July 21

Born in 1364 into the powerful Percy family, Henry earned the nickname ‘Hotspur’ for his fiery temperament in battle. He distinguished himself in campaigns against the Scots and Welsh uprisings. Initially a staunch supporter of King Henry IV, he became disillusioned by political disputes and lack of royal favor. In 1403, Percy led a rebellion against the crown to address his grievances. He died on July 21 at the Battle of Shrewsbury, struck down in the heat of combat. His life and death were immortalized by Shakespeare, who portrayed him as a symbol of honor and impetuosity. Hotspur’s legacy endured in English literature and military history.

Details of Sir Walter Blount’s early life are sparse, but he emerged as a trusted knight under Henry IV. He served with distinction in campaigns against Owain Glyndŵr’s Welsh revolt. At the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403, Blount carried the royal standard into combat. In a decisive moment, he shielded King Henry IV from harm, demonstrating extraordinary courage. Blount was killed during the battle, sacrificing himself for the monarch’s safety. His heroism became emblematic of chivalric loyalty in medieval chronicles. Sir Walter Blount’s sacrifice is remembered as a noble act of fealty to the Lancastrian king.

Born around 1378 into the Stafford family, Edmund inherited the earldom in his youth. A loyal supporter of King Henry IV, he played a key role in suppressing rebellions in Wales. He commanded troops at the Battle of Shrewsbury against the Percys and their allies. On July 21, 1403, Stafford was killed in the thick of battle while rallying his men. His death was a significant loss for the Lancastrian cause and underscored the high stakes of noble warfare. Stafford’s bravery and leadership were praised in contemporary accounts. He was succeeded by his son, Humphrey Stafford, ensuring the continuity of his lineage.

James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde (1610–1688), was a leading royalist commander during the English Civil War and later became Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He distinguished himself in battles such as the Battle of Edgehill and played a central role in the Restoration of Charles II. As a statesman, he negotiated delicate peace settlements and administered Irish affairs during a volatile period. Elevated to the dukedom in 1682, he balanced military duties with political leadership. His legacy endures in both Irish and English histories for his loyalty, strategic skill, and diplomatic acumen.

Antoine Bruni d'Entrecasteaux (1739–1793) was a French rear admiral and pioneering explorer who led a major expedition to locate the missing voyage of Jean-François de La Pérouse. His voyage charted parts of the Australian coast and the islands of the Pacific, significantly advancing European knowledge of the region. D'Entrecasteaux combined scientific inquiry with naval discipline, carrying naturalists and artists on board to document flora, fauna, and indigenous cultures. Despite his efforts, the fate of La Pérouse remained a mystery, and D'Entrecasteaux died suddenly on Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania). His journals and maps remained valuable resources for later navigators and cartographers.

François Sébastien Charles Joseph de Croix, Count of Clerfayt (1733–1798), served as a senior officer in the Habsburg military and earned promotion to field marshal for his successes against Prussian and French forces. He commanded troops in pivotal battles of the Seven Years' War under Prince Charles of Lorraine and later opposed Revolutionary France. Clerfayt demonstrated strategic flexibility, conducting sieges and managing multi-national armies across Europe. His leadership at the Battle of Fombio and the defense of the Austrian Netherlands bolstered Habsburg resistance. Remembered for his tactical acumen and disciplined formations, he shaped late 18th-century military doctrine within the Austrian army.

Hiram Walden (1800–1880) was a New York attorney, militia officer, and politician who represented the state's 19th district in Congress during the Civil War era. Before his political career, he achieved the rank of general in the New York State Militia, overseeing training and local defense. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1861, Walden supported Unionist policies and infrastructure improvements. After declining re-election, he returned to law practice and engaged in business ventures. His combined military and legislative service reflected the civic spirit of his generation.

Robert G. Ingersoll (1833–1899) served as a colonel in the Union Army during the American Civil War. After the war, he became a prominent lawyer and politician in Illinois. He earned fame as the Great Agnostic for his passionate speeches promoting free thought and religious tolerance. Ingersoll defended the rights of women and African Americans, advocating for suffrage and equality. He published essays and books on philosophy, skepticism, and civil liberties. His eloquence and wit drew large audiences, making him one of the most celebrated orators of the 19th century. His legacy continues to influence discussions on religion and freedom of expression.

Claus von Stauffenberg (1907–1944) was a German Wehrmacht officer and key figure in the military resistance to Hitler. On July 20, 1944, he planted a bomb in the Fuhrer's briefing room in an attempt to overthrow the Nazi regime. Although the assassination failed, Stauffenberg's courage rallied support among conspirators. He was arrested and executed by firing squad the following day for his role in the plot. His actions have come to symbolize moral resistance to dictatorship in times of war. Stauffenberg's legacy endures as a testament to the power of conscience against tyranny.

Gualberto Villarroel (1908–1946) was a Bolivian army officer and politician who served as the country's 45th president. Rising through military ranks, he led a junta that brought him to power in 1943. His government pursued nationalist and social reforms, including labor rights and education initiatives. Facing strong opposition, he was deposed in a popular uprising in 1946. Villarroel was killed by a mob that stormed the presidential palace, marking a violent end to his rule. His presidency remains a controversial chapter in Bolivia's history.

Bob Kalsu was born in Oklahoma City in 1945 and excelled in college football at the University of Oklahoma, earning All-American honors as a guard. Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1968, he played two seasons in the NFL, helping the team reach the playoffs. In 1970, Kalsu was called to active duty as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Vietnam during the conflict. He was killed in action on July 21, 1970, making him the only NFL player killed in Vietnam. Kalsu's sacrifice and dedication are remembered by both the sports and military communities, and the Bills retired his jersey number in his honor. His story continues to inspire those who balance professional success with service to their country.

Born in 1923, Shepard graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and became a naval aviator before joining NASA's original astronaut corps in 1959. On May 5, 1961, he piloted the Freedom 7 mission, becoming the first American in space. Shepard suffered from an inner-ear disorder but recovered to command Apollo 14 in 1971, walking nearly 7 kilometers on the lunar surface. He achieved the rank of rear admiral and served as Chief of the Astronaut Office. Shepard's pioneering spirit and leadership helped shape the U.S. human spaceflight program and inspired a generation of explorers.