September 30

Born in Valladolid (now Morelia), he studied theology and was ordained as a priest before joining Miguel Hidalgo’s insurgent movement in 1810. After Hidalgo’s execution, Morelos emerged as the primary military strategist, leading successful campaigns across southern Mexico. He convened the Congress of Chilpancingo and articulated the goals for an independent Mexican republic. Captured by Spanish forces, he was tried and executed in 1815, becoming a martyr for independence. His leadership and vision laid the groundwork for Mexico’s eventual liberation in 1821. He is honored as one of Mexico’s greatest national heroes.

Reinhard Scheer was born in 1863 in Obernkirchen, Germany. He joined the Imperial German Navy and rose through the ranks to become admiral. As commander of the High Seas Fleet, he led German naval forces at the Battle of Jutland in 1916, the largest naval engagement of World War I. Although the battle was tactically inconclusive, Scheer's bold tactics earned him recognition. After the war, he served as naval attaché and contributed to navy restructuring. He retired in 1920 and passed away in 1928, leaving a legacy as one of Germany's most prominent naval commanders.

Alfred Wintle was born in 1897 in China into a British military family. He served with distinction in the Royal Marine Light Infantry during World War I and earned the Distinguished Service Cross. Captured in World War II, Wintle made multiple escape attempts before being liberated. After the wars, he became a local politician and was known for his colorful speeches and disagreements with superiors. Wintle authored an autobiography recounting his adventures and controversies. His determination and humor made him a celebrated figure in British military history. He died in 1966, remembered as one of the most unconventional and spirited officers of his era.

Lewis Nixon III (1918–1995) was an American businessman and U.S. Army captain who served as the intelligence officer for Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division during World War II. A skilled strategist, he played a crucial role in planning operations such as the D-Day landings and the Battle of the Bulge. Nixon's leadership and calm under fire earned the respect of his men, famously documented in Stephen E. Ambrose's Band of Brothers. After the war, he became president of his family's liquor business but struggled with alcoholism. Despite personal battles, Nixon's wartime service left a lasting legacy of courage and professionalism.

William Lewis Guy was born in 1919 and served as a lieutenant in the US Army during World War II before entering politics. He was elected as the youngest Governor of North Dakota in 1960 and served four terms from 1961 to 1973. Guy led efforts to modernize the state's infrastructure and expand educational opportunities, including improvements to the university system. He championed rural electrification and agricultural development, securing federal support for farmers during challenging times. After leaving office, he remained active in civic affairs and public service until his death in 2013. His legacy includes lasting reforms that strengthened North Dakota's economy and community welfare.

Michel Tognini earned his wings in the French Air Force before being selected by the European Space Agency in 1985. He served as pilot on Soyuz TM-15 for a mission to the Mir space station in 1992 and later commanded STS-93 aboard Space Shuttle Columbia in 1999. During his flights, he conducted scientific experiments and participated in extravehicular activities. After retiring from active flight, Tognini served as Director of Space Exploration at CNES and head of the European Astronaut Centre. His multifaceted career spans military service, engineering, and pioneering space exploration.