October 20

Born in 1490 into the della Rovere family, Francesco Maria became Duke of Urbino in 1508. A skilled military leader, he served as a condottiero in the Italian Wars, commanding troops for various Italian states. His reign saw both military campaigns against rival powers and patronage of the arts within Urbino. Despite facing political turmoil and exile, he regained his duchy in 1538. His leadership exemplified the volatile nature of Renaissance Italian politics and warfare.

Champ Ferguson was born in 1821 in Tennessee and became notorious as a guerrilla leader in Kentucky during the American Civil War. He led Confederate irregular forces in guerrilla warfare, engaging in raids and skirmishes against Union troops and sympathizers. Ferguson's brutal tactics and partisan fighting made him one of the most feared irregular commanders of the conflict. After the war, he was captured, tried by a military tribunal for war crimes, and executed in 1865. His case remains one of the few instances of Confederate guerrilla fighters being held accountable for atrocities.

Ken Farnes (1911–1941) emerged as one of England’s most promising cricket bowlers in the mid-1930s. He made his Test debut in 1934 and took 50 wickets in 16 matches, earning praise for his pace and swing. Farnes also captained Essex County Cricket Club, demonstrating leadership on and off the field. With the outbreak of World War II, he joined the Royal Air Force as a pilot officer. Serving in Coastal Command, he undertook dangerous anti-submarine patrols over the Atlantic. Farnes was killed in action in 1941, and his tragic loss cut short what many believed would have been an exceptional sporting career.

Werner Baumbach (1916–1953) joined the Luftwaffe in 1936 and quickly distinguished himself as a skilled bomber pilot. He commanded Kampfgeschwader 100 and later led special long-range operations with Kampfgeschwader 200. Baumbach’s unit carried out reconnaissance and high-risk bombing raids deep into enemy territory, including missions over the Soviet Union and North America. He received multiple decorations, such as the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. After the war, Baumbach flew for a civilian airline before dying in a plane crash in Brazil. His career is remembered for daring leadership and pioneering special-operations tactics.

Muammar Gaddafi (1942–2011) was a Libyan colonel and revolutionary who seized power in a 1969 coup, overthrowing the monarchy and establishing the Libyan Arab Republic. He introduced his political philosophy in The Green Book, promoted Arab nationalism, and later championed Pan-Africanism, seeking to unite African states. His regime was marked by strict control over the state, sponsorship of militant groups abroad, and the use of oil revenues for social programs. Gaddafi survived numerous coup attempts before being deposed and killed during the 2011 Libyan civil war. His complex legacy continues to influence Libya and international politics.

Mutassim Gaddafi (1974–2011) was a Libyan colonel and the third son of Muammar Gaddafi, serving as National Security Advisor and commander of elite military units. Educated partly in the United Kingdom, he gained influence within his father’s regime, overseeing security operations and foreign relations. Known for his flamboyant style, he helped manage the intelligence apparatus and maintain regime stability. During the 2011 uprising, he led loyalist forces until his capture and subsequent death in October 2011. His fate became emblematic of the Gaddafi era’s collapse.

Abu-Bakr Yunis Jabr (1942–2011) was a Libyan military commander who served as Minister of Defense for over four decades under Muammar Gaddafi. A key figure in the 1969 coup, he oversaw Libya’s armed forces and played a major role in shaping the country’s defense policy. His tenure saw modernization of the military but also the suppression of internal dissent. Captured by rebel forces during the 2011 civil war, he was killed in October 2011. His long service left a lasting impact on Libya’s military establishment.

Jovanka Broz (1924–2013) was born in Croatia and joined the Yugoslav Partisans during World War II. She rose to the rank of colonel in the Yugoslav People’s Army and played a ceremonial role in military functions. In 1952, she married Josip Broz Tito, the leader of socialist Yugoslavia, serving as First Lady until his death in 1980. After Tito’s death, she lived largely in seclusion but remained a symbol of Yugoslavia’s wartime legacy. Her life story reflects the complexities of Balkan history and the tumult of the Cold War era.

Robert E. Kramek (1939–2016) was an admiral in the United States Coast Guard. He served as the 20th Commandant from 1990 to 1994, overseeing modernization and expansion of missions. During his tenure, he emphasized environmental protection and maritime safety. After retiring, he led the American Bureau of Shipping as its president. His leadership strengthened the service's capabilities and international partnerships.