September 26

Musa ibn Musa al-Qasawi was a prominent member of the Banu Qasi family, a group of Muwallad lords in the Ebro valley. He expanded his territories through alliances and conflicts with the Emirate of Córdoba and neighboring Christian kingdoms. At times allied with and at times rebelled against the Umayyad rulers of al-Andalus, showcasing his political acumen. His ability to navigate shifting loyalties earned him the nickname 'Third King of Spain.' He died in 862 after decades of power struggles that shaped the frontier politics of medieval Iberia.

Didier de Saint-Jaille served as the 46th Grandmaster of the Knights Hospitaller from 1535 until his death in 1536. Under his leadership, the order continued to fortify its stronghold on the island of Rhodes against Ottoman encroachment. He oversaw military training and naval expeditions aimed at defending Christian territories in the eastern Mediterranean. Little is known about his early life, but he was respected for his commitment to the Hospitaller ideals of chivalry and defense of Christendom. His brief tenure ended on September 26, 1536, when he passed away on the island of Rhodes.

José Bernardo de Tagle y Portocarrero, the Marquis of Torre Tagle, was a key figure in Peru’s struggle for independence. He distinguished himself as a military leader under José de San Martín and Simón Bolívar. In 1823, Tagle assumed the presidency of Peru at a tumultuous time in the newly independent nation. His administration faced internal revolts and external threats as Peru sought political stability. Despite challenges, he worked to organize the republic’s institutions and defend its sovereignty. After resigning the presidency, Tagle continued to serve in public roles until his death in 1825.

Henri Fertet was born in 1926 in Dole, France, and joined the French Resistance at just 16. He conducted reconnaissance and sabotage missions against German occupation troops. In 1943, Fertet was captured following a raid and subjected to a military trial. Facing the firing squad at age 17, he wrote poignant letters to his parents expressing his patriotism. His bravery exemplified youth involvement in the anti-Nazi resistance. Fertet's letters were later published, inspiring remembrance of civilian resistance. He was executed on September 26, 1943, and is honored as a martyr of the Resistance.

Born in Victoria in 1889, Morshead served in World War I before rising through the ranks of the Australian Army. As commander of the 9th Division, he held Tobruk against German and Italian forces for eight months, earning the nickname Desert Rat. His leadership in North Africa and Greece showcased his tactical acumen and unyielding resolve under pressure. After the war, he oversaw the reorganization of the Australian military and contributed to strategic studies. Morshead’s legacy lives on in military history as a model of courage, adaptability, and inspirational command during critical campaigns.

Born in 1898, Fitzmaurice served with distinction during World War I before turning to aviation. He became one of the crew of the Bremen aircraft, achieving the first successful east–west Atlantic crossing in 1928. Enduring stormy seas and mechanical challenges, the flight demonstrated the potential of long-distance air travel. He later helped establish the Irish Air Corps and promoted pilot training throughout the country. Fitzmaurice’s daring exploits and technical expertise inspired a generation of aviators and advanced early aviation history. He died in 1965, leaving a legacy of courage in the skies.

Born in 1924 in Mobile, Alabama, Phillips enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 18 and fought in campaigns including Guadalcanal and Cape Gloucester. His firsthand accounts of combat were featured in the book "Helmet for My Pillow," which formed the basis for parts of HBO's The Pacific. Returning home, he studied medicine at the University of Tennessee and established a family practice in Pensacola, Florida. Phillips balanced his medical career with community service, delivering lectures on the importance of preserving veterans' stories. In 2014, he published his own memoir detailing his wartime experiences and the transition to civilian life. He remained active in veteran organizations until his death on September 26, 2015, at the age of 91.