June 17

Born into the influential House of Montmorency, François de Montmorency rose to prominence as Admiral of France and governor of Normandy. He played key roles in naval engagements and political affairs amid the French Wars of Religion. His leadership helped defend the coast and manage royal finances. A patron of the arts, he supported humanist scholars. His leadership exemplified the responsibilities of high nobility during France's religious conflicts.

John Maurice of Nassau-Siegen led the Dutch colony in Brazil, transforming Recife into a thriving cultural and economic center. A patron of the arts and sciences, he commissioned fortifications and botanical expeditions. His detailed travel writings offered Europeans vivid accounts of the New World. After returning to Europe, he served in military campaigns during the Thirty Years’ War and oversaw construction of the Mauritshuis palace in The Hague. He also fostered scientific inquiry, sponsoring botanical and zoological studies in Brazil.

George Howard (1718–1796) was a distinguished English soldier and politician who rose to the rank of Field Marshal. He served in the Seven Years’ War and commanded British forces in various military campaigns. In 1763, he was appointed Governor of Minorca, overseeing both military defenses and civil administration. Howard later served as Commander-in-Chief in Ireland and Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. He represented Morpeth in Parliament and was respected for his organizational reforms in garrison life. Howard died in London in 1796, honored as one of Britain’s senior military leaders of his era.

González rose through the ranks of the Mexican Army, earning distinction in the Reform War and the French Intervention. As president, he continued policies of economic modernization, promoting railroad construction and foreign investment. He initiated reforms in the justice system and encouraged agricultural development to stabilize the post-war economy. A skilled military commander, he maintained order in turbulent regions of the country. After leaving office, he remained influential in Mexican politics and served in various advisory roles. He died in 1893, remembered for guiding Mexico's transition into the Porfiriato period.

Bundy graduated from West Point in 1886 and began his career on the frontier, participating in Indian campaigns. He earned distinction as a brigadier general during World War I, leading the 2nd Division in the pivotal Meuse-Argonne Offensive. He also served as commander of the 91st Division and 38th Division. Known for his leadership under fire, he received multiple commendations for valor. After the war, he continued to serve in senior Army positions and contributed to early military publications. He retired in 1923 and died in 1940, remembered as a skilled and courageous commander.

Heinz Guderian was a German general and military theorist, renowned as the father of Blitzkrieg. He advocated for fast-moving armored divisions combined with close air support, revolutionizing warfare tactics. Guderian led panzer units during the invasions of Poland, France, and the early Eastern Front campaigns. His 1937 book, "Achtung – Panzer!", articulated his vision for mechanized warfare and influenced armies worldwide. After World War II, he was detained but later wrote memoirs reflecting on armored strategy and leadership. Guderian's concepts remain fundamental to modern military doctrines on maneuver warfare.

Henry John Patch was born in Combe Down, England, in 1898. He enlisted in the British Army in 1916 and saw action at the Battle of Passchendaele. Patch was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his service on the Western Front. After the war, he worked as a firefighter in Bristol and became an advocate for peace. He gained recognition as the last surviving combat soldier of World War I and shared his wartime experiences until his death in 2009. His testimony has provided invaluable insights into the realities of trench warfare.

John Moffat was born in Scotland in 1919 and joined the Royal Air Force as a lieutenant during World War II. He flew numerous combat missions over Europe, demonstrating courage and skill in the face of danger. After the war, Moffat continued in aviation, contributing to post-war training and development programs. He was honored for his bravery and dedication, embodying the spirit of the generation that fought for freedom. Moffat’s life story remains a testament to service and resilience in times of global conflict.

Peter Le Cheminant was born in 1920 and pursued a career in the Royal Air Force. He rose through the ranks to become an air marshal, taking on senior command and staff positions. Following his retirement from military service, he was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey, representing the British Crown on the island. In this role, he worked closely with local government and community organizations to oversee the administration of Guernsey. He passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated public service and leadership.

John Murtha served as a Marine Corps officer during the Vietnam War before entering politics and winning a special election to Congress in 1974. He represented Pennsylvania's 12th district for over 30 years and chaired the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee. Murtha was a powerful advocate for military bases and defense contracts in his district, earning both praise and controversy. He played a key role in shaping U.S. defense budgets and veterans' benefits. His career was marked by a direct style and willingness to cross party lines on national security issues.

Harry Browne served in the U.S. Army Special Forces before founding his own investment advisory firm and writing best-selling books on personal finance. He became the Libertarian Party's nominee for president in 1996 and 2000, promoting free-market economics and individual liberty. Browne penned influential works such as 'How I Found Freedom in an Unfree World,' inspiring generations of libertarian thinkers. His clear writing style and advocacy for decentralization earned him a dedicated following. Even after his campaigns, he continued to lecture and publish until his passing in 2006.

Tommy Franks graduated from West Point and served with distinction in Vietnam and other operations. As Commander of U.S. Central Command from 2000 to 2003, he oversaw Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Franks led coalition forces during the initial invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq following the September 11 attacks. He received multiple Defense Distinguished Service Medals for his leadership and strategic acumen. After retiring, he authored memoirs and founded a leadership development company.