September 11

Henri de la Tour d'Auvergne was born in 1611 into the noble House of La Tour d'Auvergne. His brilliance emerged during the Thirty Years’ War, where he distinguished himself with rapid maneuvers and decisive victories. Promoted to Marshal of France in 1643, he mastered siege warfare and open-field tactics. Turenne later served under King Louis XIV, leading French forces in the War of Devolution and the Dutch War. Known for his strategic vision and humane leadership, he earned respect from allies and enemies alike. He died in 1675 during a campaign in the Rhine region, leaving a legacy as a model of military command.

Julian Byng, 1st Viscount Byng of Vimy, was a senior British Army officer whose command of the Canadian Corps at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in World War I marked a turning point in the conflict. Promoted to field marshal, he later served as the 12th Governor General of Canada from 1921 to 1926, fostering national unity and supporting the arts. Born in Staffordshire, England, Byng's military career spanned campaigns in Africa and Europe, demonstrating tactical skill and concern for his troops. His decision during the 1926 "King-Byng Affair" tested the limits of constitutional authority and had lasting implications for Canadian governance. Byng's combination of battlefield leadership and diplomatic acumen cemented his reputation on both sides of the Atlantic.

Templer graduated from the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, and saw action in both World Wars, rising to command VII Corps under General Montgomery. In 1952, he was appointed High Commissioner and Director of Operations in Malaya, where his counterinsurgency strategies helped defeat communist guerrillas. Known for his directive to 'win hearts and minds', he blended military action with political reform and civic programs. After his service in Malaya, Templer held senior army commands before retiring in 1958. His leadership during a critical period of counterinsurgency influenced modern military doctrine.

Donald Blakeslee was a distinguished American colonel and combat fighter pilot during World War II. He commanded the 4th Fighter Group, flying P-47 Thunderbolts and later P-51 Mustangs over Europe. Blakeslee’s aggressive tactics and leadership helped secure air superiority against Axis forces. After the war, he continued to serve in the U.S. Air Force and contributed to pilot training programs. His valor and command skills earned him numerous awards, solidifying his reputation as an aviation pioneer.

Leaford Bearskin was a U.S. Air Force colonel and decorated World War II veteran. After retiring from the military, he served as chief of the Wyandotte Nation, guiding tribal governance and cultural revival. Under his leadership, the tribe developed economic enterprises and strengthened its sovereignty. Bearskin was honored for both his military service and his commitment to education and healthcare in his community. His dual roles as a veteran and tribal leader left a lasting impact on Native American history.

Daniel Akaka served in the US Army Corps of Engineers during World War II and then earned a degree from the University of Hawaii. He worked as an administrator in the territorial Department of Education before entering politics. Elected to the US House in 1977, he later became Hawaii's first US Senator of Native Hawaiian ancestry in 1990. During his Senate tenure, Akaka sponsored legislation promoting Hawaiian sovereignty, veterans' affairs, and education. His dedicated public service spanned over three decades.

Harry Somers served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II before studying composition at the Toronto Conservatory of Music. He went on to become a leading figure in Canadian music, blending avant-garde techniques with lyrical expression. Somers composed operas, orchestral pieces, chamber works, and choral music, including the celebrated opera "Louis Riel." He co-founded the Canadian Music Centre and influenced generations of composers through both his creations and his leadership roles.

G. David Schine rose to prominence as a consultant and close associate of Senator Joseph McCarthy during the early 1950s. His commission as a lieutenant in the Army Reserve and subsequent conflict over preferential treatment led to the televised Army-McCarthy hearings. The hearings exposed McCarthy's tactics and shifted public opinion. After the controversy, Schine pursued business interests and wrote on cultural topics. His role in one of the Cold War's defining moments cemented his place in American political history.

Born in 1935, Gherman Titov joined the Soviet Air Force and was selected as one of the first cosmonauts in 1960. On August 6, 1961, he flew aboard Vostok 2, completing 17 orbits around the Earth and becoming the youngest person to go to space at age 25. Titov was the first human to experience space sickness and the first to sleep in orbit, contributing valuable biomedical data. After his spaceflight, he rose to the rank of Air Force general and served in various leadership roles within the Soviet space program. He wrote memoirs detailing his pioneering experiences and remained a celebrated figure in Russia until his death in 2000.

Born in 1937, Robert Crippen graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served as a naval aviator before joining NASA's astronaut corps in 1969. As pilot of STS-1 in 1981 alongside Commander John Young, he helped inaugurate NASA's Space Shuttle program. Crippen went on to command three additional Shuttle missions—STS-7, STS-41C, and STS-41G—amassing over 500 hours in space. After leaving flight status, he held senior management positions at Johnson Space Center, shaping future human spaceflight initiatives. His career bridged the Mercury and Shuttle eras, making him a key figure in American space exploration.