October 28

Born in 1690 as Peter Wessel, he earned the noble name Tordenskjold for his bravery at sea. He joined the Danish-Norwegian navy and quickly became known for bold tactics and privateering. Tordenskjold disrupted Swedish supply lines, capturing numerous ships and earning prestige.\nHe fought in key battles like Dynekilen (1716), securing naval victories for Denmark–Norway. His combination of courage, leadership, and innovative maneuvers made him a legend. He died in a fatal duel in 1720 but remained celebrated as one of Scandinavia’s greatest naval commanders.

Born of royal lineage in 1696 as the illegitimate son of Augustus II of Poland, Maurice de Saxe rose to become one of France’s greatest military leaders. His strategic brilliance was showcased during the War of Austrian Succession, notably at the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745. As Marshal General, he reformed the French army’s organization and training. He documented his military theories in the treatise “Mes Rêveries,” influencing future generations of commanders. De Saxe’s legacy endures in military academies and studies of 18th-century warfare.

Born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1754, John Laurens studied at Yale before joining the Continental Army. As an aide-de-camp to General George Washington, he played a key diplomatic role in securing French support. Laurens passionately argued for the enlistment and emancipation of enslaved people in exchange for military service. He led successful raids against British forces and forged strong relationships with French allies. His life was cut short in a skirmish in 1782, but his progressive ideals on liberty left a profound impact on early American history.

Edward P. Allen served as a captain in the Union Army during the Civil War, participating in key engagements. After the war, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1867. He held local offices before being elected to the Michigan state legislature. Allen served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1887 to 1889. He was known for advocating veterans' interests and agricultural development in Michigan.

Noel Macklin was born in 1886 and served as an officer in the British Army during World War I. After the war, he turned his engineering talents toward the automotive industry in England. In 1925, Macklin launched the Invicta car brand, famed for its high-performance luxury vehicles. He later founded the Railton company, producing innovative sports cars in the 1930s. Macklin’s designs combined engineering excellence with elegant style, earning acclaim. He remained a key figure in British motoring until his death in 1946.

Christopher William Vane was born in 1888 into the British peerage as the 10th Baron Barnard. He served with distinction as an army officer during World War I and received military honors. In 1936, he was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Durham, representing the Crown in the county. Vane supported numerous charitable organizations and oversaw civic ceremonies until 1964. He balanced his duties between estate management and public service, earning local respect. Vane’s long tenure and dedication made him a prominent figure in Durham’s history.

Hans Speidel was a German Army general who served in both World War I and World War II. During WWII, he acted as Chief of Staff to Field Marshal Erwin Rommel in North Africa. After the war, Speidel helped establish West Germany’s new armed forces, the Bundeswehr. From 1957 to 1963, he commanded NATO’s Allied Forces Central Europe, playing a key role in Cold War defense integration. His leadership strengthened cooperation among Western militaries and solidified Germany’s position in NATO. Speidel later published memoirs reflecting on his wartime experiences and post-war service. He is remembered for bridging eras in German military history and fostering international collaboration.

Ambrogio Gianotti was an Italian Catholic priest who joined the anti-fascist partisan movement during World War II. He provided moral guidance and support to fellow resistance fighters while fulfilling his clerical responsibilities. Gianotti’s participation exemplified the courage of religious figures in opposing tyranny and aiding liberation. After the war, he resumed his pastoral work and contributed to rebuilding war-torn communities. His dual role highlights the complex interplay between faith and political resistance in wartime Italy. Gianotti’s legacy endures in stories of sacrifice and moral conviction. Though lesser known, his life embodies the spirit of resilience against oppression.

Ion Mihai Pacepa was born in Romania in 1928 and rose to become a two-star general in the Securitate, Romania's secret police. As chief of foreign intelligence under President Nicolae Ceaușescu, he oversaw international espionage activities for the Communist regime. In 1978, Pacepa defected to the United States, seeking asylum and providing key documents that illuminated the inner workings of Soviet bloc intelligence. His memoir, 'Red Horizons,' became a bestseller and revealed details of political assassinations and covert operations. After defecting, he served as an adviser to U.S. agencies and lectured widely on espionage and Communist tactics. Pacepa died in 2021, leaving behind a controversial legacy as the highest-ranking defector from the Eastern Bloc.

Andrew Bridgen is a British politician and former soldier. He was elected as Conservative MP for North West Leicestershire in 2010 and has held the seat since. Before politics, he served as a commissioned officer in the British Army reserves and worked in the shipping industry. He has been involved in national issues such as small business support and international trade policy. Known for his outspoken views, he has contributed to debates on defense and healthcare reform. He continues to serve his constituents and hold positions within parliamentary committees.