January 26

Born George Sackville in 1716 into an English noble family. Distinguished himself as a general in the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War. After a court-martial for his conduct at the Battle of Minden, he entered politics. Appointed Secretary of State for the Colonies in 1775 during the American Revolutionary War. His policies and leadership deeply impacted British strategy in North America. Created 1st Viscount Sackville, he died in 1785 leaving a complex legacy of military and political service.

Born Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte in Pau, France, in 1763. Rose to prominence as a Marshal of France under Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1810 elected heir to the Swedish throne and adopted the name Charles John. Became King Charles XIV John of Sweden and Charles III John of Norway in 1818. Founded the Bernadotte dynasty which still reigns in Sweden. Died in 1844, remembered for modernizing Sweden and forging stability after the Napoleonic Wars.

Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) was an American five-star general and Medal of Honor recipient known for his leadership in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Born into a military family, he graduated first in his class at West Point in 1903. As Supreme Commander of Allied Forces, he led the campaign to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation. MacArthur accepted Japan's surrender in Tokyo Bay in 1945 and oversaw postwar reconstruction. During the Korean War, his public disagreements with President Truman led to his dismissal in 1951. His career remains one of the most celebrated and controversial in American military history.

Marc Mitscher (1887-1947) was an American admiral and pioneer of naval aviation in the United States Navy. Born in Hillsboro, Wisconsin, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1906 and earned his wings in 1918. He commanded the carrier task force USS Lexington during the Battle of the Coral Sea and landed damaged ships safely. Later, as commander of Task Force 58, he directed carrier operations in the Marianas and during the Marianas Turkey Shoot. Mitscher's leadership and innovations in carrier tactics were crucial to Allied victory in the Pacific. He retired as vice admiral and was remembered for his strategic vision and dedication to naval aviation.

Louis Zamperini was a standout American distance runner who competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. After enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, his bomber crashed in the Pacific, leading to 47 days adrift at sea and two years in Japanese POW camps. His story of resilience and survival was chronicled in the bestselling memoir 'Unbroken' and later adapted into a major motion picture. Zamperini became an inspirational speaker, sharing his experiences of endurance, forgiveness, and faith until his death in 2014.

Patrick J. Hannifin graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1946 and began his naval career in destroyers and amphibious warfare. He rose through the ranks to command Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet, overseeing major operations during the Cold War. Promoted to Vice Chief of Naval Operations in 1979, he played a critical role in fleet modernization and strategic planning until 1983. Known for his leadership and dedication, Hannifin received multiple service medals, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. After retiring, he continued to advise on naval strategy and mentored young officers, leaving a lasting impact on the Navy.

Joseph Saidu Momoh (1937–2003) was a Sierra Leonean military officer and politician who led his country as its second president. Born in 1937, Momoh rose through the ranks of the Sierra Leone Army before entering politics. In 1985, he succeeded Siaka Stevens and assumed the presidency, implementing economic reforms and infrastructure projects. His tenure was marked by efforts to modernize the military and expand education and health services, though it faced challenges including economic decline and political unrest. In 1992, Momoh was overthrown in a military coup and went into exile. He lived abroad until his death in 2003, remembered for his leadership during a turbulent period in Sierra Leone's history. Momoh's complex legacy continues to be studied in analyses of West African governance.