December 13

Charles-Joseph, 7th Prince of Ligne was born in 1735 into the noble House of Ligne. He embarked on a distinguished military career in the Austrian army, fighting in the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years’ War. Aside from his service, he gained fame for his literary style, publishing letters and memoirs that offered witty insights into European courts and military life. Ligne was renowned for his progressive ideas on warfare and diplomacy, influencing later military thinkers. His charming personality and social presence made him a celebrated figure in Paris and Vienna. He died in 1814 after over 80 years of life marked by both martial prowess and erudite pursuits.

Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb was born in 1823 in Jefferson County, Georgia. He became a prominent lawyer and served in the Georgia legislature, where he advocated for states’ rights and the institution of slavery. With the outbreak of the American Civil War, Cobb organized the 16th Georgia Infantry and rose to the rank of brigadier general in the Confederate Army. He fought in major battles including Antietam and Fredericksburg, where he was mortally wounded. Cobb also authored legal treatises on slavery and secession, helping to justify the Confederate cause. He died on December 13, 1862, remembered for his fervent leadership and legal writings.

Born in 1906, Josef Kramer joined the SS and was posted to Auschwitz before becoming commandant of Bergen-Belsen in 1944. Known as the "Beast of Belsen," he oversaw brutal conditions where tens of thousands perished. After the camp’s liberation by British forces, he was tried at the Belsen Trial for war crimes. Convicted on multiple counts of atrocities against humanity, he was executed in 1945 at Hamelin Prison. Kramer’s actions stand as a stark reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust.

Born in 1919 in Poland, Elisabeth Volkenrath trained as an SS Aufseherin and was assigned to Ravensbrück before moving to Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1942. She was later transferred to Bergen-Belsen where she gained a reputation for brutality toward prisoners. After the liberation, she was arrested and tried for war crimes at the Belsen Trial. Convicted on multiple counts of inhumane treatment and abuse, she was executed in 1945. Her role highlights the systematic atrocities committed by female guards in Nazi concentration camps.

Raymond Ames Spruance was a distinguished U.S. Navy admiral born in 1886. He rose to prominence for his strategic command at the Battle of Midway and subsequent Pacific engagements during World War II. Post-war, Spruance transitioned to diplomacy, representing the United States as Ambassador to the Philippines from 1957 to 1961. Known for his calm leadership under pressure, he earned the nickname "Electric Brain" for his tactical acumen. His career highlights include commanding Task Force 58 and contributing to victory in the Pacific Theater. After retiring in 1951, he continued to influence naval strategy through lectures and writings. Spruance's legacy endures in naval history as a model of thoughtful and effective command.

Richard Thomas (1922–1998) was a British Royal Navy officer whose career spanned the tumultuous years of World War II and the Cold War. He rose through the ranks, demonstrating leadership and strategic acumen in naval operations. Throughout his service, he was known for his dedication to duty and commitment to his crew. After retiring from active duty, he continued to contribute to naval history through lectures and writings. His legacy lives on in the generations of officers he mentored and the institutions he served with distinction.