May 15

Born in 1633 in Saint-Léger-de-Foucherest, France, Vauban joined the French army and quickly gained recognition for his engineering talents. He was appointed inspector of fortifications by Louis XIV and designed or improved over 160 strongholds across France. Vauban developed systematic approaches to siegecraft and defensive works, codified in his influential treatises. He introduced the star fort design and optimized defensive layouts to withstand artillery assaults. Elevated to Marshal of France in 1703, Vauban's innovations greatly enhanced Louis XIV's military power. He died in 1707, leaving a legacy as one of history's greatest military engineers.

Born in the Mani Peninsula in 1786, Plapoutas joined the Filiki Eteria and fought against Ottoman rule from 1821. He commanded forces in key engagements such as the Siege of Tripolitsa and the Battle of Drăgașani. Celebrated for his courage and tactical skill, he earned the nickname 'The Lion of Mani.' After independence, he served as a senior military official and helped organize the new national army. Transitioning to politics, Plapoutas was elected to the National Assembly and held various administrative positions. He opposed foreign intervention but worked to strengthen Greece's sovereignty and institutions. During civil conflicts, he faced exile but was later restored to favor. Plapoutas died in 1864, leaving a legacy as a founding hero of modern Greece.

Born in Valladolid (now Morelia) in 1803, Almonte joined the military and rose to the rank of colonel in the Mexican army. In his diplomatic career, he represented Mexico in London and Washington, negotiating treaties on trade and territorial disputes. As tensions mounted during the French intervention, he aligned with Emperor Maximilian and was appointed regent in 1864. His support for the imperial cause made him a controversial figure among republicans. After the fall of the empire in 1867, Almonte went into exile in Europe and published memoirs on Mexican politics. He advocated for a constitutional monarchy as a path to stability in Mexico. Although his legacy remains complex, his diplomatic skills and unwavering loyalty to his cause are notable. Almonte died in Paris in 1869.

Born in 1841 in Plainfield, Connecticut, Dutton graduated from West Point and served as a Union engineer during the Civil War. After the war, he joined the U.S. Geological Survey to explore the Colorado Plateau. Dutton produced the first comprehensive report on the Grand Canyon's geology, including detailed mapping and analysis of its rock layers. He introduced the concept of 'isostasy' to explain mountain uplift and crustal balance. His publications, such as the 'Tertiary History of the Grand Canyon District', set new standards for geological research. Dutton's fieldwork and writings influenced generations of geologists. Later in life, he taught at military academies and continued his research on tectonics. He died in 1912, recognized as a foundational figure in American geology.

Charles E. Rosendahl (1892–1977) was a distinguished United States Navy admiral and pioneer in naval aviation. He commanded the rigid airship USS Shenandoah and later directed key experiments with airships and aircraft carriers. Rosendahl served as chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics, helping shape naval aviation policy and technology between the World Wars. During World War II, he held senior commands that oversaw carrier operations vital to Allied success in the Pacific. Known for his technical expertise and leadership, he published numerous articles on airship and carrier development. Rosendahl's vision significantly influenced the integration of air power into naval strategy.

Born in 1895, Prescott Bush served as a captain in the U.S. Army during World War I. After the war, he joined Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. and became a prominent investment banker. He was elected as a Republican U.S. Senator for Connecticut in 1952 and served until 1963. Bush helped shape postwar economic policies in Washington and built a powerful political network. He is also remembered as the father of President George H. W. Bush and grandfather of President George W. Bush.

William D. Byron was born in 1895 and served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War I. After the war, he pursued a career in law and entered politics in Maryland. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1938, focusing on veterans' affairs and public works. His promising career ended tragically when he died in an airplane crash in 1941. Byron is remembered for his dedication to service both in uniform and in Congress.

Jean Étienne Valluy was born in 1899 and graduated from the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr. He served with distinction as a junior officer on the Western Front during World War I. During World War II, he rose to divisional and corps command, playing a role in the defense of France in 1940 and later in the liberation efforts. After the war, Valluy held high-level positions overseeing French forces in the early stages of the Indochina conflict. He retired with honors and died in 1970, remembered for his leadership across tumultuous decades.

Sigizmund Levanevsky was born in 1902 of Polish origin and joined the Soviet Air Force, earning the title Hero of the Soviet Union for his daring flights. He participated in groundbreaking long-distance flights over the Arctic, setting distance and endurance records. In 1937, he attempted a transpolar flight aboard an experimental aircraft but vanished over the Arctic Ocean. His disappearance became one of the great mysteries of early aviation. Levanevsky is remembered as a courageous pioneer who expanded the possibilities of flight.

Carl Sanders was an American soldier, pilot, and politician who served as the 74th Governor of Georgia from 1963 to 1967. Born in 1925, he flew B-29 bombers during World War II before entering law and politics. At age 38 he became one of the youngest governors in the state's history. His administration emphasized modernizing education, expanding highways, and fostering economic growth. After leaving office he practiced law and remained active in civic affairs. Sanders is remembered for his moderate leadership and contributions to Georgia's development during a period of rapid change.