May 24

Hugues de Payens, who died in 1136, was one of the nine founding members of the Knights Templar, a revolutionary medieval military order. Appointed as the first Grand Master around 1119, he oversaw the order's organization, adopted its white mantle, and formulated its monastic-military charter. He secured papal endorsement and attracted funding and recruits from European nobility. Under his leadership, the Templars established fortified bases in the Holy Land and offered protection to pilgrims. His efforts laid the groundwork for what became one of the most powerful and influential military orders of the Crusades.

Ambroise de Loré (1396-1456) was a distinguished French nobleman and commander during the later stages of the Hundred Years' War. He joined Charles VII's forces and played a key role in lifting the siege of Orleans in 1429, fighting alongside Joan of Arc. Loré also led troops at the battles of Jargeau and Patay, contributing to critical French victories. After the war, he served as lieutenant-general of Normandy, helping to secure royal authority in the region. His military career exemplifies the evolution of French tactics and the rise of national armies. He remains celebrated for his loyalty and valor in France's struggle for independence from English rule.

Born in 1718 into an aristocratic family, George Brydges Rodney embarked on a naval career that spanned the War of Austrian Succession and the Seven Years’ War. He achieved fame for his daring tactics, most notably at the Battle of the Saintes in 1782 where he secured a decisive victory over the French fleet. In recognition of his service, Rodney was created Baron Rodney and later served as Governor of Newfoundland. He also held seats in Parliament and briefly participated in political affairs. Rodney’s strategic innovations, including the 'breaking the line' maneuver, influenced naval warfare for generations. He died in 1792, remembered as one of Britain’s greatest 18th-century admirals.

John Campbell, 5th Duke of Argyll, was born in 1723 into one of Scotland’s most powerful families. He pursued a military career in the British Army, rising to the rank of field marshal through service in Europe and against Jacobite forces. Campbell also held political office as Lord Lieutenant of Argyllshire and sat in the House of Lords. Known for his leadership and administrative abilities, he managed local governance and supported improvements in his estates. His dual roles in military and civil affairs exemplified the responsibilities of British aristocracy in the 18th century. He died in 1806, having maintained Argyll’s influence in both Westminster and Scotland.

Elmer E. Ellsworth was born in 1837 in Malta, New York, and became a close friend and the first personal guest of Abraham Lincoln in Washington. He organized and commanded the 11th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, known as the 'Fire Zouaves', and served as the first Union colonel of the Civil War. On May 24, 1861, Ellsworth was tragically killed while removing a Confederate flag from the Marshall House inn in Alexandria, Virginia. His death made him a Union martyr and inspired enlistment for the Northern cause. Lincoln personally mourned his loss, and Ellsworth’s funeral train drew large crowds as it passed through multiple states. He is remembered for his youthful leadership, bravery, and close connection to the president.

John Condon was born in Waterford, Ireland, in 1896 and enlisted in the British Army in 1911, under the legal age limit. He served as a drummer boy in the Royal Munster Fusiliers during World War I. Condon was killed in action on October 24, 1915, at the Battle of Loos, reportedly aged just 14. His grave in Dud Corner Cemetery became a symbol of youthful sacrifice, though later research has questioned his exact age. Condon’s story highlights the experiences of underage soldiers and the human cost of the Great War.

Lancelot Ernest Holland was born in 1887 and joined the Royal Navy as a cadet at a young age. He served with distinction during World War I and rose through the ranks in the interwar years. In 1941 he was appointed commander of the British Home Fleet's Battlecruiser Squadron aboard HMS Hood. His leadership and tactical decisions were highly respected by his peers and crew. On 24 May 1941, HMS Hood engaged the German battleship Bismarck in the Denmark Strait and was catastrophically hit. Admiral Holland went down with his flagship, symbolizing the sacrifice of the Royal Navy. He is remembered as a courageous leader who gave his life in service of his country.

Robert Ritter von Greim was born in Munich in 1892 and began his military career as an aviator in World War I. He scored 28 aerial victories and was awarded the Pour le Mérite for his bravery. During the interwar period he remained in the nascent Luftwaffe and rose steadily through the ranks. In April 1945 he was personally appointed by Adolf Hitler to replace Hermann Göring as commander-in-chief of the Luftwaffe. He attempted to rally Germany's air defenses in a hopeless situation as Allied forces closed in. After Germany's surrender he was captured and died shortly thereafter. He is remembered as one of Germany's last field marshals and an early aviation pioneer.

Field Marshal Archibald Percival Wavell was born in 1883 and had a distinguished military career during both World Wars. He commanded British forces in the Middle East, earning praise for his leadership in North Africa. In 1943 he was appointed Viceroy and Governor-General of India, overseeing the subcontinent during a critical phase of the independence movement and World War II. Wavell worked to maintain stability and support the Allied war effort while managing complex political dynamics. After returning to Britain in 1947, he remained involved in defense and public affairs. He was known for his diplomatic skills and moderate stance on Indian self-government. Wavell died in 1950, remembered as both a soldier's soldier and a compassionate administrator.

Thomas Finley Connolly graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1932 and became a naval aviator. He served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, commanding carrier-based squadrons in major operations. After the war, he held senior staff positions and contributed to the development of naval aviation tactics and technology. Connolly advocated for a modernized fleet and played a key role in Cold War naval strategy. He was appointed Deputy Chief of Naval Operations and later served as Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy. His leadership and technical expertise left a lasting impact on the U.S. Navy.

Born in 1922, Klaas Carel Faber joined the Waffen-SS during World War II and participated in anti-partisan operations in occupied territories. After the war, he was arrested and convicted of war crimes in the Netherlands. In 1952, Faber escaped from prison and fled to Germany, where he lived under an assumed name. Despite extradition requests, he avoided legal repercussions and his case drew international attention. He died in Germany in 2012, leaving behind a controversial legacy and ongoing questions about justice for Holocaust victims.

John Vasconcellos (1932–2014) was a California state senator and assemblyman for over 30 years. Before his political career, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. A trained lawyer, Vasconcellos advocated for mental health reform and personal development policies. He authored groundbreaking legislation on stem cell research and education funding. Known for his charisma and wit, he became a beloved figure in San Jose politics. His work left a lasting impact on California’s social and medical research landscape.