July 25

Born in 1839 in Saint-Étienne, Francis Garnier graduated from the French naval academy and embarked on expeditions across Southeast Asia. In 1866, he led an ambitious mission to explore the Mekong River, charting hundreds of miles of previously unknown waterways. His detailed surveys highlighted the river’s potential as a trade route and influenced French colonial strategy. Garnier also conducted diplomatic missions in Siam and Vietnam, negotiating treaties that secured key footholds. In 1873, he captured the citadel of Hanoi but was killed during a local uprising, cutting his career tragically short. His explorations paved the way for the later establishment of French protectorates in Indochina. Nicknamed the 'Discoverer of the Mekong,' his maps and reports remain valuable historical resources.

Lionel Terray was born in Grenoble, France, in 1921. He pioneered numerous first ascents, including peaks in the Alps and the Himalayas. Terray was known for his technical skill, endurance, and leadership in high-altitude expeditions. He authored the classic mountaineering memoir Conquistadors of the Useless. His climbing achievements inspired generations of alpinists. Terray died in an avalanche in Patagonia in 1965.

Paul Joseph Weitz (1932–2017) was an American naval officer, test pilot and NASA astronaut. He was selected as part of NASA Astronaut Group 4 in 1966. He served as pilot of Skylab 2, the first manned mission to the Skylab space station, in 1973. He later commanded STS-6, the maiden flight of Space Shuttle Challenger, in 1983. Over his career, he logged over 715 hours in space and contributed to spacecraft development. He received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and other honors. After retiring, he worked in aerospace consulting and safety and taught at universities.