July 05

Born in 1613, Carl Gustaf Wrangel rose to prominence as a skilled cavalry commander during the Thirty Years' War, notably at the Battle of Wittstock. He was appointed Field Marshal of Sweden and later served as Governor-General of Pomerania. A trusted adviser to Queen Christina and King Charles X, Wrangel held the prestigious title of Marshal of the Realm. He oversaw military campaigns in the Baltic and helped administer Swedish territories. Known for his strategic acumen and leadership, he died on July 5, 1676.

Born in 1641, Meinhardt Schomberg was the third Duke of Schomberg and the son of famed general Frederick Schomberg. After the Glorious Revolution, he entered English service under William III, commanding forces at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. He also led British troops in the Nine Years' War and the War of the Spanish Succession, earning a reputation for skill in siege warfare. A talented engineer, he oversaw fortifications in Flanders. Schomberg died on July 5, 1719, concluding a distinguished military career.

Born into a notable naval family in 1744, William Cornwallis began his seafaring career at a young age, quickly rising through the ranks of the Royal Navy. He served with distinction during the American War of Independence and the French Revolutionary Wars, earning a reputation for his calm demeanor and effective leadership. Cornwallis commanded several key fleets and was known for his strategic acumen and humane treatment of his sailors. After retiring from active service, he briefly entered politics, serving as a Member of Parliament and advocating for naval reform. His dual legacy as both a respected admiral and a public servant left a lasting impact on the British naval tradition and political landscape.

Born in 1817 at Fort Monroe, Virginia, Armistead graduated from West Point and served in the Mexican-American War before joining the Confederate Army. He rose to the rank of brigadier general, commanding a brigade in the Army of Northern Virginia. At the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, Armistead led his men in Pickett’s Charge, a pivotal and tragic assault, where he was mortally wounded. His bravery and personal friendship with Union officers made him a poignant symbol of the war’s divided loyalties. Armistead’s death on July 5, 1863, marked the end of a notable military career. He is remembered in American Civil War history for his courage and the dramatic circumstances of his final battle.

Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 1897. He enlisted in the New York National Guard's 15th Infantry, the Harlem Hellfighters, and served in France. On May 15, 1918, he single-handedly defended a fellow soldier from a German raid, sustaining numerous wounds. For his bravery, he received the French Croix de Guerre and other honors; the U.S. Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously in 2015. After returning home, he struggled with health issues and passed away from diabetes complications. His legacy endures as a symbol of courage and perseverance against adversity.

Born in Paris in 1888, he volunteered for service in World War I and saw combat on the Western Front. After the war, he turned to writing, crafting novels that explored themes of faith, grace, and human suffering. His 1936 novel 'Diary of a Country Priest' won the Prix Femina and established his literary reputation. He wrote stirring pieces against totalitarianism, emigrating to Brazil during World War II. Returning to Europe post-war, he continued publishing until his death in 1948. He is celebrated for his profound impact on 20th-century French Catholic literature.

James Stockdale was born in 1923 and became a naval aviator, flying combat missions in the Korean War. Shot down over North Vietnam in 1965, he spent over seven years as a prisoner of war in the Hanoi Hilton. His leadership and adherence to the Code of Conduct earned him the Medal of Honor in 1976. After retiring as a Vice Admiral, Stockdale taught philosophy at universities and wrote about Stoic leadership. He was the vice presidential candidate alongside Ross Perot in the 1992 U.S. presidential election.

Lambert Jackson Woodburne (1939-2013) served as Chief of the South African Navy, guiding naval operations during a transformative era. He focused on fleet modernization, enhancing maritime defense capabilities and strategic readiness. Woodburne navigated complex political landscapes to maintain naval effectiveness amid international sanctions. His leadership fostered professional training programs and operational excellence. His tenure strengthened South Africa's maritime security and institutional resilience.