July 27

Born in 1625, Edward Montagu served as a Parliamentarian naval officer during the English Civil War. He played a pivotal role in negotiating the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, earning him the title Earl of Sandwich. As an admiral, he led the Royal Navy against the Dutch and helped reorganize England's maritime forces. Montagu died in 1672 in a naval disaster off the coast of England. His career bridged turbulent political shifts and established the Sandwich legacy in British naval history.

Born in Pennsylvania in 1752, Samuel Smith moved to Maryland and began a career in law before the American Revolution. He served as a colonel in the Continental Army and later commanded Maryland militia during the War of 1812, earning acclaim for his defense of Baltimore. His leadership at the Battle of North Point helped repel British forces in 1814. After the war, Smith transitioned to politics, serving multiple terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1803, where he advocated for naval defenses and infrastructure improvements. Smith's dual legacy as a soldier and statesman made him a significant figure in early American history.

Born in 1777 into the aristocratic Trevor family, Henry Trevor was commissioned into the British Army at a young age. He saw action in the Peninsular War, demonstrating leadership in key battles against Napoleon's forces. In 1824, he succeeded to the barony as the 21st Baron Dacre and took on responsibilities in the House of Lords. Trevor balanced his military career with duties as a peer, influencing local governance in his estates. He retired from active service in the mid-19th century, remembered for his commitment to both duty and country.

Born into nobility in 1784, Denis Davydov joined the Russian hussars and became known for guerrilla tactics. He led successful partisan raids behind French lines during the 1812 campaign, earning national renown. Davydov's poetry celebrated military camaraderie and the thrill of cavalry action, shaping Russian Romantic literature. After the war, he continued his military career and wrote memoirs that blended history with poetic flair. His legacy endures as a symbol of patriotism and the marriage of martial valor with artistic expression.

Born in 1812 in North Carolina, Clingman studied law and began a political career in the state legislature. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in the 1840s, he later won a seat in the U.S. Senate. Although initially opposing secession, he joined the Confederacy and was commissioned as a brigadier general during the Civil War. Clingman's military tenure was brief, and he returned to North Carolina politics after the conflict. He spent his later years practicing law and advocating for reconciliation in the post-war South.

Born in 1834, Miguel Grau Seminario rose through the ranks of the Peruvian Navy to become its most revered admiral. Known as the 'Gentleman of the Seas', he earned admiration for his chivalrous conduct and humane treatment of enemy sailors. His command of the ironclad Huáscar during the War of the Pacific in 1879 showcased his tactical brilliance and courage against superior forces. Grau died heroically in the Battle of Angamos, sacrificing himself to protect his crew. Posthumously honored as Admiral of the Navy, he remains a symbol of Peruvian patriotism and naval excellence. Monuments and ships bear his name across Peru in tribute to his legacy.

Robert George was born in 1896 in Scotland and joined the Royal Flying Corps during World War I. He rose through the ranks to become an Air Marshal in the Royal Air Force after World War II. In 1953, he was appointed the 24th Governor of South Australia, serving until 1960. Governor George supported post-war development and fostered cultural and educational initiatives. He was honored with knighthoods in both the United Kingdom and Australia. His leadership bridged military service and civic governance, leaving a lasting impact in both realms.

George L. Street III was born on July 27, 1913 and graduated from the United States Naval Academy, specializing in submarine warfare. As commanding officer of USS Tirante (SS-420) in early 1945, he led a series of bold patrols in enemy waters, sinking multiple vessels and rescuing Allied prisoners. His leadership and tactical skill earned him the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life. After the war, Captain Street continued to serve in the Navy, holding key positions in submarine training and fleet operations. He mentored a new generation of submariners and helped develop postwar undersea tactics. Street retired with the rank of Captain and passed away in 2000, remembered as one of the Navy’s most distinguished submarine commanders.

Josef Priller was born in 1915 in Ingolstadt, Germany, and joined the Luftwaffe in 1935. He became a fighter ace with over 100 aerial victories, flying Bf 109s on both the Eastern and Western Fronts. Priller commanded Jagdgeschwader 26, playing a key role in the defense of Northern France and the Battle of Britain. He received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for his leadership and combat success. After the war, he remained active in aviation circles until his death in 1961.

Joseph William Kittinger II (July 27, 1928 – December 9, 2022) was a United States Air Force colonel and aeronautical pioneer. In 1959 and 1960, he performed Project Excelsior stratospheric balloon ascents, setting world records for the highest balloon flight at over 31 km and the highest parachute jump from 31,333 m, a record that stood for 52 years. During the Vietnam War, he flew combat missions in the F-4 Phantom II and endured 11 months as a prisoner of war after being shot down. In 1984, he became the first person to cross the Atlantic solo by hot air balloon. Kittinger’s groundbreaking work advanced high-altitude flight research and influenced later stratospheric jump projects. After retiring, he engaged in motivational speaking and continued his involvement in extreme aeronautical endeavors.