June 24

Born in 1291, Gilbert de Clare inherited the earldom upon his father’s death and became known as the “Red Earl.” He emerged as a prominent commander during Edward II’s campaigns in Scotland and was dispatched to suppress the uprising. At the Battle of Bannockburn in June 1314, he led the English cavalry against Robert the Bruce’s forces. In the chaos of battle, he sustained fatal wounds and died on 24 June 1314, marking a significant loss for the English army. His death underscored the challenges of medieval warfare and the shifting fortunes of the nobility in the Scottish Wars.

Robert de Clifford was born in 1274 into a powerful northern English family and inherited vast estates in the border regions. He established his reputation as a capable military commander in campaigns against Scotland and Wales. Appointed Lord Warden of the Marches, he was responsible for safeguarding England’s frontier against incursions. A loyal supporter of King Edward II, he played a key role in court politics and regional administration. Clifford was killed fighting at the Battle of Bannockburn in June 1314, exemplifying the perils faced by noble warriors.

Born in 1489, Hosokawa Sumimoto was a leading scion of the influential Hosokawa family during the turbulent Sengoku era. He vied for the position of Kanrei (Shogunal Deputy) and fought fierce battles against rival clans for dominance. Sumimoto’s career was marked by shifting alliances, including conflicts with the Miyoshi clan and support from powerful daimyo. Although he briefly held substantial territorial control, his fortunes declined amid the era’s complex feudal struggles. He died in 1520, his life emblematic of the era’s shifting allegiances and samurai warfare.

Adrien Maurice de Noailles was a French aristocrat born in 1678 who pursued both military and diplomatic careers. He distinguished himself as a commander during the War of the Spanish Succession and the War of the Austrian Succession. In 1744, he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs by King Louis XV, overseeing France's diplomatic relations during a turbulent era. As head of the powerful House of Noailles, he held significant influence at court and in military councils. He managed complex negotiations and alliances that shaped the balance of power in Europe. His leadership in both war and statecraft exemplified the multifaceted roles of French nobility in the 18th century.

Andreas Vokos Miaoulis was born in 1769 on the island of Hydra and became a prominent naval commander in the Greek War of Independence. He led the revolutionary fleet to several key victories against Ottoman forces, protecting vital sea routes and islands. Following independence, he served as admiral of the newly formed Greek navy and held various political offices, including member of the Executive. Miaoulis played a pivotal role in shaping Greece's early naval policies and state institutions. Despite political rivalries, he remained a celebrated national hero until his death in 1835. His legacy endures in Greece's military and political history.

Ernst Põdder was born in 1879 and served as a commander in the Russian Imperial Army before Estonia's fight for independence. After World War I, he joined the newly formed Estonian Army and led troops in key battles against invading forces. As a major general, he helped secure Estonia's freedom during the War of Independence from 1918 to 1920. Põdder later served as Chief of Staff, overseeing the development of the national defense forces. His strategic acumen and dedication earned him recognition as one of Estonia's founding military heroes. He passed away in 1932, leaving a lasting legacy in his country's military history.

Born in 1915 to Korean independence activists, Ahn Cuddy enlisted in the U.S. Navy WAVES during World War II.\nShe became the first woman gunnery officer, responsible for the operation of shipboard guns and training crews.\nAfter the war, she continued public service working for the Central Intelligence Agency and other federal agencies.\nAhn Cuddy advocated for the advancement of women and Asian Americans in the armed forces.\nHer pioneering role opened doors for future generations of female officers in the U.S. military.\nShe passed away in 2015 at the age of 100, honored for her groundbreaking service.

Born in 1925 in Vĩnh Long province, Trần Thiện Khiêm joined the French-sponsored Vietnamese National Army before transitioning to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. He rose through the ranks and was instrumental in the 1963 coup that ousted President Ngô Đình Diệm. Known for his strategic acumen, he served as Deputy Defense Minister and Army Chief of Staff. In November 1969, he became the 7th Prime Minister of South Vietnam, leading the government during the final years of the Vietnam War. His administration struggled with internal divisions and the mounting pressure of communist advances. After the fall of Saigon in April 1975, he emigrated to the United States and remained active in Vietnamese expatriate circles. Trần Thiện Khiêm passed away in 2021 at the age of 95, remembered as a controversial yet pivotal figure in Vietnam's modern history.