July 30

Charles Amadeus was born in 1624 into the House of Savoy as the Duke of Nemours. He served as an officer in the French army during the Fronde civil wars, distinguishing himself on the battlefield. Known for his courage and chivalry, he became a symbol of noble military service. His life was tragically cut short in 1652 after a fatal courtly duel rooted in rivalry. Despite his brief career, he exemplified the martial ideals of 17th-century French aristocracy. He died on July 30, 1652, remembered for both valor and the dangers of honor culture.

Thomas Butler, 6th Earl of Ossory, was born in 1634 into the influential Butler dynasty. He rose through the Royal Navy to become an admiral, defending English interests at sea. A committed Protestant, he fought in conflicts against Dutch and French fleets. Butler also held high office as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, administering the kingdom on behalf of the crown. He balanced English directives with local Irish concerns, earning a reputation for skillful governance. He died on July 30, 1680, leaving a legacy as both a naval commander and a political administrator.

Lê Văn Duyệt (died 1832) was a prominent Vietnamese general and high-ranking mandarin during the early Nguyễn dynasty. Born in the late 18th century, he rose from humble origins to become one of Emperor Gia Long’s most trusted commanders. He played a key role in military campaigns that unified Vietnam under the Nguyễn rule and later governed the southern region as Vice King (Thái sư). Known for his administrative reforms and support of Catholic missionaries, he earned both respect and controversy. After his death in 1832, his mausoleum in Saigon became a site of pilgrimage and political significance during subsequent upheavals. Today, he is remembered as a foundational figure in southern Vietnamese history.

George Edward Pickett (1825–1875) was an American career military officer and Confederate general in the Civil War. Born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, he graduated from West Point and served in the U.S. Army before resigning his commission to join the Confederacy in 1861. He rose to prominence during the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, where he led the infamous Pickett’s Charge against Union lines. The assault ended in heavy casualties and is often cited as the high-water mark of the Confederacy. After the war, Pickett received a presidential pardon and briefly returned to service in the U.S. Army before his death. His legacy is entwined with one of the Civil War’s most dramatic and controversial moments.

Born in 1970, Mohammed Yusuf founded Boko Haram in 2002 as an Islamist extremist group advocating against Western education and secular governance in Nigeria. Under his leadership, Boko Haram grew from a small sect into a violent insurgency, carrying out attacks on government institutions, security forces, and civilians. Yusuf's radical ideology and charisma attracted followers, but his group faced increasing military pressure and internal dissent. In 2009, Yusuf was captured and killed by Nigerian security forces, an event that triggered a surge in Boko Haram's violence under new leadership. His death marked a turning point that led Boko Haram to adopt more extreme tactics, greatly impacting Nigeria's security landscape.

Born in 1911, Rasmuson rose through the military ranks during a transformative era for women in the armed forces. She demonstrated leadership and courage in various roles, inspiring fellow soldiers. Rasmuson's service contributed to expanding opportunities for women in the U.S. Army. Her commitment to duty and excellence earned her recognition among military peers. Following her retirement, she continued to advocate for veterans and women's rights. Her pioneering career paved the way for future generations of servicewomen.

Born in 1914, Byrd Jr. began his career as a lieutenant in the Virginia National Guard. He later took the helm of a family-owned newspaper, shaping public discourse through journalism. Elected to the U.S. Senate, he was known for his pragmatic approach to governance. Byrd navigated complex political issues during his tenure, earning respect across party lines. His blend of military discipline and editorial insight defined his leadership style. He remains remembered for his contributions to both state and national affairs.

Michael A. Sheehan graduated from West Point and served as an Army officer in infantry and special operations units. He held leadership positions in the National Counterterrorism Center and the Department of Homeland Security during the Bush administration. Under President Obama, he was appointed Ambassador-at-Large for Counterterrorism, coordinating U.S. efforts against global extremist threats. An accomplished author, Sheehan wrote extensively on terrorism, security policy, and military strategy. He lectured at universities and institutions worldwide, sharing insights from both his military service and public policy work. His career bridged the worlds of defense, diplomacy, and academia, shaping modern approaches to counterterrorism.