December 06

Born in 1592, William Cavendish succeeded as Duke of Newcastle and became a leading Royalist commander. He raised and funded cavalry regiments for King Charles I during the English Civil War. Following the Royalists’ defeat, he lived in exile in France, writing plays and treatises on horsemanship. Restored to favor after the monarchy’s return, he received his dukedom and continued to influence court culture. He died in 1676, remembered for his military leadership and cultural patronage.

Born in 1608 at Potheridge, George Monck had a distinguished military career in the English Civil War. He commanded armies in Scotland and later negotiated the return of Charles II to the throne in 1660. For his pivotal role, Monck was created the 1st Duke of Albemarle and appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He balanced military prowess with diplomatic skill, ensuring a relatively peaceful Restoration. Monck died in 1670, leaving a legacy as one of the architects of the restored monarchy.

John Singleton Mosby was born in 1833 in Virginia and graduated from the University of Virginia. As a colonel in the Confederate Army, he led Mosby's Rangers, a partisan ranger unit renowned for swift raids and intelligence gathering. His knowledge of local terrain and surprise tactics earned him the nickname 'Gray Ghost' from Union troops. Mosby captured and disrupted supply lines, influencing Civil War guerrilla warfare tactics. After the war, he reconciled with former adversaries, served as a lawyer, and held diplomatic posts. His wartime memoirs and legal career highlighted his adaptability and leadership. Mosby died in 1916, remembered as a master of irregular warfare.

Jean Frédéric Bazille was born in 1841 in Montpellier, France. A talented young artist, he befriended Claude Monet and Auguste Renoir in Paris, sharing studios and artistic ideas. Bazille's work featured luminous scenes of French gardens, portraits, and still lifes, blending realism with emerging Impressionist techniques. In 1870, he volunteered for the army at the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War and was killed in action at the Battle of Beaune-la-Rolande. Despite his brief career, Bazille left behind a significant body of work that influenced Impressionism. His paintings are celebrated for their bright palette and expressive brushwork. Bazille's potential as a leading artist is remembered through his surviving masterpieces.

August von Mackensen was born in 1849 in Darmstadt, German Confederation. He rose through the ranks of the Prussian Army and gained fame for his leadership during the Russo-Turkish War. Appointed commander of the 11th Army in World War I, Mackensen secured victories in Serbia and Poland. Known for his distinctive uniform and signature pickelhaube helmet, he became a symbol of German military prowess. After the war, he remained a respected figure and served on the Reichswehr advisory council. Elevated to field marshal in 1915, he was awarded the Pour le Mérite. Mackensen died in 1945, leaving behind a reputation for strategic brilliance and unwavering discipline.

Joyce Kilmer (1886–1918) was an American poet whose simple, heartfelt verse captured widespread public admiration. His most famous poem, 'Trees', published in 1913, remains a staple of American poetry anthologies. Kilmer paused his literary career to enlist in the U.S. Army during World War I, serving as a member of the 165th Infantry Regiment. He was killed in action during the Second Battle of the Marne in France, and his sacrifice cemented his image as both a patriotic figure and a gifted writer. Kilmer's blending of nature themes and personal faith continues to resonate with readers today.

Homer N. Wallin (1893–1984) was a U.S. Navy admiral renowned for his leadership in naval salvage and ship recovery operations. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in 1916, he served aboard destroyers during World War I. During World War II, as Chief of the Navy's Bureau of Ships' Salvage Division, he oversaw historic salvage efforts following the attack on Pearl Harbor, refloating and repairing battleships critical to the Pacific campaign. Wallin's technical expertise and innovative methods expedited fleet restoration under challenging conditions. After the war, he documented his experiences in the authoritative volume 'Pearl Harbor: Why, How, Fleet Salvage'. His contributions earned him numerous commendations, including the Legion of Merit. Wallin's work set enduring standards for naval engineering and ship recovery techniques. He retired in 1953, leaving a lasting legacy in maritime operations and naval history.

Born in 1916, Yekaterina Budanova enlisted in the Soviet Air Force in 1939 and became one of its few female combat pilots. She was credited with shooting down 11 enemy aircraft during the Second World War, making her one of the highest-scoring female aces of the conflict. Known for her courage and skill, she flew Yakovlev fighters on the Eastern Front and inspired other women to serve in combat roles. Her achievements broke gender barriers in military aviation and earned her several decorations. Budanova was killed in aerial combat in 1943, and her legacy endures as a pioneering female military aviator.

Born in 1917, Dean Hess was ordained as a Baptist minister before joining the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He served in Europe, then commanded the 4th Fighter Group in the Korean War, where he led the rescue of hundreds of war orphans. His experiences inspired the 1957 film "Battle Hymn" starring Rock Hudson. Hess retired with the rank of colonel and continued his pastoral work and public speaking. He wrote several memoirs and remained active in veteran and church communities until his death in 2015.

John Brunt was born in 1922 in Netherton, Worcestershire, and educated at King Edward VI School. In 1942, he was commissioned into the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and sent to the front lines in Normandy. On 11–12 July 1944, during an attack near Maltot, Brunt led assaults against enemy positions under heavy fire. His daring actions and leadership inspired his company, but he was mortally wounded in the process. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest military honor, for his outstanding courage. Brunt's story exemplifies selfless service and remains a symbol of sacrifice in military history.

Born in 1922 in Poughkeepsie, New York, Benjamin Gilman served as an infantryman in Europe during World War II. After the war, he earned a law degree and entered politics, winning election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1972. Gilman served ten consecutive terms, during which he chaired the House International Relations Committee. He sponsored legislation promoting cultural and educational exchanges and championed human rights causes, including Holocaust remembrance. Gilman was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal for his public service and continued to advise on international affairs after retiring in 2003. He passed away in 2016, leaving a legacy as a dedicated legislator and veteran.

General Donald J. Kutyna (born 1933) served over three decades in the United States Air Force, specializing in missile and space programs. He held key positions including Director of the Space and Missile Systems Organization and Commander of Air Force Systems Command. Kutyna played a pivotal role in advancing the U.S. aerospace capabilities during the Cold War. He received distinguished awards such as the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. After retirement, he continued to consult on national security and space policy. His expertise helped shape modern military space operations.