November 15

Erwin Rommel (1891–1944) was born in Heidenheim, Germany, and became one of the most respected German commanders of World War II. He earned his reputation in the North African campaign, where his strategic brilliance and bold tactics earned him the nickname 'Desert Fox'. Rommel brought mobility and surprise to desert warfare, deeply influencing tank tactics. He commanded Army Group B during the defense of France against the Allied invasion in 1944. Though a loyal soldier, he was implicated in the July 20 plot against Hitler and forced to commit suicide. Rommel was admired by friend and foe alike for his chivalry and humane treatment of prisoners. His legacy endures in military studies, where his operational methods remain widely analyzed and taught.

Avdy Andresson fought in the Estonian War of Independence after the fall of the Russian Empire. He emigrated to the United States in the 1930s but remained active in Estonian exile circles. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army before returning to advocate for his homeland. From 1964 to 1990, he served as Minister of War in the Estonian government-in-exile. He lobbied Western governments to recognize Estonia’s occupation by the Soviet Union. Andresson’s efforts kept the cause of Estonian independence alive until his death.

General Curtis LeMay reorganized the Allied strategic bombing campaign over Europe during World War II. He later served as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force from 1961 to 1965, modernizing nuclear deterrence. LeMay advocated for massive retaliation and the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles. In 1968, he ran for Vice President on the American Independent Party ticket with George Wallace. Known for his blunt style, he remains a controversial figure in military history. LeMay’s innovations shaped Cold War air strategy for generations.

Claus Philipp Maria Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg was born on November 15, 1907, into a Bavarian noble family. He rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the German army during World War II. He became a key member of the German resistance, appalled by the regime's crimes. On July 20, 1944, he planted a bomb intended to assassinate Adolf Hitler at his Wolf's Lair headquarters. The plot failed, and he was executed by firing squad the next day. Stauffenberg is remembered as a courageous symbol of moral opposition to dictatorship.

Yi Wu was born on November 15, 1912. He served as a colonel in the Japanese-Korean military during World War II. Details of his life and military career remain relatively obscure. He died in 1945 amidst the final stages of the conflict. His service reflects the complex historical relationships between Korea and Japan during that era.