July 10

David Humphreys was a multifaceted American leader who served as an aide-de-camp to General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Rising to the rank of colonel, he commanded light infantry regiments at decisive battles such as Monmouth. After the war, Humphreys embarked on diplomatic missions to Portugal and Spain, negotiating trade agreements as the United States’ first foreign minister abroad. He later became a successful entrepreneur, importing Merino sheep to improve American wool production and co-founding the Hartford bank. Humphreys was also a published poet and cultural advocate, promoting American arts and letters. His wide-ranging talents in military, diplomacy, business, and literature made him a key figure in the early Republic.

Johannes Blaskowitz (1883–1948) was a high-ranking officer in the German army. He saw action on the Eastern and Western fronts during World War II. Blaskowitz commanded several army groups and was recognized for his tactical skill. He later clashed with Nazi leadership over the conduct of the war and treatment of civilians. Accused of war crimes, he committed suicide while awaiting trial after the war.

Major Karl Plagge served as an engineer officer stationed near Vilnius during World War II. Using his position, he issued work permits to protect Jews from deportation to extermination camps. Plagge organized the HKP 562 workshop as a haven, employing and sheltering Jewish workers. He confronted Nazi authorities and falsified documents to ensure the safety of those under his care. After the war, Plagge lived quietly until his actions were recognized decades later. In 2005, Yad Vashem honored him as Righteous Among the Nations for his courageous humanity.

Werner Best was a German jurist and SS official who served as Reich Plenipotentiary in occupied Denmark during World War II. A trained lawyer, he helped shape Nazi legal policy and oversaw the Danish administration, balancing German interests with local compliance. After the war, Best was tried and convicted for his role in Nazi governance, serving several years in prison. His career exemplifies the intersection of law and totalitarian power under the Third Reich.

Donald Sinclair was born in 1909 and served as a lieutenant in the British Army during World War II. After the war, he became a hotelier and took over the management of the prestigious Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland. His strict and idiosyncratic style of hospitality reportedly inspired the character of Basil Fawlty in the British sitcom 'Fawlty Towers.' Under his leadership, Gleneagles became an international destination for golf and high society gatherings. He was honored with a baronetcy in 1951 for his contributions to hospitality. Sinclair died in 1981, leaving a lasting legacy in British popular culture and the hotel industry.

John K. Singlaub was born in 1921 in Independence, Missouri. He served in the Office of Strategic Services during World War II and earned recognition for his leadership behind enemy lines. As a founding officer of the U.S. Army Special Forces, he became a key figure in covert operations during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Promoted to Major General, he received multiple decorations including the Distinguished Service Cross and Silver Star. After retiring, Singlaub remained active in defense policy and veterans' affairs until his passing in 2022 at the age of 100.

John Bradley was born in 1923 in Antigo, Wisconsin, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944. He served as a hospital corpsman attached to the Marines during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Bradley provided medical aid under fire and was recognized for his bravery and dedication to his comrades. After the war, he returned home and shared his experiences, contributing to historical accounts of the battle. He lived a quiet life until his passing in 1994, remembered for his courage and service.

David Dinkins was a pioneering American politician, civil rights advocate, and decorated Marine Corps veteran. Born in 1927, he served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II before earning degrees in political science and law. Dinkins built a career in public service, serving in the New York State Assembly and as Manhattan borough president. In 1989, he made history as the 106th Mayor of New York City and its first African American leader. As mayor, he focused on reducing crime, improving race relations, and investing in community programs amid challenging times. His administration championed cultural diversity and launched initiatives to revitalize neighborhoods. Dinkins passed away in 2020, remembered as a trailblazer and devoted public servant.

Pyotr Klimuk, born in 1942, is a Belarusian military officer, pilot, and former cosmonaut who participated in three Soviet spaceflights: Soyuz 13, Soyuz 18, and Soyuz 30. As the first Belarusian in space, he conducted scientific experiments in low Earth orbit. Following his missions, Klimuk rose to the rank of general and served as director of the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. He later became a deputy to the Russian State Duma and president of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. His pioneering contributions to human spaceflight remain celebrated.