August 19

Henry Rich, 1st Earl of Holland, was born in 1590 and became a favorite of King James I. He served as an officer in the Dutch army during the Thirty Years’ War. Returning to England, he held positions including Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire. Rich played a complex role in the English Civil War, switching allegiances between Parliament and the King. His military leadership was marked by both bravery and controversy on the battlefield. Captured by parliamentary forces, he was executed in 1649 for his Royalist sympathies. His life exemplifies the tumultuous politics of 17th-century England.

Edward Boscawen (1711–1761) was an English naval officer who rose to the rank of admiral and earned the nickname 'Old Dreadnought'. He achieved key victories against French forces at Lagos and Quiberon Bay during the Seven Years’ War. Boscawen’s bold tactics and leadership secured British naval dominance at sea. After his military career, he served as a Member of Parliament for Truro, influencing naval policy. His strategic acumen shaped Royal Navy doctrine and inspired future naval commanders. He remains a celebrated figure in British naval history.

Charles-François de Broglie, marquis de Ruffec (1719–1781), was a French aristocrat and military officer. He served in the War of Austrian Succession and distinguished himself in several key campaigns. Later appointed as a diplomat, he negotiated treaties and represented France in European courts. Renowned for his courtly grace and political skill, he maintained strong ties with royal favorites. As marquis de Ruffec, he balanced military service with diplomatic responsibilities. His career exemplified the intertwining of nobility and statecraft in pre-revolutionary France.

Born in Baler in 1878, Manuel L. Quezon served as a soldier during the Philippine–American War before pursuing a career in law and politics. Elected president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines in 1935, he enacted social justice reforms, land redistribution, and education initiatives. Quezon was instrumental in establishing Tagalog as the foundation for the national language. Under his leadership, the Commonwealth government strengthened its institutions and prepared the country for independence. Forced into exile during World War II, he continued to advocate for Filipino sovereignty from the United States. Quezon’s vision and reforms laid the groundwork for modern Philippine nationhood until his death in 1944.

José Mendes Cabeçadas began his career as a naval officer, earning recognition for his strategic acumen. In May 1926, he played a leading role in the coup d'état that ended the First Portuguese Republic. Appointed President and Prime Minister, he sought to stabilize the nation but resigned after only a few months amid political turmoil. Following his departure from office, he retired from public life though his actions paved the way for the Estado Novo regime. His brief tenure remains a pivotal moment in Portugal’s 20th-century history.

Peter Kemp (1913–1993) was an Indian-English soldier who later turned to writing, drawing on his military background to craft compelling narratives. He published several books and articles that provided an intimate look at life as a soldier in mid-20th-century conflicts. Kemp’s writing was praised for its clear, candid style and ability to convey both the action and human challenges of war. His work offered readers rare insights into the mindset of service members and the realities of combat. Through essays and memoirs, he contributed to military journals and inspired future generations of war authors. Kemp’s legacy endures in his honest storytelling and reflection on duty and identity.

Peter Kemp (1915–1993) was a British soldier who served during World War II and later worked as a mercenary in various international conflicts. After active duty, he wrote a series of memoirs detailing his frontline experiences and clandestine operations. Kemp’s writing combined vivid action with thoughtful reflection on the ethical challenges faced by soldiers-for-hire. His books offered readers a rare glimpse into lesser-known theaters of 20th-century warfare and the personal costs of armed service. In addition to memoirs, he penned essays on military strategy and leadership. Kemp’s clear, honest storytelling earned him a dedicated readership. His legacy endures at the intersection of soldiering and literature.

David Durenberger was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota in 1934. After serving in the U.S. Army, he earned his law degree and began a career in law and public service. Elected as a U.S. Senator from Minnesota in 1978, he served until 1995. A moderate Republican, he championed healthcare policy, environmental conservation, and senior citizens' rights. After leaving the Senate, he continued to work as a policy adviser and advocate for public health.

Charles Bolden was born in 1946 and embarked on a distinguished career as a U.S. Marine Corps aviator and astronaut. He flew four Space Shuttle missions between 1986 and 1994, logging over 680 hours in space. As a Major General, Bolden commanded Marine aviation units and held leadership roles at Marine Corps headquarters. In 2009, he was appointed NASA Administrator, guiding the agency through the retirement of the Space Shuttle program and the rise of commercial space partnerships. Bolden championed STEM education and international cooperation in space exploration. He received numerous honors, including the Defense Superior Service Medal. After leaving NASA, he continued to advocate for aerospace policy and science initiatives.