July 03

Born in 1685, Sir Robert Rich succeeded to his baronetcy in 1706 and later advanced rapidly in the British Army. He served in the War of Spanish Succession and was appointed Commander-in-Chief in Ireland in 1723. Promoted to field marshal in 1746, he led forces during the War of Austrian Succession, including the Battle of Fontenoy. Also a Member of Parliament, Rich supported military reforms before his death in 1768.

Raymond A. Spruance was born in 1886 and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1906. He earned the nickname 'Electric Brain' for his calm and decisive command during key World War II engagements such as the Battle of Midway and the Philippine Sea. Spruance's strategic acumen contributed significantly to the Allied naval victories in the Pacific Theater. After retiring from active duty with the rank of admiral, he served as the United States Ambassador to the Philippines from 1957 to 1961. Known for his diplomatic skill and leadership, he fostered stronger U.S.-Philippine relations during the postwar period. Spruance received numerous military honors, including the Navy Cross and Navy Distinguished Service Medal. He died in 1969, remembered as one of the U.S. Navy's most respected commanders.

Gerald W. Thomas enlisted in the United States Army during World War II, seeing service in the European theater and earning commendations for bravery. After the war, he pursued higher education, earning advanced degrees before joining the faculty of a major American university. As an academic, Thomas was known for his rigorous scholarship and engaging lectures, publishing influential papers and mentoring countless students. He played a key role in developing graduate programs in his discipline and received awards for teaching excellence. His life bridged military sacrifice and academic achievement, leaving a lasting legacy in both arenas.

Ramush Haradinaj fought as a commander in the Kosovo Liberation Army during the Kosovo War, leading the Dukagjin operational zone. In 2004, he co-founded the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo political party and won a seat in the Assembly. Haradinaj first served as Prime Minister of Kosovo from 2004 to 2005 and returned to the role again from 2017 to 2019. He was indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia but was acquitted of war crimes charges in 2008. His tenures focused on European Union integration, economic development, and strengthening state institutions. Haradinaj remains an influential figure in Kosovar politics and a vocal advocate for the rights of Kosovo Albanians.