November 21

James Barry Munnik Hertzog (1866–1942) was a Boer War general and influential South African politician. He fought in the Second Boer War and later became leader of the National Party. Hertzog served as Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa from 1924 to 1939, promoting Afrikaner interests. His policies emphasized racial segregation and economic self-sufficiency for white farmers. After losing a coalition vote, he retired from politics and died on November 21, 1942, leaving a complex legacy.

Born in Franklin, Kentucky, in 1889, Patch graduated from West Point in 1910. He served in both World War I and World War II. In World War II, he commanded the Seventh U.S. Army in France and Germany, playing a pivotal role in the liberation of Europe. His leadership at the Battle of the Vosges and the crossing of the Rhine earned him widespread recognition. Patch was known for his aggressive tactics and concern for his troops' welfare. He died of a heart attack in 1945 shortly after the end of the war.

Born in New York City in 1873, Harrison served as a U.S. Congressman from New York. In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson appointed him Governor-General of the Philippines. He pursued a policy of Filipinization, transferring civil authority to Filipino leaders. Under his tenure, the Philippines saw expanded local representation and social reforms. Harrison returned to the U.S. and remained engaged in Democratic politics and international affairs. He died in 1957, remembered for his progressive administration in the Philippines.

Born in 1920, Kaysone Phomvihane was a founding member of the Pathet Lao and played a central role in Laos's struggle for independence and socialist transformation. After the fall of the royal government in 1975, he served as the country's first Prime Minister under the new communist regime, guiding policy and governance for over fifteen years. In 1991, he was appointed the 2nd President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, continuing his leadership until his death. Known for his strategic vision and close ties with Vietnam, Kaysone oversaw land reforms, nationalization of key industries, and efforts to rebuild a war-torn nation. His tenure established the foundations of modern Laos's political system and foreign relations.

Alfred Anderson (1896–2005) was a Scottish soldier and one of the last surviving veterans of World War I. He served with the Black Watch regiment and took part in the famous 1914 Christmas truce, forging friendships with enemy soldiers in the trenches. Severely wounded during the Battle of Loos in 1915, Anderson recovered and returned to civilian life after the war. He remained a living link to a pivotal moment in history, recounting his experiences in interviews and documentaries. Anderson's longevity allowed him to witness nearly a century of social change before his passing at the age of 109. His stories of camaraderie and humanity during wartime continue to resonate with historians and the public alike.

Born in 1926, Tôn Thất Đính rose through the ranks of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) to become one of its senior generals. He was instrumental in planning and executing the 1963 coup against President Ngô Đình Diệm, a pivotal moment in South Vietnamese history. During the Vietnam War, Đính held several key command positions, overseeing operations in critical regions. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, he was detained by the new regime and later released to live in relative obscurity. His career remains a significant subject for scholars examining the complexities of the Vietnam conflict.

Born in 1920, John H. Land enlisted in the U.S. military during World War II, serving with distinction in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he entered politics and was elected mayor of Apopka, Florida, in 1950. Land held the mayoral office for over 60 years across non-consecutive terms, making him one of the longest-serving mayors in U.S. history. He oversaw significant growth in the city, championing community development, infrastructure improvements, and local business initiatives. His leadership earned him respect and recognition throughout Florida, and his impact on Apopka's transformation remains evident today.

Born in 1929, Robert Richardson was commissioned into the British Army and developed a distinguished military career. He undertook various operational and staff roles, including postings with NATO and defense training commands. Richardson later assumed senior leadership positions, overseeing brigade-level formations and strategic planning. He was honored for his service with appointments to the Order of the British Empire. After his retirement, he continued to support military charities and offered mentorship to reservists and junior officers, contributing to the armed forces community.