October 04

Lord George Murray was a senior commander in the Jacobite army during the 1745 rising. Born into a noble Scottish family, he became second in command to Prince Charles Edward Stuart. He secured victories at the battles of Prestonpans and Falkirk Muir through innovative tactics. Despite his successes, he faced challenges at Culloden and in maintaining supply lines. Murray’s military acumen earned him respect among both allies and opponents. His efforts remain a significant chapter in the history of the Jacobite cause.

Rutherford B. Hayes was born on October 4, 1822 in Delaware, Ohio. A graduate of Kenyon College and Harvard Law School, he served as a Union Army officer during the Civil War and achieved the rank of brevet major general. Elected as the 19th President after the contested 1876 election, he ended Reconstruction by withdrawing federal troops from the South and sought to heal national divisions. His administration promoted civil service reform and defended African American education and rights. After his term, Hayes advocated for veterans' affairs and education until his death in 1893.

Born in 1881 into a Prussian military family, Walther von Brauchitsch entered the army at a young age. He served with distinction in World War I and rose through the ranks of the Reichswehr during the interwar period. Promoted to field marshal in 1936, he became Commander-in-Chief of the German Army in 1938. Brauchitsch planned and oversaw early campaigns in Poland, France, and the Balkans. Disagreements with Hitler and setbacks on the Eastern Front led to his removal in 1941. He spent the remainder of the war in relative obscurity and died in 1948.

Pierre Garbay was born in 1903 and enjoyed a distinguished career in the French Army. During World War II, he served with the Free French Forces, leading troops in the Italian campaign and the liberation of France. After the war, he held senior commands during French operations in Indochina and North Africa. Known for his leadership and strategic acumen, Garbay achieved the rank of general before retiring in the late 1950s. He passed away in 1980 and is remembered as a key figure in mid-20th century French military history.

Ernst Kaltenbrunner was an Austrian lawyer who rose to become a senior SS official in Nazi Germany. In 1943, he was appointed head of the Reich Main Security Office (RSHA), overseeing the Gestapo and Sicherheitsdienst. He played a leading role in planning and executing the Holocaust across occupied Europe. After Germany's defeat, Kaltenbrunner was captured by Allied forces, tried at Nuremberg, and convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity. He was executed in 1946 and remains one of the most notorious figures of the Nazi regime.

Donald J. Sobol served in the U.S. Army during World War II before earning a degree from Columbia University. He launched a writing career that spanned decades, authoring over 100 books for young readers and adults. Sobol's most famous creation, Encyclopedia Brown, debuted in 1963, featuring a young detective who solved neighborhood mysteries. The series became a staple in children's literature, celebrated for its interactive, puzzle-solving format. His background in journalism and military discipline informed his clear writing style and structured storytelling. Sobol's stories continue to engage readers worldwide, fostering critical thinking and a love of reading.

Karl W. Richter was born in 1942 and became a United States Air Force lieutenant and fighter pilot. Stationed in Southeast Asia, he flew combat missions in the F-105 Thunderchief during the Vietnam War. At only 23, he achieved ace status by downing five enemy aircraft, becoming one of the youngest aces in U.S. history. Richter was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for his bravery and skill. His career was cut short when he died in a combat training accident in 1967. His legacy endures as a symbol of youthful courage and excellence in aerial warfare.

Chuck Hagel is a former U.S. Senator from Nebraska (1997–2009) who earned two Purple Hearts in Vietnam. He chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on International Economic Policy. In 2013, President Barack Obama appointed him Secretary of Defense, where he served until 2015. Hagel focused on modernizing the military, addressing budget constraints, and pivoting to an Asia-Pacific strategy. After government service, he co-founded a policy advisory firm and remained active in defense and foreign affairs.

Admiral Michael Mullen began his naval career in 1968, serving aboard destroyers and frigates. He became Chief of Naval Operations from 2005 to 2007, overseeing fleet readiness and modernization. Mullen was appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2007, serving until 2011. He emphasized civil-military relations and led the military through operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mullen's leadership was marked by efforts to strengthen alliance partnerships and reform defense strategy.

Henry Worsley DSO was a British Army officer and dedicated explorer. Born on October 4, 1960, he served with distinction in the Coldstream Guards and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. Worsley pursued his passion for polar exploration, leading and participating in expeditions to Antarctica, including a solo crossing attempt of the continent. In 2016, while attempting the first unaided solo trek to the South Pole, he succumbed to exhaustion and severe dehydration. His courage and commitment to exploration have inspired adventurers worldwide.