June 02

Rutger von Ascheberg, born in 1621 in Courland, joined Swedish service as a young officer and made his mark during the Thirty Years' War. Renowned for his leadership and tactical acumen, he advanced to the rank of Field Marshal. Ascheberg commanded troops in key engagements across Europe and later served as a military governor. His organizational reforms and defensive strategies influenced Swedish military doctrine. Beyond the battlefield, he held prominent civil positions in Swedish Pomerania. He passed away in 1693, celebrated as one of Sweden's foremost military figures.

Born in 1739, Jabez Bowen built a distinguished career in colonial Rhode Island as both a militia colonel and a public servant. He played a key role in local defense and civic administration during the decades surrounding American independence. As a colonel in the Rhode Island militia, he was involved in organizing and supporting military efforts. Elected Deputy Governor, he oversaw legislative matters and governance from the late 18th century into the early republic. Bowen was respected for his leadership, dedication to public duty, and efforts to shape the young state’s institutions. He remained active in politics until his death in 1815, leaving a legacy of service in Rhode Island’s early government.

Born in 1891, Takijirō Ōnishi was an admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy and a pioneering naval aviator. Throughout his career, he advocated for the strategic potential of air power and helped design training programs for carrier-based aircraft. As World War II progressed and Japan faced mounting losses, Ōnishi proposed and organized tokkotai special attack units, later known as kamikaze, believing that such measures could turn the tide of the conflict. His leadership in aerial operations earned him both respect and notoriety. Following Japan's surrender, he expressed deep remorse for the lives lost and committed ritual suicide in 1945. His role continues to provoke debate over wartime ethics and sacrifice.

Charles 'Pete' Conrad was born in 1930 in Pennsylvania and became a naval aviator and test pilot. Selected by NASA in 1962, he flew on the Gemini 5 and Gemini 11 missions, demonstrating exceptional piloting skill. In 1969, as commander of Apollo 12, he became the third human to set foot on the lunar surface. Conrad later commanded the first crewed Skylab mission, contributing to long-duration spaceflight research. He logged over 500 flight hours in space and received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. After retiring from NASA and the Navy, he worked in industry before his death in a motorcycle accident in 1999.