July 26

Li Hanzhi (842–899) rose to prominence during the turbulent final years of the Tang dynasty, initially joining the rebel forces of Huang Chao before submitting to the military governor Li Keyong. Appointed as military governor of Heyang Circuit, he fortified his territory and maintained stability amid widespread rebellion and famine. Renowned for his martial skill and administrative acumen, Li Hanzhi navigated shifting alliances among regional powers and contributed to the era's decentralization of authority. His tenure exemplifies the decline of central Tang control and the emergence of autonomous military leaders. He died in 899, leaving a legacy as a key figure in late Tang China's provincial politics.

Armand de Gontant (1524–1592) served as a prominent military commander under Kings Henry II and Henry III of France. Hailing from Gascon nobility, he distinguished himself at key engagements such as the Battle of St. Quentin in 1557. Elevated to the rank of Marshal of France, he later helped suppress Huguenot uprisings during the Wars of Religion. Known for his strategic acumen and personal valor, he maintained loyalty across shifting royal alliances and supported Henry IV's accession. Gontant's career bridged turbulent periods of civil war and royal consolidation, and he died from wounds sustained in action near Paris.

Horio Yoshiharu was born in Mino Province in 1542. He served as a trusted vassal of Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, distinguishing himself in numerous battles. He participated in the Imjin War during Hideyoshi’s Korean campaigns. In 1600, he was confirmed as the first daimyō of the Izumo region by the Tokugawa shogunate. He initiated the construction of Yonago Castle and established stable governance structures for his domain. His balanced approach to military leadership and civil administration left a lasting legacy. He died on July 26, 1611.

Sam Houston was born in 1793 in Virginia and began his career as a soldier in the War of 1812. After rising through military ranks, he became a central figure in the Texas Revolution. As commander of the Texian Army, he secured independence from Mexico at the Battle of San Jacinto. Houston served as the first and third President of the Republic of Texas and represented Texas in the U.S. Senate. Before his Texas years, he was elected the sixth Governor of Tennessee in 1827. He later became the seventh Governor of Texas, advocating for annexation to the United States and Native American rights. Houston's leadership shaped the early history of Texas until his death in 1863.

Born in 1883, Nikolaos Plastiras gained fame as a cavalry officer and member of the Greek Expeditionary Force in World War I. Nicknamed the "Black Rider" for his distinctive attire and leadership in battle, he became a leading figure in the Venizelist movement. Plastiras served three terms as Prime Minister during the interwar and post-World War II periods, focusing on national reconstruction and stability. His administration implemented fiscal reforms, infrastructure projects, and efforts to reconcile political divisions. Despite periods of exile following military coups, he returned to guide Greece through transitional governments in 1950 and 1951. Plastiras's dual legacy as a military hero and dedicated public servant remains prominent in modern Greek history.

Born in 1899, Cemal Tollu served as a lieutenant in the Turkish army before dedicating himself to painting. He emerged as a key figure in Turkey's modern art movement, known for his bold use of color and stylized forms. Tollu exhibited at national galleries and collaborated with fellow artists to introduce contemporary styles to the Turkish art scene. His work bridged traditional motifs and avant-garde techniques, earning him acclaim among critics and peers. Throughout his career, he inspired a generation of artists to explore new artistic expressions. He passed away on July 26, 1968, leaving a legacy in the evolution of modern Turkish art.

Matthew B. Ridgway was born in 1895 at Fort Monroe, Virginia, and graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1917. He saw action in World War I and rose through the ranks during World War II, earning distinction as commander of the 82nd Airborne Division. In 1951, Ridgway replaced General Douglas MacArthur as commander of United Nations forces in Korea, stabilizing the war effort during a critical phase. He later served as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, advocating modernization and improved troop welfare. Ridgway's leadership and tactical skill earned him widespread respect in the military community. He died on July 26, 1993, leaving a legacy as one of America's most respected military leaders.

Phaedon Gizikis (1917–1999) was a senior officer in the Hellenic Army and a leading figure of Greece’s military junta period. Appointed President of Greece in 1973, he served as head of state during the regime’s final months as it transitioned toward democracy. Gizikis oversaw the restoration of civilian rule following the collapse of the dictatorship in 1974. His presidency helped pave the way for the return of parliamentary government and the drafting of a new constitution. After retiring from public life, he lived quietly until his death in 1999. Gizikis’s tenure remains a pivotal moment in modern Greek political history.

Rex T. Barber (1917–2001) was a United States Army Air Forces colonel and fighter ace during World War II. Flying a Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Barber led the mission that intercepted and shot down Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto’s plane in Operation Vengeance. For this action, he received the Distinguished Service Cross and became a renowned war hero. After the war, he continued his military career, retiring with the rank of colonel. Barber also worked as an airline pilot and advocated for veteran affairs. His daring mission remains one of the most celebrated air operations of the war.

James D. Watkins (1927–2012) was a four-star admiral in the United States Navy who led major naval commands. He played a key role in anti-submarine warfare strategy during the Cold War. After retiring from active duty, Watkins was appointed by President Reagan as the 6th Secretary of Energy, serving from 1989 to 1993. In this role, he oversaw nuclear safety initiatives and energy policy development. Known for his leadership and integrity, he chaired commissions on ocean policy and national security. Watkins's contributions to military strategy and energy policy left a lasting impact on U.S. national affairs.

Charles R. Larson was born in 1936 and graduated from the United States Naval Academy, beginning a distinguished naval career. He commanded numerous ships and held senior staff positions before being appointed Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet in 1988. In 1987, he became the first alumnus to return as Superintendent of the Naval Academy, overseeing modernization efforts and academic reforms. He was known for his leadership during the end of the Cold War and his commitment to officer education. After retiring, Larson remained active in naval affairs and wrote extensively on maritime strategy until his passing in 2014.