July 09

Born into the English nobility, Thomas West participated in military campaigns in Ireland before his colonial appointment. In 1610, he arrived in Virginia to stabilize the struggling Jamestown settlement and implement strict discipline among colonists. His leadership helped secure food supplies and defend the colony from external threats, earning respect among settlers. La Warr Bay (later Delaware Bay) and the state of Delaware were named in his honor. He returned to England in 1611 but left a legacy as a determined and reform-minded early colonial governor.

William Waldegrave, 1st Baron Radstock (1753–1825), was an English admiral and politician known for his distinguished naval career in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. He joined the navy as a midshipman and rose through the ranks, commanding ships on critical missions. In recognition of his service, he was elevated to the peerage in 1800 as the 1st Baron Radstock. After retiring from active duty, he transitioned to politics and was appointed the 34th Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland, shaping colonial administration. His leadership bridged military expertise and governance, leaving a lasting impact on British naval history.

Alexander William Doniphan (1808–1887) was an American lawyer turned military leader, renowned for his command of Missouri volunteers in the Mexican–American War. He studied law in Missouri and established a successful legal practice before the outbreak of war. Elevated to the rank of colonel, Doniphan led his regiment on an extraordinary campaign of over 800 miles through hostile territory, capturing key Mexican fortifications and earning high praise for his tactical skill. After the war, he returned to law, serving as a judge and state legislator in Missouri. His military and civic contributions made him a respected figure in 19th-century America.

Samuel Eliot Morison was born in Boston and became a Harvard professor before volunteering for naval service in World War II. As a rear admiral, he commanded destroyers in North Atlantic convoys and survey missions in the Azores. He authored the fifteen-volume History of United States Naval Operations in World War II, earning Pulitzer Prizes for his rigorous research and engaging narratives. Morison also wrote acclaimed biographies of Christopher Columbus and Sir Francis Drake, blending firsthand observation with scholarly analysis. His innovative approach to naval history set a new standard for historical writing and popularized maritime studies for generations.

Lee Embree was born on July 9, 1915, and served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He captured the historic events of the Pearl Harbor attack in rare 16mm color film. His footage remains a unique visual record of America entering World War II. After the war, he continued his career in photography and archival preservation. His work has been exhibited in military museums and documentary films. Embree's images provide a vivid, personal perspective on a pivotal moment in history.

General David C. Jones was a senior officer in the United States Air Force. He served as the Chief of Staff of the Air Force from 1974 to 1978, overseeing strategic air operations during the Cold War. In 1978, he became the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, advising the President and Secretary of Defense on military matters. Jones was a key figure in modernizing the U.S. military's command structure and improving joint operations. He played a central role in formulating national defense policy and strengthening NATO alliances. After retiring from active duty, Jones remained active in defense advising and veterans' organizations. His leadership set precedents for future military strategy and interservice cooperation.

Chi Haotian is a retired general of the People’s Liberation Army who served as China’s Minister of National Defense from 1993 to 2003. He played a central role in guiding the modernization and professionalization of China’s armed forces in the post–Cold War era. A member of the Communist Party’s Politburo, he influenced key decisions on national security and defense policy. His tenure saw significant reform of military doctrine and expansion of China’s strategic capabilities. Born in 1929, he remains a respected figure in China’s defense establishment.

John W. Casper served as a U.S. Air Force pilot and achieved the rank of colonel before joining NASA in 1978. He flew on three Space Shuttle missions, including flights aboard Challenger and Columbia, logging over 424 hours in space. Casper commanded STS-36 and STS-54, overseeing crucial military and scientific payloads. His leadership and piloting skills contributed significantly to NASA’s exploration objectives. Prior to NASA, he flew combat missions during the Vietnam War, earning decorations for valor. After retiring from active duty, he supported astronaut training and aerospace initiatives. His career exemplifies dedication to both military service and space exploration.

Born in 1949, Cédras rose to prominence as Commander-in-Chief of the Haitian Armed Forces and orchestrated the 1991 coup that ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, establishing a military junta. He governed Haiti from 1991 until 1994, a period marked by political repression, human rights abuses, and international isolation. Under intense pressure from the United Nations and the United States, Cédras agreed to step down and went into exile in Panama. He faced allegations of embezzlement and violence against civilians during his rule. Cédras's regime remains a controversial era in Haiti's modern history, highlighting challenges of governance and foreign intervention.