September 28

Henri de La Tour d'Auvergne was a French noble born in 1555 who rose to prominence as a military leader during the Wars of Religion. He distinguished himself in several campaigns and was honored with the rank of Marshal of France. His career bridged the reigns of Henry IV and Louis XIII, reflecting the evolving nature of military leadership. Known for combining tactical skill with diplomatic negotiation, he influenced the development of French armed forces. He held the duchy of Bouillon, exercising both martial and political influence until his death in 1623.

John French, 1st Earl of Ypres, began his military career in the cavalry before rising through the ranks. He commanded the British Expeditionary Force in France at the outbreak of World War I. French led early battles such as Mons and the Marne, earning both praise and criticism. In 1915, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief, Home Forces, overseeing Britain's defense. He played a central role in coordinating with Allied commanders and managing troop deployments. His leadership during a critical period shaped the British Army's early war strategy.

Isabel Pell was born in New York City in 1900. While living in France, she joined the French Resistance after the Nazi occupation of Paris. She used her social standing to gather intelligence and help downed Allied airmen escape German territory. Her daring missions carried great personal risk and contributed to the broader resistance effort. After the liberation of France, she returned to the United States and worked in philanthropic causes. She died in 1951, remembered for her transition from society life to wartime heroism.

Haywood S. Hansell Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1903. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and emerged as a key strategist in the Army Air Forces. Hansell championed daylight precision bombing over Europe to target military installations while minimizing civilian casualties. He led the B-29 Superfortress bombing campaign against Japan and planned initial Pacific operations. Although relieved of command, his theories influenced post-war air power doctrine in the newly established U.S. Air Force. After retiring, he served as a consultant and penned memoirs on military aviation until his death in 1988.

Joe Benton was born on 28 September 1933 in England. He served as a soldier in the British Army and later transitioned into politics. Benton represented his constituency as an elected official, focusing on veterans' rights and community development. He held various positions within his party and was known for his dedication to public service. His career bridged military and political spheres, reflecting a lifelong commitment to his nation.