June 29

Yang Shili was a military general serving the Tang Dynasty in 9th-century China. He operated during a period of political upheaval and regional rebellions. Records of his early life and campaigns are limited. He is noted for his leadership within the imperial forces of the era. He died on June 29, 884, in the midst of the dynasty's decline.

Baba Nobuharu was a celebrated samurai and military commander of the Takeda clan during Japan's Sengoku era. Known for his strategic insight and fearless leadership, he earned distinction as one of Takeda Shingen's Twenty-Four Generals. He participated in numerous campaigns across feudal Japan, demonstrating both tactical skill and personal bravery in battle. Nobuharu's loyalty and prowess on the field made him a key figure in the clan's military successes. He met his end in 1575 at the Battle of Nagashino, where Oda-Tokugawa forces employed firearms with devastating effect. His valor and legacy continue to be commemorated in samurai lore and Japanese military history.

Mohamed Boudiaf (1919–1992) was a prominent figure in the Algerian struggle for independence, co-founding the revolutionary group the 'Historic National Liberation Front' in 1954. After independence, he served in various governmental roles before living in exile for decades due to political disagreements. In 1992, he was invited back to lead Algeria as President during a turbulent period marked by civil unrest. His return signaled hopes for reform and national reconciliation, though his tenure lasted only a few months. On June 29, 1992, he was assassinated during a public ceremony in Annaba, shocking the nation and deepening political divisions. Boudiaf's commitment to anti-corruption measures and political transparency left a lasting impact on Algerian politics. He is remembered as a symbol of revolutionary ideals and national unity.

Alvin Hamilton (1912-2004) served as a lieutenant in the Canadian Army during World War II before entering politics. He was elected to the House of Commons in 1957 as a Progressive Conservative representing the riding of Qu'Appelle. As Canada’s 18th Minister of Agriculture from 1958 to 1963, he implemented policies that modernized farm credit systems and expanded agricultural markets abroad. Hamilton was known for his energetic promotion of Canadian grain exports to Europe and Asia. After a lengthy parliamentary career spanning over two decades, he retired from politics in 1979 but remained active in public affairs. His tenure helped shape Canada's post-war agricultural sector and increased the country's presence in global food production.

Fred Saberhagen (1930-2007) served in the U.S. Air Force before embarking on a prolific writing career in science fiction and fantasy. He introduced the Berserker series in the 1960s, featuring self-aware machines bent on galactic destruction, which became a hallmark of military SF. Saberhagen also reimagined classic myths in his Viking novels and penned the Dracula series from the vampire’s perspective. Over his lifetime, he wrote more than 50 books and received nominations for Hugo Awards. Known for his crisp prose and imaginative storytelling, he influenced a generation of speculative fiction authors. Saberhagen's stories continue to be celebrated for their blend of action, humor, and philosophical depth.

Born in 1932 in Illinois, Donald Rumsfeld served as a U.S. Navy pilot during the Korean War before entering politics. He was a U.S. Representative and later appointed U.S. Ambassador to NATO. Under President Gerald Ford, he served as White House Chief of Staff and later as Secretary of Defense from 1975 to 1977. He returned as the 13th Secretary of Defense under President George W. Bush, overseeing the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Rumsfeld implemented significant Pentagon reforms and was a controversial figure for his stance on pre-war intelligence. After leaving public office, he remained active as a writer and consultant. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 88, leaving a complex legacy on U.S. defense policy.

Born in 1923 in West Virginia, Hershel W. Williams enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1941. During the Battle of Iwo Jima, he used a flamethrower to destroy enemy fortifications and rescue fellow Marines under heavy fire. For his extraordinary bravery, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman. After the war, he served as a recruit-training instructor and continued to advocate for veterans. Williams was the last living Medal of Honor recipient of World War II, attending numerous commemorations and sharing his experiences. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 98, leaving a legacy of valor and dedication to his country.