March 17

Jim Bridger was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1804 and moved west with his family in childhood. He built a reputation as a skilled trapper and hunter while working for the Rocky Mountain Fur Company. Bridger guided expeditions for John Jacob Astor's Pacific Fur Company and later established Fort Bridger in present-day Wyoming as a vital resupply point. He was among the first American explorers to view the Great Salt Lake and Yellowstone region. Known for his frontier knowledge and relations with Native American tribes, Bridger served as a scout during the American Indian Wars. He retired to a ranch in Missouri, where he passed away in 1881, revered as one of the great pioneers of the Old West.

Lawrence Oates (1880–1912) was a British cavalry officer turned Antarctic explorer. He joined Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition in 1910 and conducted support work at Cape Evans. Plagued by severe frostbite and illness during the return from the South Pole, his condition threatened his companions’ survival. In a final act of selflessness, Oates walked into a blizzard to improve his team’s chances, famously saying, “I am just going outside and may be some time.” His sacrifice has become emblematic of courage and duty in the age of polar exploration. Oates’s legacy endures in mountaineering lore and commemorations of Antarctic heroism.

Born in Chicago in 1936, Mattingly graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and became a naval aviator. He was originally slated to fly on Apollo 13 but was grounded by measles, narrowly avoiding the mission's crisis. Mattingly later served as the lunar module pilot on Apollo 16, exploring the Moon's highlands. He commanded Space Shuttle missions STS-4 and STS-51-C, showcasing shuttle capabilities in research and national security. Promoted to Rear Admiral, he became Chief of the Astronaut Office, shaping crew training and mission planning. His leadership and resilience advanced NASA's human spaceflight program during its formative years. Mattingly retired in 1996 after a distinguished career spanning both the Navy and NASA.

Born in 1939, Knox-Johnston developed his seamanship on square-rigged ships before entering yacht racing. In 1968–69, he won the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race by completing the first solo nonstop circumnavigation. Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1995 for his maritime achievements, he remained active in competitive sailing. He founded the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, offering amateur sailors an ocean-going challenge. Knox-Johnston’s commitment to ocean conservation led him to support environmental campaigns and charities. He has authored several books recounting his exploits and insights into solo exploration. His groundbreaking voyage continues to inspire adventurers and sailors worldwide.