February 20

Born in 1341, Henry Percy inherited vast estates in northern England and rose to prominence under King Edward III. Appointed Earl Marshal in 1377, he oversaw royal armies and funerary ceremonies. Percy played a key role in suppressing the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 and maintained order along the Scottish border. He cultivated influence at Richard II’s court but later supported Henry IV’s accession in 1399. Percy’s tenure was marked by administrative reforms and castle construction in Northumberland. His patronage extended to religious houses and local guilds. Dying in 1408, he left a powerful legacy, continued by his famed son “Hotspur.”

Born in Scotland in 1725, Lachlan McIntosh emigrated to colonial Georgia and became a leading military figure. He served under James Oglethorpe and distinguished himself during the French and Indian War. As a general in the Continental Army, he played a key role in defending Georgia during the American Revolution. He engaged in a famous rivalry and duel with Button Gwinnett but was later acquitted of charges. After the war, he was active in state politics and helped negotiate treaties with Native American tribes. His leadership and commitment to independence left a lasting legacy in early American history.

Born in 1794, Valentín Canalizo began his military career fighting in the Mexican War of Independence. A trusted ally of Antonio López de Santa Anna, he rose through the ranks to become a general. He twice assumed the presidency on an interim basis (1843–44 and 1844–45) during turbulent political times. Canalizo supported conservative policies and centralized authority, often facing liberal opposition. After his political tenure, he served in various administrative roles until his death in 1850. His contributions reflect the challenges of governance in post-independence Mexico.

Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard was born in Louisiana in 1818 into a Creole family. A graduate of West Point, he became an engineer before joining the Confederate cause in 1861. Beauregard ordered the bombardment at Fort Sumter, igniting the American Civil War. He led Confederate forces to victory at the First Battle of Bull Run, shaping early war strategy. After the war, he worked as a railroad executive and in public service in Louisiana. Beauregard’s military acumen and complex legacy continue to fascinate historians.

Born in 1885 in Fredericksburg, Texas, Nimitz graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1905. He served on submarines and surface ships before rising through the ranks. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Nimitz was appointed Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet. He masterminded key victories at Midway and in the island-hopping campaign against Japan. In 1945, he became Chief of Naval Operations, overseeing post-war demobilization. Nimitz retired in 1947 and died in 1966, celebrated as one of America's greatest naval leaders.

Ernest L. Massad was born in 1908 and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1930. He served with distinction during World War II in the European Theater, earning several commendations for leadership under fire. After the war, he held various command and staff positions, demonstrating his strategic acumen and dedication to troop welfare. During the Korean War, Massad was promoted to brigadier general and oversaw key support operations. Known for his professionalism and commitment to training, he influenced the development of modern U.S. Army doctrine. In the later stages of his career, he contributed to high-level military planning at the Pentagon. Massad retired as a major general and remained active in veterans’ affairs until his death on February 20, 1993.

He graduated from the Pakistan Air Force Academy in 1966 and rose through the ranks with distinguished service during the Bangladesh Liberation War and subsequent conflicts. In 2000, he was appointed Chief of Air Staff, overseeing a major modernization program that expanded the PAF's capabilities. He championed the induction of new aircraft, upgraded training programs, and improved international cooperation. Renowned for his strategic acumen and commitment to professional excellence, he strengthened Pakistan's aerial defense posture. He passed away on February 20, 2003, leaving behind a legacy of visionary leadership.

He was born on May 9, 1918, in Minneapolis and served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. After the war, he earned a law degree from New York University and practiced law before entering politics. Elected Governor of Minnesota in 1954, he championed rural electrification, education reform, and civil rights initiatives during two terms in office. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy appointed him U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, where he helped expand food assistance programs and supported modern farming techniques. He continued in the role under President Lyndon B. Johnson, navigating the challenges of the 1960s agricultural economy. After leaving public office, he returned to legal practice and remained active in civic affairs. He passed away on February 20, 2003, remembered for his dedication to rural communities and agricultural policy.

Alexander Meigs Haig Jr. was a four-star U.S. Army general and influential political figure. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1947 and served in key NATO command positions during the Cold War. Haig became White House Chief of Staff under Presidents Nixon and Ford, guiding policy during turbulent times. In 1981, President Reagan appointed him as the 59th United States Secretary of State, where he played a critical diplomatic role in the Falklands conflict. He later authored memoirs and remained a commentator on international affairs. Haig's career bridged military and political spheres, shaping U.S. policy in the late 20th century. He died in 2010, leaving a complex legacy in both defense and diplomacy.

Walter D. Ehlers was a United States Army officer and Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in World War II. Born in 1921, he served with the 2nd Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment during the Normandy campaign. On June 18, 1944, near Carentan, France, then-Lieutenant Ehlers led his platoon under intense fire, neutralizing enemy positions. His extraordinary courage and leadership earned him the nation's highest military decoration. After the war, he continued serving in the Army Reserve and worked in civilian business. Ehlers dedicated much of his later life to veterans' causes and educational outreach. He passed away in 2014, remembered as a hero of the D-Day invasion and an advocate for fellow servicemen.