July 18

Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr. was born in 1886 into a prominent military family and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He served in China and the Philippines before rising through the ranks between the World Wars. During World War II, he commanded the 25th Infantry Division and later led the U.S. Tenth Army at Okinawa. Buckner was known for his leadership under fire and his strategic planning in amphibious assaults. He became one of the highest-ranking U.S. officers killed in action when struck by enemy artillery in 1945. His death underscored the risks faced by commanders on the front lines and cemented his legacy in military history.

Vidkun Quisling was born in 1887 and served as an officer in the Norwegian Army before turning to politics. In 1933, he founded the Nasjonal Samling party, promoting nationalist and authoritarian ideas. Following Germany's invasion of Norway in 1940, Quisling seized power with Nazi backing and declared himself Minister-President. His collaboration made his name synonymous with treason, giving rise to the term “quisling” for traitors. After the war, he was arrested, tried for high treason, and executed in 1945. Quisling's actions remain a stark reminder of collaboration and resistance during wartime.

David Ogilvy, 12th Earl of Airlie, was born in 1893 into a storied Scottish aristocratic family. He was educated at Eton and served with distinction in the Scots Guards during World War I, where he was wounded in action. After inheriting the earldom, he became a prominent figure at the royal court. From 1953 to 1965, Ogilvy served as Lord Chamberlain to Queen Elizabeth II, overseeing royal ceremonies and household affairs. He was known for his dedication to duty and refined sense of protocol. Ogilvy died in 1968, remembered as a bridge between the monarchy and the public in postwar Britain.

Ernst Scheller began his career in the German military before entering public service as a politician. Born in 1899, he combined his leadership skills from his military background with civic engagement. He was elected the 8th Mayor of Marburg, where he focused on urban development and post-war reconstruction. Scheller was known for his pragmatic approach to governance and his ability to navigate complex political landscapes. His tenure contributed to the modernization of Marburg’s infrastructure. He continued to serve until his death in 1942, leaving a mark on the city’s political history.

Mohammed Daoud Khan was born in 1909 into the Afghan royal family and pursued a military education in France. He served as Prime Minister from 1953 to 1963, initiating reforms in infrastructure and social welfare. In 1973, he led a bloodless coup that overthrew the monarchy and declared himself the first President of Afghanistan. Daoud Khan pursued modernization policies, promoting education, women's rights, and economic development. His government established stronger ties with the Soviet Union while attempting to balance relations with Western powers. Facing growing opposition from Islamist and communist factions, his presidency was marked by political unrest. He was overthrown and assassinated in a 1978 coup that led to decades of conflict in Afghanistan. Daoud Khan's legacy remains controversial but significant in Afghanistan's 20th-century history.

Louis Le Bailly (1915–2010) was a distinguished officer of the British Royal Navy whose career spanned over four decades. He served with valor during World War II, participating in key naval operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters. After the war, Le Bailly held leadership roles aboard multiple vessels and at naval shore establishments, guiding strategy and training. Known for his strategic acumen and commitment to mentorship, he reached the rank of Rear Admiral before retiring. In retirement, he remained active in naval associations and contributed to historical research on Royal Navy operations. Le Bailly's legacy is remembered for strengthening the post-war Royal Navy and shaping future generations of officers.

Born in Ohio in 1921, John Glenn served as a Marine Corps fighter pilot during World War II and the Korean War. In 1959, he was selected as one of NASA's original Mercury Seven astronauts. On February 20, 1962, he became the first American to orbit the Earth aboard Friendship 7. After retiring from NASA, he entered politics and represented Ohio as a U.S. Senator from 1974 to 1999. At age 77, he returned to space on the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1998, becoming the oldest person to fly in space. He remains an enduring symbol of American pioneering in space exploration before passing away in 2016.