July 28

Edward Woodville was a member of the influential Woodville family and younger brother of Elizabeth Woodville, queen consort to Edward IV. He fought at the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471, earning recognition for his bravery. After the Wars of the Roses, he joined an expedition to support Duke Francis II of Brittany against French forces. At the Siege of Saint-Malo, he led a daring assault but was mortally wounded in 1488. His death marked the end of the Woodville family’s direct martial involvement and underscored the perils of private military adventuring in late medieval Europe.

Born in Decize in 1767, Louis Antoine de Saint-Just quickly rose to prominence as an eloquent writer and radical voice in the National Convention. He earned the nickname 'Angel of Death' for his stern advocacy of revolutionary justice and his pivotal role on the Committee of Public Safety. Saint-Just helped draft the Constitution of 1793 and played a key military role in suppressing royalist uprisings. His unwavering loyalty to Robespierre made him one of the most feared figures during the height of the Reign of Terror. Following the Thermidorian Reaction, he was arrested alongside Robespierre and executed on July 28, 1794.

Born in 1768, Édouard Mortier rose through the ranks of the French army to become one of Napoleon’s Marshals of France, earning the title duc de Trévise. He distinguished himself in numerous campaigns, including the German and Spanish theaters, demonstrating tactical skill and bravery. After the fall of Napoleon, Mortier transitioned to politics and was appointed Prime Minister of France in 1834 under King Louis-Philippe. His tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize the government, though he faced significant political unrest and economic challenges. Mortier was mortally wounded in an assassination attempt outside the French parliament and died on July 28, 1835, becoming a symbol of both military prowess and public service.

Karl W. Richter was a United States Air Force lieutenant who served as a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War. Born in 1942, he flew numerous combat missions and was credited with multiple aerial victories. Richter became one of the youngest jet aces in U.S. history at the age of 23. He was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal for his valor and skill in the air. Tragically, he died in a training accident in 1967. His courage and dedication remain celebrated by the Air Force community.

Lawrence Moore Cosgrave was a Canadian Army officer and diplomat notable for his service in both world wars and postwar diplomacy. Born in 1890, he served as a colonel in World War II and was decorated for leadership and bravery. After his military career, Cosgrave became Canada's representative at the Japan–Canada Peace Conference and later joined the Canadian diplomatic corps. He played a key role during the International Military Tribunal for the Far East following World War II. Cosgrave's combined military and diplomatic efforts contributed to international postwar reconstruction and legal proceedings. He is remembered for his commitment to justice and peace.

Born in 1961, LeRoy began his career as a decorated officer in the U.S. Army. He set a world record for the longest helicopter flight at nonstop endurance, showcasing his aviation skills. LeRoy competed in international aerobatic championships, earning accolades for precision flying. He served with the Golden Knights, the U.S. Army Parachute Team, demonstrating leadership and courage. LeRoy’s passion for flight inspired many young pilots and veterans alike. His untimely death in 2007 during a performance highlighted both the risks and the allure of high-stakes aviation.

Born in 1944, Abdul Fatah Younis al-Obeidi served as Libya's interior minister and chief of staff under Muammar Gaddafi. In February 2011, he defected to join the National Transitional Council and took command of rebel forces in the Libyan civil war. He played a central role in securing rebel victories in Benghazi and elsewhere. Despite his prominence, he was assassinated under mysterious circumstances in July 2011. His death remains a controversial chapter in Libya's path to overthrowing Gaddafi's regime.

Born in 1922, Mustafa Adrisi rose through the ranks of the Ugandan army to become one of President Idi Amin’s closest allies. In 1977, he was appointed the country’s third Vice President, overseeing national defense and security. Adrisi’s tenure was marked by internal power struggles within Amin’s regime, and he survived an alleged assassination attempt in 1978. Following Amin’s fall in 1979, he went into exile but remained a significant figure in Ugandan politics. His life reflected the turbulence of Uganda’s post-independence history.