June 25

An Chonghui (d. 931) was a powerful military leader and chief councilor to Emperor Mingzong of the Later Tang Dynasty. He consolidated central authority by overseeing campaigns against regional warlords and implementing administrative reforms. An's policies aimed to restore stability following the turmoil of the Five Dynasties era. His increasing influence at court aroused jealousy among other officials, and he was forced into retirement. In 931, he was accused of treason and executed, marking a dramatic end to his influential career.

Hatano Hideharu (1541–1579) was a Sengoku-era samurai lord who ruled parts of Bitchu Province in western Japan. He gained fame for withstanding protracted sieges by Oda Nobunaga's forces at Takamatsu Castle. Despite shortages of supplies and manpower, Hideharu's leadership and the fortress's defenses held firm for several years. In 1575, he negotiated a surrender but faced imprisonment and was forced to take monastic vows. He was executed four years later, becoming a symbol of staunch regional resistance. Hideharu's legacy endures in local histories and folklore celebrating his valor.

Born in 1611 in Gascony, Charles de Batz-Castelmore d'Artagnan served as a captain in the Musketeers of the Guard under King Louis XIV. He saw action in the Thirty Years' War and the sieges of towns such as Lille and Amiens. D'Artagnan's daring missions and loyalty to the crown inspired Alexandre Dumas's romanticized hero in 'The Three Musketeers.' His real-life courage was demonstrated during the Siege of Maastricht, where he was mortally wounded. D'Artagnan died in 1673, and his life became a legend blending history and fiction.

Born in 1646, Jean-Baptiste du Casse joined the French Navy and rose to become a Rear Admiral. He led expeditions against English and Dutch holdings in the Caribbean and served as Governor of Saint-Domingue. Du Casse negotiated treaties along the West African coast and engaged in transatlantic trade. His diplomatic and military skills strengthened France's colonial position during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He died in 1715, remembered for his contributions to France's maritime empire.

Born in 1774, Haxo trained as an engineer at the French military academy. He rose through the ranks to become a general under Napoleon Bonaparte. He designed and improved fortification works in key European cities. After Napoleon's fall, he continued to influence French military engineering. His treatises on fortification set standards for future generations of engineers. He was recognized for combining practical field experience with innovative design.

James Calhoun was born in 1845 in Ohio. He graduated from West Point and joined the 7th Cavalry Regiment. Calhoun served under Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer during the Indian Wars. He was killed at the Battle of the Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876. His death alongside Custer marked a pivotal moment in U.S. military history. Calhoun is remembered for his service and sacrifice at a controversial frontier battle.

George Armstrong Custer was born in 1839 in Ohio. He rose to prominence during the American Civil War, achieving brevet major general. After the war, he led the 7th Cavalry in campaigns against Native American tribes. Custer's bold tactics and flamboyant style made him a public figure. He and his men were defeated at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. His death became symbolic of the clashes during westward expansion. Custer remains a controversial figure for his military actions and legacy.

Thomas Ward Custer was born in 1845 in Ohio, twin brother of George Armstrong Custer. He served as a brevet captain in the 7th Cavalry after distinguishing himself in the Civil War. Custer earned two Medals of Honor for capturing enemy flags during the Civil War. He continued service in the Indian Wars under his brother's command. Thomas was killed in action at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. He remains one of the few soldiers awarded the Medal of Honor twice, remembered for bravery.

Myles Walter Keogh was born in Ireland in 1840 and emigrated to the United States as a young man. He served as an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War, earning praise for his leadership and bravery. After the war, he became a lieutenant in the 7th U.S. Cavalry Regiment under Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer. Keogh fought in the American Indian Wars and died at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. He is remembered for his dedication and valor in some of America’s most turbulent 19th-century conflicts.

Géza Gyóni was born in 1884 in Nagykároly, Austria-Hungary (now Carei, Romania), and studied law in Budapest. He published his first poetry collection in 1907, gaining recognition for its lyrical style and social themes. Drafted into the Austro-Hungarian Army during World War I, Gyóni served on the Eastern Front. His wartime poems, including 'The Song of the Twentieth Century,' captured the grim reality of combat. Captured by Russian forces, he died in a prison camp on June 25, 1917, and is remembered as a poignant war poet.

Born in 1895 in Ulster, Kansas, William C. Lee graduated from West Point in 1917 and served in World War I. Recognizing the potential of airborne troops, he championed the creation and training of the U.S. parachute forces. Lee organized the 101st Airborne Division and led its initial development at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. Although illness prevented him from commanding in Normandy, his groundwork proved crucial on D-Day. He continued to influence airborne doctrine through training roles in Europe and the United States. Retiring in 1947, General Lee shaped the future of rapid-deployment forces for the American military. He died in 1948, leaving a lasting impact on airborne warfare strategy.

Green Wix Unthank (1923-2013) was an American soldier and federal judge who served his country both in the military and in the judiciary. After enlisting in the United States Army, he developed a disciplined approach to leadership and justice. Following his military service, Unthank earned his law degree and was appointed to the federal bench, where he presided over numerous cases. His tenure on the bench was marked by fairness and a deep respect for the rule of law. Colleagues remember him for his thoughtful legal opinions and mentoring of young attorneys. Unthank's dual careers exemplify a lifelong commitment to public service.