May 25

Louis Franchet d'Espèrey was an Algerian-born French general best known for commanding Allied operations on the Macedonian front in World War I. He orchestrated the decisive 1918 Salonika offensive that helped break the Central Powers’ lines in the Balkans. His leadership secured crucial victories that hastened the end of the war in the region. After hostilities ceased, he served as Chief of the French General Staff and was promoted to Marshal of France in 1921. He remained a respected figure in military circles until his death in 1942.

Günther Lütjens was a senior admiral in the German Kriegsmarine best known for commanding the battleship Bismarck on its maiden combat voyage. Born in 1889, he rose through the ranks during World War I and continued his naval career in the interwar period. In May 1941, Lütjens led Operation Rheinübung, aiming to disrupt Allied shipping in the Atlantic. The mission ended when Bismarck sank HMS Hood but was later hunted down and sunk by British forces, resulting in Lütjens’ death. His decisions during the operation have been studied for their strategic boldness and controversy. Lütjens is remembered as a disciplined officer whose leadership marked a significant episode in naval warfare history.

James Joseph Tunney emerged as a dominant heavyweight boxer in the 1920s, capturing the world title by defeating Jack Dempsey in 1926 and again in the famed "Long Count" rematch of 1927. A decorated veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Tunney's disciplined approach and analytical style set him apart in the ring. He retired undefeated in world title bouts, holding the championship until his voluntary retirement in 1928. After boxing, he earned a law degree from Georgetown University and practiced law in New York. Tunney's legacy influenced modern boxing tactics and sportsmanship, earning him induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Born in County Mayo, Lennon commanded the West Mayo Brigade of the IRA during the Irish War of Independence, orchestrating key operations against British forces. During the subsequent Civil War, he became disillusioned by the internecine conflict and renounced violence. Lennon embraced pacifism and Christian faith, later teaching in Ireland and the United States. His memoir, "The Price of Liberty", provides a candid perspective on Ireland’s fight for independence and its aftermath. Lennon’s life story embodies the complexities of revolution and reconciliation in early 20th-century Ireland.

Dean Rockwell was a United States Navy officer who served with distinction during World War II, participating in key operations including the Battle of Okinawa. An accomplished athlete, he won a silver medal in freestyle wrestling at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. After his military service, Rockwell transitioned to coaching at universities and national teams, mentoring future Olympic athletes. His innovative training methods and emphasis on discipline helped elevate American wrestling on the global stage. Rockwell’s legacy endures through the countless athletes he trained and the contributions he made to both the military and sports communities.

Heinrich Bär served as a fighter pilot in the German Luftwaffe, achieving over 200 aerial victories during World War II. He was appointed Gruppenkommandeur and later Geschwaderkommodore, leading units on both the Eastern and Western Fronts. Decorated with the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, Bär was renowned for his tactical skill and resilience. After the war, he briefly served in the post-war German Air Force before retiring from military service. Bär’s combat record and leadership made him one of the most celebrated and controversial figures in aviation history.

Yahya Jammeh (born 1965) is a Gambian colonel turned politician who led a military coup in 1994 and ruled as President of the Gambia until 2017. His administration initiated various development programs but faced international criticism for alleged human rights abuses and political repression. Jammeh cultivated a public persona around his claimed healing powers and controversial pronouncements. After losing the 2016 election, he refused to step down before eventually going into exile. His tenure remains deeply polarizing in Gambian history, with debates over his impact on the nation's democratic institutions.