July 06

Daniel Morgan was born in New Jersey in 1736 and became a skilled frontiersman. He gained renown for leading riflemen at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. Morgan organized and commanded the Corps of Riflemen in several key engagements. After the war, he served in the Virginia state legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives. His tactical innovations influenced early American military doctrine. Morgan died in 1802, remembered as one of the Revolution's most effective commanders.

Born in Scotland in 1747, Jones began his maritime career as a merchant sailor. He gained fame for daring raids against British shipping during the American Revolution. Jones commanded the USS Bonhomme Richard and famously defeated HMS Serapis in 1779. His bold tactics and perseverance boosted American naval prestige. After the war, Jones served in the Imperial Russian Navy before returning to France. He died in Paris in 1792, leaving a legacy as the 'Father of the American Navy'.

Henry William Paget was born in 1797 and inherited the title of 2nd Marquess of Anglesey. He served as a cavalry officer in the British Army and participated in key campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars. After his military career, he held prominent political offices, including Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Paget was known for his leadership skills both on the battlefield and in government. He advocated for reforms within the army and supported charitable causes. He died in 1869, remembered for his contributions to military tactics and public service.

Born on July 6, 1885, Ernst Busch began his military career in the German Imperial Army during World War I. He continued service in the Reichswehr and later the Wehrmacht, demonstrating tactical skill in multiple campaigns. During World War II, Busch commanded major formations on the Eastern Front, including the 16th Army and later Army Group South. Promoted to field marshal in 1943, he played pivotal roles in battles such as Kursk and the retreat through Ukraine. His leadership earned him the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and other military honors. Despite strategic setbacks, Busch was respected for his discipline and operational command. He was captured by advancing Allied forces and died in 1945. Busch’s career reflects the complexities of high command in mid-20th century warfare.

Born in Calgary in 1907, George F. G. Stanley served as a lieutenant colonel in the Canadian Army during World War II. After the war, he became a distinguished historian at the Royal Military College of Canada and Laval University. Stanley’s scholarly work focused on Canadian political history and national identity. In 1964, at the request of Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, he designed the iconic maple leaf flag adopted as Canada’s national symbol. He authored numerous books on governance and military history, shaping Canada's understanding of itself for generations.

Born into a prominent family in 1908, Anton Muttukumaru trained at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and served in the British Indian Army. He became the first native general of the Sri Lankan Army in 1956, modernizing its structure and training. Following his military career, he represented Sri Lanka at the United Nations and served as ambassador to several countries. Muttukumaru’s leadership strengthened the army’s international ties and laid the groundwork for future defense reforms. His dual service in military and diplomatic roles marked a pivotal chapter in Sri Lanka's post-independence history.

Leonard Birchall was born in 1915 in Hawkesbury, Ontario, and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force before World War II. In 1942, flying a reconnaissance mission, he detected and reported a Japanese naval fleet approaching Ceylon, warning Allied forces in time. His alert enabled the defense of Ceylon, earning him the title 'Saviour of Ceylon' and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Later captured and held as a prisoner of war, he demonstrated resilience and leadership under harsh conditions. After the war, Birchall continued his military career, rising to Air Commodore and advocating for veterans’ affairs. He passed away in 2004, remembered as a hero for his courage and service.

Edward Kenna was an Australian soldier born in 1919 who served with the 2/6th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force during World War II. In September 1943 he led his men through heavy enemy fire in New Guinea, rescuing wounded comrades and capturing enemy positions. His acts of bravery and leadership in the face of extreme danger earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for valor. After returning home, Kenna remained active in veteran welfare and public service, sharing his experiences with future generations. He passed away in 2009, leaving a legacy of courage and dedication to his country.

Wojciech Jaruzelski was born in 1923 and rose through the ranks of the Polish People's Army after World War II. As Minister of Defense, he declared martial law in 1981 to suppress the Solidarity movement during a period of economic crisis and social unrest. In 1989 he negotiated partially free elections, marking the beginning of Poland's democratic transition and became the nation's first president. His tenure remains complex, balancing both repressive measures and the eventual handing of power to civilian authorities. Jaruzelski died in 2014, remembered as a controversial figure in Poland's modern history.