May 27

Born in 1378 as the sixteenth son of the Hongwu Emperor, he was appointed Prince of Ning and led campaigns against rebels and pirates. A scholar at court, he compiled historical records and wrote treatises on tea culture and music. An accomplished playwright, he authored several dramas that reflected Ming politics and aesthetics. He also amassed an impressive art collection and patronized artists and scholars. His diverse talents bridged military leadership, historiography, and literature in early Ming China. He died in 1448 after a life of service and creativity.

Francis Beaufort was born in 1774 in County Meath, Ireland, and joined the Royal Navy at age twelve. He distinguished himself in hydrographic surveys, mapping coastlines and improving navigational charts. In 1805 he devised the Beaufort scale, standardizing the classification of wind speed—a system still used worldwide. Rising to the rank of rear admiral, he later served as Hydrographer of the Navy, overseeing chart production and maritime records. A founder of the Royal Meteorological Society, he promoted scientific approaches to weather observation and data collection. Beaufort’s blend of practical seamanship and scientific innovation significantly advanced both naval operations and meteorology. He died in 1857, leaving a legacy honored in his eponymous wind scale.

Born in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, Yasuhiro Nakasone graduated from Tokyo Imperial University. He served in the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. After the war, he was elected to the House of Representatives and became a close ally of Prime Minister Hayato Ikeda. He held various cabinet posts including Minister of International Trade and Industry before becoming Prime Minister in 1982. As Prime Minister, he championed privatization of state-owned companies such as Japanese National Railways and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone. He strengthened Japan's alliance with the United States and fostered closer ties with Western leaders such as Ronald Reagan. After leaving office in 1987, he continued to influence Japanese politics as an elder statesman until his death in 2019.

Otto Carius was born in Zweibrücken, Germany, in 1922 and volunteered for the Wehrmacht in 1940. He became a tank commander on the Eastern Front and was credited with destroying over 150 enemy tanks. Carius received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for his battlefield achievements. After the war, he earned a degree in pharmacy and opened his own pharmacy in Bockenheim. He wrote several memoirs detailing his wartime experiences and views on armored warfare. Carius remained active in veterans' circles and was sought after for his insights into World War II history. He passed away in 2015, remembered for both his wartime service and his postwar career in pharmacy.

John Chapple had a distinguished military career spanning over four decades. He rose to the rank of field marshal after key leadership roles in NATO and the British Army. In 1993, he was appointed Governor of Gibraltar, representing the Crown in the territory. Chapple was known for his commitment to service and military modernization. He maintained strong ties with veteran organizations after retiring in 1994 and remained a respected figure until his death in 2022.

Sir Benjamin Bathurst is a senior officer in the British Royal Navy born in 1936. He has held various command positions, including leadership of frigate and destroyer squadrons. Bathurst contributed to naval operations during the Cold War and played key roles in NATO maritime strategy. He served as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces in Northern Europe and later as President of the Royal Naval College. Knighted for his service, Bathurst has been recognized with honors such as the KCB and CBE. After retiring, he continued to support naval charities and worked as a strategic defense consultant. Bathurst's career exemplifies dedication to service and strategic leadership within the Royal Navy.

Yves Duhaime began his career as an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces before entering provincial politics in Quebec. Elected as a Member of the National Assembly for the Parti Québécois in 1970, he served under Premiers René Lévesque and Jacques Parizeau. Duhaime held key portfolios including Municipal Affairs and Tourism, applying his leadership skills to public administration. He was known for his advocacy of Quebec's economic development and social programs. After leaving politics in the mid-1980s, he continued to work in consulting and community leadership roles. Duhaime's contributions helped shape Quebec's policy landscape during a period of significant cultural and political change.