July 11

Born Vilyam Genrikhovich Fisher in 1903, Rudolf Abel was a GRU colonel who conducted espionage operations in the United States under diplomatic cover. Operating from New York, he was arrested in 1957 and convicted under the Espionage Act, becoming a symbol of Cold War intrigue. His legal defense by James B. Donovan and subsequent 1962 spy swap for captured U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers captured global attention. Abel returned to the Soviet Union, where he continued to serve in intelligence roles. He died in 1971, remembered for his stoic dedication to his mission and his place in Cold War history.

Born in 1912, William F. Walsh served as a captain in the U.S. Army during World War II before entering public service. He was elected Mayor of Syracuse in the 1950s and implemented urban renewal projects to modernize the city’s infrastructure. Walsh focused on improving public housing, parks, and civil rights initiatives during his two terms in office. After his mayoral tenure, he remained active in civic affairs and held roles on various state commissions. His leadership helped guide Syracuse through a period of economic and social change in the postwar era. Walsh’s commitment to community development left a lasting impact on the city he served until his death in 2011.

Frank Benton Kelso II rose through the ranks of the U.S. Navy to become the 24th Chief of Naval Operations from 1990 to 1994, guiding the force through the Gulf War and post-Cold War restructuring. Commissioned in 1955 after graduating from the Naval Academy, he commanded aircraft carriers and fleet units, earning recognition for operational leadership. As CNO, Kelso championed modernization of naval aviation and expanded international partnerships. After retiring, he served in advisory roles and contributed to naval heritage organizations. His tenure left a lasting impact on naval strategy and readiness until his passing in 2013.

Kevin Powers is an American author and former U.S. Army soldier who served two tours in Iraq and drew on his experiences to write the bestselling novel 'The Yellow Birds'. The novel, published in 2012, received critical acclaim for its raw and poetic depiction of combat and trauma. Powers studied creative writing at Johns Hopkins University before enlisting, and his work has been praised for its authenticity and literary style. He has since embarked on a career in writing, lecturing on war, memory, and the impact of service on veterans. His unique perspective as both soldier and writer has made him a significant voice in contemporary military literature.