November 21

Joseph Plumb Martin was born in 1760 in Connecticut and enlisted in the Continental Army at the age of 16. He served as a sergeant throughout the Revolutionary War, enduring the hardships of Valley Forge and numerous engagements. After the war, Martin penned an extensive memoir detailing daily life, battles, and the struggles of common soldiers. His narrative, published posthumously, offers one of the most comprehensive first-person accounts of the war. Martin's observations shed light on the personal sacrifices and resilience of American troops. Today, his writings remain a valuable resource for historians and enthusiasts of early American history.

Mikhail Suslov was a key Soviet political figure who served as the party's chief ideologist. Born in 1902 in the Russian Empire, he joined the Bolshevik Party in 1921 and rose through its ranks. As head of the Central Committee's Ideological Department, he enforced party orthodoxy during the Cold War. Suslov played a pivotal role in leadership successions after Stalin's death and influenced domestic and foreign policy. He also held posts in the Politburo and was known for his hardline stance against liberal reforms. Suslov died in 1982, leaving a legacy as the USSR's "grey cardinal" of ideology.

Sid Luckman (1916–1998) was an American football quarterback for the Chicago Bears and a pioneer of the T-formation offense. After a standout college career at Columbia University, he joined the Bears in 1939 under coach George Halas. Luckman led the team to NFL championships in 1940, 1941, 1943, and 1946. During World War II, he served as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces. Known for his precision passing and leadership, Luckman was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965.

Chung Il-kwon (1917–1994) was a South Korean general, diplomat, and statesman who played a critical role in his country's post-war development. He served in the Republic of Korea Army during the Korean War, commanding troops in key battles. After the war, Chung became ambassador to the United Kingdom before holding cabinet positions as Foreign Minister from 1963 to 1971. He also served two terms as Prime Minister, overseeing economic and diplomatic initiatives. His leadership helped shape modern South Korea's international relations and domestic progress.

Veljko Kadijević was a Yugoslav People's Army general who served as the Federal Secretary of People's Defence from 1988 to 1992. Born in Croatia, he rose through the military ranks after World War II to become one of the most powerful figures in Yugoslavia’s government. Kadijević oversaw the army during the conflicts in Slovenia and Croatia, playing a central role in the state’s response to secessionist movements. He was both criticized and praised for his actions during the breakup of Yugoslavia. After retiring, he settled in Moscow and remained involved in military studies. In 2009, Croatia sought his extradition for war crimes, but legal proceedings were ultimately dropped. Kadijević’s career reflects the turbulent end of the Cold War in the Balkans.

Henry 'Hoot' Hartsfield was an American Air Force colonel and NASA astronaut born in 1933. He served as a test pilot and logged over 12 hours in space across three Space Shuttle missions, including STS-4 and STS-41-D. He played a key role in deploying satellites and conducting scientific experiments in microgravity. After retiring from NASA, he worked to improve astronaut training programs and support future space endeavors. He received the Legion of Merit and NASA Distinguished Service Medal for his contributions to aeronautics and space exploration. Hartsfield's career inspired generations of pilots and scientists to reach for the stars.

Richard Marcinko was born in 1940 and joined the United States Navy in 1958. He became one of the founding officers of SEAL Team Six, the Navy's premier counter-terrorism unit. Marcinko served multiple combat tours in Vietnam, earning a reputation for unorthodox tactics. After retiring from active duty in 1989, he wrote several best-selling books, including 'Rogue Warrior,' detailing his military experiences. He founded a private security firm and consulted for law enforcement agencies. Marcinko's leadership style and training methods have influenced special operations forces worldwide. He passed away in 2021, leaving a legacy as a pioneering figure in modern naval warfare.

Born in 1948 in Amchit, Lebanon, Michel Suleiman graduated from the Lebanese Military Academy and rose through the armed forces ranks. As Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, he worked to maintain national stability during regional conflicts. In 2008, he was elected President by parliament amid domestic political turmoil. Suleiman focused on national reconciliation, disarmament of militias, and post-war reconstruction. He championed dialogue among Lebanon's diverse communities and sought to strengthen state institutions. After his presidency, he has remained active in diplomatic and veteran affairs. His tenure is remembered for efforts to unite a divided nation.