March 02

Born in Philadelphia in 1842, Ulric Eugene Dahlgren was the youngest son of naval innovator John A. Dahlgren. He joined the Union Army at age 19 and quickly rose to the rank of colonel. In March 1864, he volunteered for a secret mission to liberate Union prisoners in Richmond, Virginia. The ambitious Dahlgren Raid was compromised by Confederate forces, leading to his death in combat. Controversy erupted when documents allegedly found on his body suggested plans to burn Richmond and assassinate Confederate leaders. This so-called Dahlgren Affair fueled outrage in the North and South alike. Dahlgren's legacy endures in military history as a blend of boldness and tragedy.

Jubal Anderson Early was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1816 and graduated from West Point in 1837. He served in the Mexican-American War before returning to civilian life as a lawyer and planter. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Early joined the Confederate Army and quickly rose to division and corps command. He earned a reputation for bold raids, including the 1864 raid on Washington, D.C., that reached Fort Stevens. Despite occasional battlefield successes, Early struggled against Union forces in the Shenandoah Valley campaigns. After the war, he wrote memoirs defending the Confederate cause and became a voice in Southern memory of the conflict. Early's controversial legacy reflects both his military skill and his role in Lost Cause ideology.

George E. Stewart was born in 1872 and embarked on a distinguished military career in the United States Army. He achieved the rank of colonel and was awarded the Medal of Honor for acts of valor under fire. Stewart’s leadership and courage exemplified the highest traditions of military service. Throughout his service, he mentored soldiers and led troops in challenging conditions. He died in 1946, remembered as a decorated officer and American hero.

Born in Lansford, North Dakota, in 1919, Kleppe served as an Army lieutenant during World War II before entering public service. He represented North Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1967 to 1971 and again from 1975 to 1977. In 1975, President Gerald Ford appointed him as the 41st United States Secretary of the Interior, where he oversaw national parks, public lands, and resource management. Kleppe navigated complex issues such as energy development and environmental conservation during a turbulent period. After leaving office in 1977, he taught political science and remained active in regional affairs. He died in 2007, remembered for his commitment to public service and land stewardship.

Ivan Safronov served as a colonel in the Russian Air Force before becoming a respected defense correspondent. He wrote in-depth articles on military procurement and Russia's defense industry for leading newspapers. His fearless reporting shed light on complex defense issues and earned him a reputation for integrity. In 2007, Safronov died under mysterious circumstances after falling from his apartment balcony, sparking widespread speculation. He is remembered for his dedication to uncovering the truth in a challenging field.

Van Thomas Barfoot joined the U.S. Army in 1940 and served with distinction in World War II. In Italy in 1943, he single-handedly charged two machine-gun nests and captured 16 enemy soldiers. For his bravery, Barfoot was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman. He continued to serve in the Korean War and retired as a colonel in 1967. Barfoot remained a symbol of courage and leadership until his death in 2012 at age 92.

Dean E. Hess (1917–2015) was an American Lutheran minister and U.S. Air Force colonel known for his humanitarian efforts during the Korean War. Nicknamed the 'Angel of Mercy', he organized the dramatic evacuation of hundreds of orphans, an operation immortalized in the film 'Battle Hymn'. Hess graduated from Wittenberg College and Seminary before serving in World War II and Korea. After the war, he continued his ministry, founding orphanages and supporting relief work in South Korea. His dedication to service blended his pastoral calling with his military leadership, earning him numerous commendations.

Lin Hu was born in 1927 and joined the People's Liberation Army Air Force early in his military career. He rose through the ranks over several decades, earning a reputation as a strategic leader and innovator. As lieutenant general, he oversaw key modernization programs to enhance China's air defense capabilities. He played a central role in developing flight training and operational doctrine. Known for his commitment to professional excellence, he mentored a new generation of officers. After retiring, he continued to consult on national defense projects until his passing in 2018.