March 24

Born into a humble family, Yue Fei rose through the ranks of the Song military by demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic skill. He led numerous campaigns against the Jurchen invaders, reclaiming significant territory. Beyond battlefield achievements, he embodied the Confucian ideal of loyalty, famously serving his emperor without hesitation. His dedication was immortalized in countless poems and legends that portrayed him as the epitome of heroism. Although his life was cut short by political intrigue, his legend endured, and he remains a symbol of patriotism in Chinese culture.

Renowned for his command of the Dutch fleet, De Ruyter displayed exceptional maritime strategy and leadership. He orchestrated daring raids and fought decisive battles against English and French forces, including the Raid on the Medway. His reforms improved ship coordination and crew training, enhancing the Dutch navy's effectiveness. De Ruyter's professionalism and chivalry earned him respect from allies and adversaries alike. His legacy endures as one of the greatest naval commanders of the 17th century.

Ignacio Zaragoza was a Mexican general born on March 24, 1829. He led Mexican forces to a decisive victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, a triumph that became known as Cinco de Mayo. Zaragoza’s tactical skill and inspiring leadership helped rally his troops against a better-equipped enemy. He studied at Mexico City’s Military Academy and quickly rose through the ranks due to his dedication and bravery. His success at Puebla became a symbol of Mexican resistance and national pride. Tragically, Zaragoza died of typhoid fever just months after the battle, at the age of 32. His legacy endures in Mexican history and annual celebrations honoring his heroism.

Born in 1834 in Mount Morris, New York, John Wesley Powell served as a Union Army officer during the American Civil War. After the war, he became a pioneering geologist and led the landmark 1869 expedition down the Green and Colorado Rivers. He was the first person to navigate the full length of the Grand Canyon, mapping its course and documenting its geology in detail. Powell later directed the U.S. Geological Survey and advocated for the conservation and scientific study of Western landscapes. His work laid the foundation for modern American geology and inspired future exploration of the American West.

Donald Hamilton was born in Uppsala, Sweden, in 1916 and later moved to the United States. He served as a soldier during World War II before pursuing a writing career. Hamilton created the character Matt Helm, a covert operative featured in a popular series of spy novels beginning in the 1960s. The books combined realistic espionage with dry humor, influencing the spy genre in literature and film. Hamilton wrote over two dozen novels and short stories, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. His background in the military lent authenticity to his action-packed narratives. Beyond Matt Helm, he wrote Westerns and received critical acclaim for his versatile storytelling. Hamilton continued writing until his death in 2006, leaving a legacy of thrilling fiction.