July 15

Born around 1360 into a noble family, Ulrich von Jungingen was elected Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights in 1407. He pursued aggressive policies against the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, culminating in the Battle of Grunwald in 1410. Leading his forces from the front, he was killed in the midst of combat. His death marked a decisive turning point that led to the decline of the Teutonic State. He is remembered for both his ambition and his fateful end on the battlefield.

Born in 1519 to the ruling house of Châlon, René of Châlon inherited the title of Prince of Orange at a young age after the death of his cousin. He entered Habsburg service and was appointed stadtholder of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Guelders, and Overijssel. René built a reputation as a skilled military leader during the Italian Wars and defended his territories. He was mortally wounded in 1544 during a siege at St. Dizier and died soon after. His death led to the transfer of the principality of Orange to the House of Nassau, setting the stage for future dynastic changes in the Netherlands.

Pierre de Bourdeille, known as the seigneur de Brantôme, was born in 1540 and served as a soldier under several French kings. He traveled extensively in Italy and Spain, observing court life and military campaigns. After retiring from active service, he penned detailed memoirs and collections of biographies titled 'Lives of Illustrious Ladies' and 'Memoirs', celebrated for their candid and lively style. His writings provide unique insights into the personalities and scandals of the French and Italian courts. Brantôme's work remains a valuable source for historians studying the Renaissance era until his death in 1614.

Born in 1649, James Scott was the eldest illegitimate son of King Charles II of England and his mistress Lucy Walter. Granted the title Duke of Monmouth in 1663, he gained popularity for his charisma and military service. In 1685, he raised a Protestant uprising against his uncle, King James II, in what became known as the Monmouth Rebellion. After his forces were defeated at the Battle of Sedgemoor, Monmouth was captured and executed for treason. His revolt heightened tensions that eventually contributed to the Glorious Revolution of 1688.

Born in 1787, Juan Felipe Ibarra was a key figure in Argentina's struggle for independence and later provincial governance. He served under General Belgrano and fought in battles against Spanish forces. After independence, Ibarra became governor of Santiago del Estero, defending federalist principles and regional autonomy. He navigated complex conflicts between centralists and federalists, maintaining relative stability in his province for decades. His leadership shaped the federal structure of Argentina. Ibarra died in 1851, leaving a lasting imprint on his region's political landscape.

General John J. Pershing (1860–1948), nicknamed 'Black Jack,' was the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) on the Western Front during World War I. His leadership helped coordinate Allied offensives that contributed to the defeat of the Central Powers. Pershing insisted on maintaining American unit integrity rather than integrating U.S. troops into British and French armies. He served in various posts, including the Philippine–American War, the Boxer Rebellion, and the Mexican Expedition against Pancho Villa. After the war, Pershing became Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, overseeing its modernization. His military strategies and organizational reforms shaped the U.S. Army's development in the 20th century.

Born in 1920, David Fraser joined the British Army during World War II and saw action in key European campaigns. Over the next decades, he rose through the ranks to become a lieutenant general, holding senior staff roles at the Ministry of Defence. Fraser was respected for his expertise in armoured warfare and strategic planning. In addition to field commands, he authored articles on military leadership and mentored emerging officers. After retiring, he remained engaged with veterans’ organizations and military history societies until his passing in 2012.

Robert A. Roe was born in New Jersey in 1924 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1968 and served 12 terms representing northern New Jersey. During his tenure, Roe focused on environmental policy, transportation funding, and veterans' affairs. He chaired the Public Works and Transportation Committee, shaping major infrastructure legislation. Known for his strong constituent outreach, he secured federal investments for local community projects. After retiring in 1993, he remained active in nonprofit and veterans' organizations. Roe passed away in 2014, remembered for his dedicated public service.