October 21

Born into the influential Sforza dynasty, he served as a condottiero commanding mercenary forces in various Italian conflicts. He inherited the lordship of Pesaro and defended his domain against rival states. Known for his adept military leadership and diplomatic skill in navigating the complex Italian political landscape. His tenure included both military campaigns and the patronage of arts and architecture in Pesaro. He married Maria Malatesta, forging alliances with other noble families. He died in 1473, remembered as a notable figure of Renaissance Italy's condottieri culture.

Born in Dunkirk to a seafaring family, he began privateering at a young age and quickly gained renown. Commissioned as a naval officer, his daring raids and victories on the North Sea made him a national hero. He captured or sank numerous enemy ships, earning promotion to chef d'escadre under Louis XIV. Ennobled for his service, he defended French coasts and protected maritime trade routes. Known for his speed and aggressive tactics, he became a symbol of French naval prowess. He died in 1702, celebrated in France's maritime lore.

Born in 1725 to a military family, Franz Moritz von Lacy rose through the ranks of the Habsburg army thanks to his strategic acumen. He served as a close adviser to Empress Maria Theresa and later Emperor Joseph II, shaping military policy. Lacy played key roles in the Seven Years' War and the War of the Bavarian Succession, demonstrating both leadership and organizational skill. He implemented comprehensive reforms in training, supply chains, and command structures that modernized the Austrian forces. Recognized for his administrative talents, he helped transform the army into a more efficient fighting force. After retiring in 1790, he continued to influence military thought until his death in 1801.

Born a peasant in 1757, Pierre Augereau enlisted in the Revolutionary army and quickly distinguished himself on the battlefield. He gained fame at the Battle of Arcole and advanced rapidly through the ranks through merit. In 1804, Napoleon appointed him Marshal of the Empire in recognition of his military successes. Augereau commanded forces in Italy, Germany, and Spain, demonstrating aggressive tactics that often secured decisive victories. Though controversial for his harsh discipline, his leadership contributed significantly to the expansion of French influence. He retired after the fall of Napoleon and died in Paris in 1816, remembered as one of the Empire's formidable commanders.

Born in 1762, Herman Willem Daendels began his career as a lawyer before joining the military in the era of the French Revolutionary Wars. He served the Batavian Republic against coalition forces, earning recognition for his leadership. In 1808, he was appointed Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, where he undertook major infrastructure initiatives, including the construction of the Great Post Road across Java. His authoritarian governance and reforms aimed to strengthen colonial defenses and improve communication. After returning to the Netherlands, Daendels remained active in politics during the formation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He died in 1818, leaving a legacy of both military and administrative accomplishments in Dutch colonial history.

Ernest Swinton penned the first detailed proposals for a tracked armored fighting vehicle in 1915. He served in the Boer War and taught at the Royal Military College, influencing modern military thought. As a liaison officer in France, he observed trench warfare and championed the development of 'landships.' His advocacy led to the creation of the first tanks, deployed at the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Swinton’s vision and writings paved the way for armored warfare tactics still used today.

In 1910, Eugene Burton Ely made the first successful aircraft takeoff from a U.S. Navy ship. Later that year, he achieved the first shipboard aircraft landing on the USS Pennsylvania. His feats demonstrated the viability of naval aviation and changed military strategy. Ely trained as an exhibition pilot and was celebrated by military and public alike. He tragically died in an air crash in 1911, but his innovations laid the foundation for future carrier aviation.

James 'Jim' Wallwork (1919-2013) was an English-Canadian pilot and sergeant in the Royal Air Force's No. 347 Squadron who flew the first Allied mission to touch down in Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Educated in Canada and Britain, he volunteered for service at the outbreak of World War II and trained as a reconnaissance pilot. Wallwork's Dakota aircraft delivered pathfinder teams that marked landing zones for the main invasion force. His skill and calm under fire earned him the Distinguished Flying Medal. After the war, he continued flying in civilian roles and shared his wartime experiences through lectures and writings. Wallwork's pioneering role in D-Day operations secured his place in history.