.

Gary Gordon was a U.S. Army Special Forces Sergeant who played a critical role during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia. He volunteered to cover the rescue of downed helicopters under intense enemy fire. Gordon's courage and leadership saved several lives but cost him his own when he was killed in action. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration. Gordon's actions are remembered as a testament to valor and self-sacrifice in modern warfare.