September 22

Born in 1833 in Charleston, South Carolina, he graduated from West Point. Served as a lieutenant general in the Confederate army during the American Civil War. Commanded troops in major battles such as Gettysburg and the Petersburg siege. After the war, Lee became an educator and served as the first president of Mississippi A&M College (now Mississippi State University). He later taught history and economics, advocating for agricultural and industrial development. Lee authored military histories and was active in veterans' organizations. He died in 1908, remembered for his dual legacy in the military and academia.

Born in 1841 in Vitebsk Governorate, Pumpurs joined the Russian imperial army. He served in the Caucasus and Crimea, gaining military experience. Inspired by Latvian folklore, he began writing poetry in the 1870s. His epic "Lāčplēsis" (The Bear Slayer) became a cornerstone of Latvian national identity. The work combined myth, history, and patriotism, inspiring the Latvian awakening. Pumpurs also collected folk songs and promoted Latvian culture under Tsarist rule. He died in 1902, revered as a literary figure and national symbol.

Born in 1862, Charalambis graduated from the Hellenic Military Academy. He served as a lieutenant in the Greek army during conflicts such as the Greco-Turkish War. In 1922, amid political upheaval following military defeat, he became interim Prime Minister. His short tenure oversaw initial efforts to stabilize the government and address army mutinies. Although his time in office lasted only days, he played a role in the 1922 Revolution. After politics, he returned to military service and contributed to defense reforms. He died in 1949, remembered for his dual roles in the army and government.

Born in 1882 in Helmscherode, Wilhelm Keitel rose through the ranks of the German Army during World War I and the interwar period. In 1938, he was appointed head of the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW), becoming one of Adolf Hitler's closest military advisors. Keitel oversaw strategic planning and coordination of the German armed forces throughout World War II. He signed several orders that led to the commission of war crimes and the execution of civilians in occupied territories. After Germany's defeat, he was tried at the Nuremberg Trials, convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity, and executed in 1946. His tenure remains controversial for its role in implementing Nazi policies.

Anders Lassen was born in 1920 in Copenhagen and enlisted in the British Special Boat Service shortly after the outbreak of World War II. He quickly distinguished himself through daring raids against German positions in occupied Europe. His leadership during operations in Sicily and Italy earned him multiple decorations, culminating in the Victoria Cross for gallantry. He remains the only non-Commonwealth recipient of that honor during the conflict. Tragically, he was killed in action during the assault on the Comacchio Lagoons in March 1945. Lassen's valor and selflessness continue to inspire military historians and enthusiasts.

J. William Middendorf II is an American former military officer and politician born in 1924. He served in the armed forces before transitioning to a career in government. As the 14th United States Secretary of the Navy (1974–1977), he guided the Navy through the post-Vietnam era, emphasizing modernization and strategic planning. He also held key diplomatic posts, representing the United States abroad and shaping foreign relations. Middendorf’s leadership spans both military service and high-level government roles.

General James E. Cartwright is a retired United States Marine Corps four-star general who served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2007 to 2011. He graduated from Millikin University and rose through command tours in the Pacific and Europe. Cartwright played a pivotal role in strategic planning for U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. After retiring, he advised defense organizations and served on presidential panels. His expertise in military strategy and nuclear deterrence shaped U.S. defense policy during a critical era.