June 23

Oda Nobunaga emerged as one of the 'Great Unifiers' of Japan in the mid-16th century. Born in 1534 in Owari Province, he implemented innovative military tactics and firearms. He seized control of Kyoto in 1568 and challenged rival warlords across central Japan. His open trade policies and cultural patronage brought European influences to Japan. In 1582, his life ended abruptly in the Incident at Honnō-ji, but his legacy paved the way for national unification.

Johan Banér became a key commander in the Swedish army under King Gustavus Adolphus. Born in 1596 to a noble family, he rose through the ranks during the Thirty Years' War. After the king’s death, Banér led successful campaigns in Germany, securing key victories. He was known for his strategic skill and discipline in harsh winter conditions. His death in 1641 was a significant loss for Swedish military efforts.

Sir Harold Eric Barrowclough (1894–1972) was a distinguished New Zealand major general commanding the 3rd New Zealand Division in the Pacific during World War II. His leadership in campaigns such as Guadalcanal and the Solomon Islands earned him high praise for strategic acumen. After the war, Barrowclough returned to law, eventually serving as Chief Justice of New Zealand from 1953 to 1966. He presided over landmark cases that shaped New Zealand's legal framework and strengthened judicial independence. Barrowclough's dual legacy of military valor and judicial wisdom made him a respected national figure.

Bill King commanded British submarines during World War II, earning several distinctions for his daring patrols. After the war, he embraced single-handed ocean sailing, participating in international yacht races and setting new records. King authored acclaimed memoirs recounting both his naval service and solo voyages, blending meticulous detail with adventurous storytelling. His innovative navigation techniques and unrelenting spirit inspired the modern solo sailing community. King’s life bridged military valor and maritime exploration.

William P. Rogers began his public service as U.S. Attorney General from 1957 to 1961 under President Eisenhower, overseeing major legal reforms. After a notable career in private practice and congressional leadership, he was appointed Secretary of State in 1969. Rogers advocated détente with the Soviet Union and initiated the Rogers Plan seeking peace in the Middle East. He also supported Strategic Arms Limitation Talks and fostered diplomatic relations during a turbulent era. A decorated Navy veteran from World War II, Rogers blended legal expertise with global diplomacy throughout his career.

Morris R. Jeppson (1922–2010) was a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Forces and an expert in ordnance and physics. He served as the assistant weaponeer aboard the B-29 bomber Bockscar during the 1945 mission that dropped 'Fat Man' on Nagasaki. Jeppson was responsible for removing the safety plugs and arming the bomb in flight, a critical role in the mission's success. After the war, he earned advanced degrees in physics and worked in nuclear research and the aerospace industry. He remained active in veterans' communities, providing firsthand accounts of atomic warfare and its implications.

Born in 1923, Giuseppina Tuissi joined the Garibaldi Brigades in Northern Italy as a young freedom fighter. Known by the nom de guerre 'Gianna,' she played a key role in sabotage operations and the liberation of local towns. After the fall of Mussolini, Tuissi became involved in postwar politics but faced controversy over alleged betrayal within the resistance. Her mysterious disappearance and death in 1945 remain subjects of historical debate, highlighting the complex legacy of Italy’s wartime resistance. Tuissi’s story exemplifies courage and the unresolved tensions of a nation rebuilding itself after conflict.

Donn F. Eisele was a colonel in the United States Air Force and NASA astronaut, born in 1930. He was selected as part of NASA's second group of astronauts in 1963. Eisele served as the Command Module Pilot on Apollo 7 in 1968, the first crewed mission of the Apollo program to test spacecraft systems in Earth orbit. The mission successfully demonstrated life support, control systems, and docking procedures, paving the way for lunar landings. Before joining NASA, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and flew combat missions in the Korean War. After retiring from NASA and active duty, Eisele worked in the aerospace industry and consulted on space exploration initiatives. He logged over 10 days in space and authored papers on astronaut training. Eisele passed away in 1987, remembered for his role in one of NASA's most critical early missions.