July 24

Born in Compton, California in 1909, Finn enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1926. On December 7, 1941, he manned a machine gun on a boat while under heavy fire, despite suffering multiple wounds. His relentless bravery helped protect his shipmates and inspire others during the attack. Finn received the Medal of Honor in 1942 for his conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He continued to serve in the Navy until retiring as a lieutenant in 1956. Finn lived to be 100 years old, passing away in 2010 as the last living Medal of Honor recipient from Pearl Harbor.

John D. MacDonald served as a U.S. Army colonel during World War II before embarking on a prolific writing career. He published over 70 novels and numerous short stories spanning genres such as suspense, science fiction, and mystery. MacDonald created the iconic private investigator Travis McGee, whose philosophical musings and social critiques resonated with readers. His work explored themes of moral ambiguity, environmentalism, and the changing American landscape. MacDonald received praise for his tight plotting, vivid characters, and sharp dialogue. He influenced later generations of thriller writers and remains a fixture of mid-20th-century American literature.

Éric Tabarly (1931-1998) was a French naval officer and legendary sailor renowned for his solo ocean racing achievements. He won the Observer Single-Handed Trans-Atlantic Race in 1964 aboard the trimaran Pen Duick II, marking a turning point in yacht design. Tabarly served as a commander in the French Navy and combined his naval expertise with innovative sailing techniques. His success inspired a new generation of offshore racers and propelled France to the forefront of sailing sports. Tabarly's passion for the sea led him to compete in multiple transatlantic and round-the-world races. He disappeared at sea in 1998 during a storm aboard his yacht, leaving a lasting legacy in maritime history.