November 05

Born in 1722, William Byron inherited the title of 5th Baron Byron in 1748 upon his father’s death. He held a commission as a lieutenant in the British Army, participating in military duties during the mid-18th century. After his military service, he assumed his responsibilities in the House of Lords, where he engaged in parliamentary debates and votes on issues of national importance. As a landowner, he managed the family estates at Newstead Abbey, focusing on agricultural improvements and local governance. Byron’s political stance aligned with moderate reformers of his day. He died in 1798, concluding a career that bridged military and political spheres.

Benjamin Butler (1818–1893) graduated from West Point but resigned to pursue a career in law and politics. During the Civil War, he gained fame for defending Fort Monroe and for his administration of occupied New Orleans. Known as 'The Beast' by Southern critics, he took bold measures in support of escaped slaves and Union authority. After the war, Butler served in the U.S. House of Representatives and was elected Governor of Massachusetts in 1882. He championed civil rights, labor reform, and veterans’ pensions throughout his political career. Butler’s complex legacy includes both controversial wartime decisions and enduring advocacy for social justice.

Born in 1846 in England, Boyes joined the Royal Marine Light Infantry at a young age. He displayed extraordinary courage during the Second Opium War and was awarded the Victoria Cross for rescuing wounded comrades under heavy fire. At just fifteen years old, he became one of the youngest recipients of Britain's highest military honor. Boyes continued to serve with distinction until illness forced his return home. He died in 1869, leaving a legacy of bravery and selflessness that is still remembered by military historians.

Sadae Inoue was a career officer in the Imperial Japanese Army who rose to the rank of general. He held various leadership positions, including command of the Central District Army. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, he oversaw troop deployments and logistics. Inoue later led forces in the Pacific theater, where he faced challenging supply conditions. Known for his strategic planning and administrative skills, he was respected by both peers and subordinates. After the war, he retired from military service and documented his experiences.

John Alcock was a pioneering British pilot who served in the Royal Navy Air Service and later the Royal Air Force during World War I. Alongside navigator Arthur Whitten Brown, he achieved the first non-stop transatlantic flight in June 1919, flying from Newfoundland to Ireland in a modified Vickers Vimy bomber. Their historic journey demonstrated the potential of long-distance air travel and earned them knighthoods from King George V. Alcock's achievement opened the door to commercial aviation and inspired future aviators. Tragically, he died later in 1919 during a flight in Ireland. His daring spirit and skill remain celebrated in aviation history.

Sir John Winthrop Hackett was a senior British Army officer who served in World War II and beyond. He commanded the 5th Infantry Brigade during the D-Day landings and later led the 1st Division. Hackett served as Commander-in-Chief of the British Army of the Rhine in the 1960s. After retiring, he became a fellow at Balliol College, Oxford, and lectured on military history. He co-authored The Third World War: August 1985, a hypothetical scenario examining Cold War tensions. Hackett was knighted for his service and received several military honors. His writings influenced defense strategy and public understanding of modern warfare. Hackett passed away in 1997, leaving a legacy as a soldier-scholar of the British Army.

Born in 1917 into a military family, James Lawton Collins Jr. graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He saw active duty in World War II, serving in the European Theater of Operations. Collins specialized in military intelligence and later held senior intelligence positions during the Cold War. He contributed to the development of U.S. Army reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities. Throughout his career, he was recognized for his leadership and strategic acumen. Collins retired with the rank of brigadier general, leaving a legacy in military intelligence.

Peter Pace is a retired United States Marine Corps general born on November 5, 1945. He became the first Marine to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, holding the position from 2005 to 2007. Before that, he served as the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and held key commands including NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Transformation. Pace's military career spanned over 40 years, during which he oversaw operations in Panama, the Gulf War, and the early years of the War on Terror. He earned numerous military decorations such as the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. After retirement, Pace has been involved in military education and leadership development. He is recognized for his strategic acumen and commitment to joint military operations.

Born in 1961, Alan G. Poindexter was a United States Navy captain and NASA astronaut selected in 1996. He piloted STS-122 in 2008 and commanded STS-131 in 2010, contributing to assembly and resupply efforts on the International Space Station. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and test pilot school, Poindexter flew 36 combat missions during Desert Storm before joining NASA. He logged over 700 hours in space during his career. Poindexter was also a dedicated mentor to aspiring astronauts and pilots. He passed away in 2012, leaving a legacy of service to his country and expanding human presence in space.