7th Earl of Gloucester, English officer
7th Earl of Gloucester
English officer
7th Earl of Gloucester, a key English noble and military commander in the late 13th century.
Gilbert de Clare, 7th Earl of Gloucester, was born in 1243 into one of England’s most powerful families. He held vast estates in Wales and England, playing a central role in the Anglo-Welsh wars under King Edward I. De Clare led troops in campaigns against the Welsh princes, demonstrating his prowess as a military commander. He also participated in the Barons’ Wars, aligning with the king’s forces to maintain royal authority. His marriage to Alice de Lusignan connected him to the royal court and strengthened his influence. Known for his strategic fortifications, he fortified key castles across his territories. Gilbert’s leadership exemplified the martial and political responsibilities of the medieval nobility.
1295
Gilbert de Clare, 7th Earl of Gloucester
English admiral and politician
English admiral and politician
English admiral who commanded naval operations in North America during the Seven Years' War and later served in politics.
Sir Charles Saunders (1715–1775) was an admiral in the Royal Navy renowned for his role in the Seven Years' War. He led the naval force that supported General James Wolfe’s troops and blockaded the St. Lawrence River during the Siege of Quebec in 1759. Saunders also commanded operations at the capture of Louisbourg and captured multiple French vessels. After the war, he represented Plymouth in Parliament and advocated for naval reforms and veterans' welfare. Knighted and created a baronet in 1771, he continued to influence British naval strategy. Saunders's leadership was instrumental in securing British dominance at sea and shaping colonial campaigns in North America.
1775
Charles Saunders
French soldier and drummer
French soldier and drummer
Young French Revolutionary drummer boy celebrated as a martyr of the Republic.
Joseph Bara (1779–1793) was a child volunteer drummer in the French Revolutionary army. At just thirteen years old, he joined Republican forces fighting in the Vendée uprising. In December 1793, Bara was killed by royalist insurgents after refusing to cry 'Long live the king,' becoming a symbol of revolutionary devotion. His death was widely publicized in poems, songs, and pamphlets, elevating him to the status of a national martyr. Bara’s story inspired revolutionary fervor and was commemorated in art and literature throughout the era. He remains an enduring emblem of youth sacrificing for liberty during the French Revolution.
1793
Joseph Bara
Turkish admiral and politician
Turkish admiral and politician
Ottoman admiral who led the fleet in the late 18th century and served in senior government roles.
Küçük Hüseyin Pasha was a prominent Ottoman admiral born in 1757. He rose through the ranks to become Kapudan Pasha, commanding the imperial fleet during key naval engagements. Hüseyin Pasha led successful campaigns against rival navies and Barbary corsairs, bolstering Ottoman maritime dominance. As a reformer, he introduced improvements in shipbuilding techniques and naval training protocols. Later he transitioned to high-level political offices, serving as an advisor to the Sultan and participating in state administration. His strategic vision and leadership strengthened both the navy and the central government. He passed away on December 7, 1803, leaving a lasting legacy in Ottoman military history.
1803
Küçük Hüseyin Pasha
German-French general
German-French general
Bold French marshal under Napoleon, celebrated for his bravery on the battlefield.
Michel Ney was born in 1769 and quickly rose through the ranks of the Revolutionary armies with his fearless leadership. As Marshal of the Empire, he earned the nickname "Le Brave des Braves" for his actions at battles such as Austerlitz, Borodino, and Waterloo. Ney played a crucial role in the Peninsular War and the retreat from Moscow, often rallying demoralized troops. During Napoleon’s Hundred Days, he briefly supported the Emperor before surrendering at Waterloo. Charged with treason after the restoration of the monarchy, he was executed in December 1815. Ney’s personal courage and military genius have made him an enduring symbol of the Napoleonic era.
1815
Michel Ney
English admiral and politician, 4th Governor of New South Wales
English admiral and politician
4th Governor of New South Wales
British naval officer and colonial governor infamous for the Mutiny on the Bounty.
William Bligh was an officer of the Royal Navy born in 1745. He gained early recognition for his skill in navigation, serving under Captain James Cook. As captain of HMS Bounty, he faced the famous mutiny in 1789 and survived a perilous voyage in an open boat. Appointed the fourth Governor of New South Wales, he attempted to reform the colony’s food supply and trade practices, which led to conflict with local elites. Despite controversies, his navigational charts and botanical collections advanced scientific knowledge. Bligh’s complex legacy includes both naval innovation and administrative strife. He died on December 7, 1817.
1817
William Bligh
Governor of New South Wales
American captain
Frederick Curtice Davis, American sailor
Julius Ellsberry, American sailor
John C. England, American sailor
Edwin J. Hill, American sailor
Ralph Hollis, American sailor
Herbert C. Jones, American sailor
Isaac C. Kidd, American admiral
Robert Lawrence Leopold, American sailor
Herbert Hugo Menges, American sailor
Thomas James Reeves, American sailor
Aloysius Schmitt, American priest and sailor
Robert R. Scott, American sailor
Peter Tomich, American sailor
Robert Uhlmann, American sailor
Franklin Van Valkenburgh, American captain
Eldon P. Wyman, American sailor
American captain
Frederick Curtice Davis
American sailor
Julius Ellsberry
American sailor
John C. England
American sailor
Edwin J. Hill
American sailor
Ralph Hollis
American sailor
Herbert C. Jones
American sailor
Isaac C. Kidd
American admiral
Robert Lawrence Leopold
American sailor
Herbert Hugo Menges
American sailor
Thomas James Reeves
American sailor
Aloysius Schmitt
American priest and sailor
Robert R. Scott
American sailor
Peter Tomich
American sailor
Robert Uhlmann
American sailor
Franklin Van Valkenburgh
American captain
Eldon P. Wyman
American sailor
Several American naval officers, sailors, and a naval priest killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, including Captain Mervyn S. Bennion and Admiral Isaac C. Kidd.
On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the United States Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The assault resulted in the deaths of hundreds of American service members and numerous civilian casualties. Among those killed were distinguished officers such as Captain Mervyn S. Bennion, Admiral Isaac C. Kidd, and Captain Franklin Van Valkenburgh, who posthumously received honors for their bravery. Sailors like Frederick C. Davis, John C. England, and Peter Tomich also sacrificed their lives to defend their ships and comrades. Lieutenant Aloysius Schmitt, a naval priest, died while saving sailors trapped in a capsized vessel. The attack propelled the United States into World War II and remains one of the most significant events in modern military history. Their valor is commemorated annually as part of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
1941
Attack on Pearl Harbor
Mervyn S. Bennion
Frederick Curtice Davis
Julius Ellsberry
John C. England
Edwin J. Hill
Ralph Hollis
Herbert C. Jones
Isaac C. Kidd
Robert Lawrence Leopold
Herbert Hugo Menges
Thomas James Reeves
Aloysius Schmitt
Robert R. Scott
Peter Tomich
Robert Uhlmann
Franklin Van Valkenburgh
Eldon P. Wyman
Greek admiral and politician
Greek admiral and politician
Greek naval admiral who served as a key political figure during Greece's turbulent mid-20th century.
Ioannis Demestichas was born in 1882 and rose through the ranks of the Hellenic Navy to become an admiral.
He played a significant role in naval operations during the Balkan Wars and World War I.
After his military career, he transitioned into politics, advocating for modernization of Greece's armed forces.
Demestichas held ministerial positions and contributed to governmental reforms in the 1930s and 1940s.
His leadership bridged both military strategy and political policymaking during times of national crisis.
Remembered for his dedication to public service, he influenced Greece's defense policies before his death in 1960.
1960
Ioannis Demestichas
American colonel and pilot
American colonel and pilot
Decorated American Air Force colonel and combat pilot recognized for his heroism.
Ralph Parr distinguished himself as a fighter pilot during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
He flew over 200 combat missions and was credited with multiple aerial victories.
Parr received the Air Force Cross and Silver Star for his extraordinary heroism in battle.
Rising to the rank of colonel, he also served in various leadership and training roles.
His courage and skill in the skies earned him a reputation as one of the Air Force's finest pilots.
After retiring, he remained active in veteran affairs and the broader aviation community.
Ralph Parr
American aviator
American aviator
American test pilot and World War II fighter ace who became the first person to break the sound barrier.
Charles 'Chuck' Yeager (1923–2020) was a highly decorated U.S. Army Air Forces fighter ace, credited with multiple aerial victories during World War II. On October 14, 1947, as a test pilot for the Bell X-1 program, he became the first pilot to exceed the speed of sound in level flight. Yeager later held senior leadership roles at Edwards Air Force Base, overseeing experimental aircraft programs and shaping fighter design. Over his 30-year career, he flew more than 200 different types of aircraft and logged over 10,000 flight hours. Renowned for his fearless approach and precision flying, Yeager authored his memoirs and shared his experiences with generations of pilots. He received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and his contributions advanced both military and civilian aviation.
Chuck Yeager
American captain
American captain
American naval captain killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
Mervyn S. Bennion (1887–1941) was an American naval officer who served as the commanding officer of the USS West Virginia. On December 7, 1941, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Captain Bennion refused to abandon his ship despite being mortally wounded by shell fragments. He remained on deck giving orders to save his crew and the vessel until he succumbed to his injuries. For his extraordinary bravery and leadership, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Bennion's devotion to duty and his selfless actions under fire have made him a lasting symbol of courage in the United States Navy. His heroism is commemorated at memorials and in naval history. The USS Mervyn S. Bennion (DD-662) was named in his honor, ensuring his legacy endures in the fleet he served.
Mervyn S. Bennion
American sailor
American sailor
American sailor who died defending his post during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Frederick Curtice Davis (1915–1941) was an American sailor in the United States Navy who served aboard the USS California. On December 7, 1941, he manned his station as his ship came under Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor. Despite the chaos and danger, Davis continued his duties in an effort to protect his ship and crewmates. He was killed in action when the battleship was struck, demonstrating steadfast commitment to his role. His sacrifice is representative of the many sailors who perished during the surprise attack. Davis's service has been honored in naval records and memorials dedicated to Pearl Harbor casualties. He is remembered for his courage and dedication in the face of overwhelming odds.
Frederick Curtice Davis