June 15

Born in 1330, Edward was the first English Prince of Wales and Duke of Aquitaine, earning the nickname the Black Prince from his distinctive black armor. He led English forces to decisive victories at the Battles of Crécy and Poitiers, capturing the French king John II. His leadership and chivalric reputation embodied the ideals of medieval knighthood. After returning to England wounded, he served as Prince Regent during his father's later reign. He died in 1376, a year before his father, and was mourned as one of England's greatest medieval heroes. His only surviving son succeeded as King Richard II. Edward's life and legend have inspired countless works of literature and art since the Middle Ages.

Born in Scotland in 1792, Thomas Mitchell served in the British Army before becoming Surveyor General of New South Wales. Between 1836 and 1838, he led major expeditions that mapped vast regions of Victoria and the Darling River basin. His detailed surveys and maps provided critical knowledge for colonial settlement and development. Mitchell's reports combined scientific observation with vivid writing, influencing public interest in Australia's interior. He died in Sydney in 1855, leaving a legacy as one of the continent's pioneering explorers.

Born in 1881, Nakajima entered military academy and rose through the ranks of the Imperial Japanese Army. He served in various staff and field positions before being promoted to lieutenant general. Nakajima commanded infantry units during the Second Sino-Japanese War, playing a key role in Japanese operations in China. During World War II, he led troops in Southeast Asia and contributed to strategic planning at Army Headquarters. He died in 1945 amid the turmoil of Japan's final year of the war, leaving a complex legacy in military history.

Léon Degrelle was a Belgian politician who founded and led the fascist Rexist Party before World War II. After his party's decline, he volunteered for the Waffen-SS and commanded Walloon SS troops on the Eastern Front. Degrelle was decorated for bravery but later condemned for his collaboration with Nazi Germany. He fled to Spain after the war to escape prosecution and remained in exile until his death. Throughout his life, he authored memoirs defending his political beliefs and military service. Degrelle's legacy remains controversial due to his extremist ideology and actions during the war.

Born in 1923 in England, Ninian Stephen emigrated to Australia as a child. He served as a lieutenant in the Australian Army during World War II before studying law at the University of Melbourne. Stephen was appointed a Justice of the High Court of Australia in 1972, becoming known for his integrity and legal insight. In 1982, he became the 20th Governor-General of Australia, representing the Crown until 1989. After his term, he chaired national inquiries on human rights and reconciliation, including the Australian Human Rights Commission. His dedication to public service earned him international recognition and the Companion of the Order of Australia.

Born in Tel Aviv in 1924, Ezer Weizman joined the Royal Air Force during World War II. He returned to serve in the newly formed Israeli Air Force, rising to become its commander in the 1950s. Weizman played a key role in developing Israel’s aerial capabilities and led several successful operations. Entering politics, he served as Minister of Defense and negotiated the Camp David Accords with Egypt. In 1993, he was elected the 7th President of Israel, advocating for peace and reconciliation. His presidency marked a period of diplomatic outreach until his term ended in 2000.

Joseph Gilbert (born 1931) is a retired English air marshal celebrated for his distinguished career in the Royal Air Force. He joined the RAF in the early 1950s and rose through the ranks over four decades. Gilbert commanded bomber and reconnaissance squadrons during the height of the Cold War. He held key staff positions at the Ministry of Defence, influencing strategic planning. As Deputy Commander-in-Chief of RAF Germany, he enhanced NATO’s air operations. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath for his exemplary service. After retirement, Gilbert continued to advise on defence strategy and training programs.

Lawrence Wilkerson served over 30 years in the United States Army, including a tour in the Vietnam War. He became Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell from 2002 to 2005, advising on diplomatic and military strategy. After retiring in 2005, Wilkerson joined the College of William & Mary as a professor of government and public policy. He emerged as a vocal critic of the Iraq War and U.S. foreign policy, participating in think tanks and media commentary. Wilkerson’s expertise on civil-military relations and ethical leadership has influenced scholars and policymakers alike.

Born June 15, 1970, Christian Bauman served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division before becoming a writer. His novels, including 'In the Garden of the Night' and 'Voodoo Lounge', draw on his experiences in conflict zones. Bauman's work explores the psychological impact of war and the challenges faced by veterans. He has received critical acclaim for his authentic voice and vivid storytelling. In addition to fiction, Bauman conducts writing workshops and speaks on veterans’ issues.