November 17

Jacques MacDonald was born in 1765 in Sallanches, France, and rose through the ranks during the Revolutionary Wars. He became one of Napoleon’s trusted commanders and was made Marshal of the Empire in 1809. He fought in Italy, Spain, and Russia, commanding the II Corps at the Battle of Wagram. After Napoleon’s initial abdication, he served under the Bourbon Restoration before rejoining Napoleon during the Hundred Days. MacDonald’s strategic skill and loyalty marked him as a distinguished figure of Napoleonic France. He died in 1840 after a long military career.

Andrew L. Harris (1835–1915) was a Union Army general during the American Civil War. He distinguished himself at battles such as Gettysburg and earned the rank of brigadier general. After the war, he returned to Ohio and became involved in politics as a Republican. Elected Governor in 1905, he focused on modernizing the state's infrastructure and education system. Harris championed road improvements and public health initiatives during his term. His career bridged military valor and civic leadership, leaving a lasting impact on Ohio's development.

Born in 1854, Lyautey rose through the ranks of the French Army and made his name in colonial campaigns. He served as Minister of War from 1911 to 1913, overseeing the army's modernization. Later appointed Resident-General of Morocco, he instituted administrative reforms and infrastructure projects. Lyautey emphasized the policy of 'peaceful penetration' and cultural exchange in colonial governance. His strategic vision left a lasting imprint on France's military and colonial policies. Considered one of France's most influential military leaders of the early 20th century.

Born in 1887, Bernard Montgomery rose through the ranks of the British Army to command the Eighth Army in North Africa. His decisive victory at the Second Battle of El Alamein in 1942 marked a turning point against Axis forces. Later, he led Allied ground troops during the Normandy campaign and served as Chief of the Imperial General Staff. Elevated to Viscount, Montgomery authored several memoirs and remained a towering figure in military history until his death in 1976.

Jeremy Black was an officer of the Royal Navy who rose to the rank of admiral. He joined the service in the early 1950s and held command of several warships. Black was recognized for his expertise in naval warfare and strategic planning. During his tenure, he contributed to modernization efforts of the fleet. After a distinguished career, he retired from active duty and became involved in veterans' affairs. He died in 2015.

Jim Inhofe was an American soldier and politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Oklahoma from 1994 to 2023. A U.S. Army Reservist, he began his elected career in the U.S. House of Representatives before moving to the Senate. Inhofe was known for his leadership on defense and skepticism regarding climate change legislation. He chaired the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works during multiple Congress sessions. Throughout his tenure, he advocated for veterans' affairs and energy development. He passed away in 2024 after nearly three decades of national service.

Charles Guthrie, Baron Guthrie of Craigiebank, is a Scottish general and former Chief of the Defence Staff. Commissioned into the British Army in 1959, he held key commands throughout his career. He served as Chief of the General Staff from 1994 to 1997 and as Chief of the Defence Staff until 2001. Elevated to the House of Lords as a life peer, he contributed to defence and security debates. Baron Guthrie remains an influential voice on military strategy and veteran affairs.

Terry Branstad served six terms as Governor of Iowa from 1983 to 1999 and again from 2011 to 2017. He holds the record for the longest governor tenure in U.S. history. Before politics, he served in the U.S. Army and worked as a lawyer. In 2017, Branstad was appointed U.S. Ambassador to China, strengthening bilateral relations. His career is marked by economic development initiatives and education reform in Iowa.

Nguyễn Tấn Dũng is a Vietnamese military officer turned politician who led Vietnam as Prime Minister from 2006 to 2016. A Communist Party member since 1967, he advanced through the ranks of the Vietnam People's Army before entering government service. During his tenure, Dũng implemented reforms to attract foreign investment and modernize the country's infrastructure. He represented Vietnam on the global stage at forums like APEC and the United Nations. Under his leadership, Vietnam experienced rapid economic growth and deeper international integration, while facing challenges around transparency and governance.

Born the son of entertainer Dean Martin in 1951, Dean Paul Martin gained early recognition as a teen idol in the trio Dino, Desi & Billy. He transitioned to acting with roles in films such as 'The Ambushers' and appeared on television throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Beyond entertainment, Martin served as a captain and fighter pilot in the California Air National Guard. His dual career showcased a passion for performance and aviation, setting him apart from his Hollywood peers. Tragically, he died in a training accident in 1987, cutting short a multifaceted career that spanned music, film, and military service.

Robert Dean Stethem (17 November 1961 – 15 June 1985) was a United States Navy Seabee diver whose death became a symbol of heroism. While serving aboard TWA Flight 847, Stethem was seized by terrorists during the 1985 hijacking and brutally murdered. His crew held steadfast under hostage conditions, and Stethem’s bravery and sacrifice brought global attention to the incident. In recognition of his service and valor, the U.S. Navy commissioned the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Stethem (DDG-63) in his honor. Stethem received multiple posthumous awards, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. His story continues to inspire commemorations and memorials across the naval community.