July 27

Born in 1611, Henri de la Tour d'Auvergne entered military service during the Thirty Years' War. He quickly distinguished himself with innovative tactics and was appointed Marshal of France in 1660. Turenne led successful campaigns in Germany and the Netherlands, demonstrating strategic brilliance. His principles of mobility and logistics influenced future military doctrine across Europe. He was killed by a cannonball at the Battle of Salzbach in 1675, solidifying his legend as a military icon.

Born around 1648, John Graham rose through military ranks under Charles II and James II. He earned notoriety suppressing Covenanter uprisings before becoming Viscount Dundee in 1688. A devoted royalist, he led the Jacobite uprising of 1689 to restore James VII in Scotland. Graham won the Battle of Killiecrankie but was killed in action, becoming a romantic hero of the Jacobite cause. His daring leadership and tragic end have inspired literature, ballads, and Scotland's collective memory.

Born in 1894, Hermann Brauneck earned his medical degree and practiced as a physician in Germany. He joined the Sturmabteilung (SA) in the early years of the Nazi movement and took on leadership duties within the organization's medical corps. As an SA general, he oversaw the health and training of SA personnel, contributing to the development of paramilitary structures. Brauneck balanced his medical background with military responsibilities during a turbulent period in German history. He died on July 27, 1942, leaving a complex legacy tied to both medicine and the politics of the era.

Claire Lee Chennault was born in Texas in 1893 and served in the U.S. Army Air Service during World War I. After leaving the military, he became an aviation instructor and airline pilot, earning a reputation for his tactical insight. In 1941, he formed and led the American Volunteer Group—better known as the 'Flying Tigers'—to defend China against Japanese forces, achieving remarkable aerial victories. Chennault developed innovative tactics that emphasized hit-and-run assaults and close air support, influencing air combat strategies throughout the war. He later returned to U.S. service as a lieutenant general and advised on air operations in the China-Burma-India theater. Chennault authored several books on aviation and remained a prominent advocate for air power after the war. He died in 1958, remembered as one of America's most influential military aviators.

Bud Day was born in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1925 and served as a fighter pilot in World War II and the Korean War. During the Vietnam War, his aircraft was shot down over North Vietnam in 1967, and he was captured and tortured for nearly five years. Despite brutal conditions, Day led resistance efforts among fellow prisoners of war and refused early release without his men. President Nixon awarded him the Medal of Honor in 1977 for his valor and leadership under captivity. After retiring as a colonel, he founded the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and remained an active advocate for veterans until his death in 2013.

Sir Richard Bolt was born in 1923 and joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force during World War II, flying missions in the Pacific. He rose through the ranks to become Chief of Air Staff from 1976 to 1979, overseeing modernization efforts. Bolt championed the introduction of advanced aircraft and improved training and safety protocols across the service. After retirement, he served as a consultant for international aviation organizations and NATO liaison. He was honored with multiple awards for his leadership and commitment to excellence before his death in 2014.

Anthony Shaw was an English general in the British Army whose career spanned several decades and numerous command appointments. He demonstrated strategic acumen in various operational and staff roles, contributing to the training and deployment of troops. Shaw was respected for his leadership, discipline, and commitment to his soldiers' welfare. Following his retirement, he continued to engage with military affairs as an advisor and mentor to emerging officers. His dedication to service left a lasting imprint on the British Army until his passing in 2015.

Born in Apeldoorn in 1915, Piet de Jong began his career in the Royal Netherlands Navy, commanding submarines during World War II. He transitioned to politics in the 1950s and was appointed Minister of Defence in 1959, overseeing modernization efforts. In 1967, he became Prime Minister, leading a broad coalition government until 1971 and championing social reforms. Known for his steady leadership and consensus-building style, he maintained national stability during a period of change. After leaving office, he continued to influence Dutch public life as an elder statesman until his death in 2016 at the age of 101.