December 24

Christopher 'Kit' Carson was born in 1809 in Madison County, Kentucky. He became a mountain man and guide, exploring the American West and mapping trails. Carson served as a scout and officer in the Mexican–American War, earning a reputation for bravery. He played a controversial role in conflicts with Native American tribes during the Indian Wars. Carson worked as an Indian agent and superintendent in New Mexico, mediating frontier relations. He remained a folk hero of the American frontier until his death in 1868.

Georges Guynemer (1894–1917) was a renowned French aviator and fighter pilot during World War I. He achieved 54 confirmed aerial victories, becoming one of France's leading aces. Known for his daring tactics and skill in the air, he flew the famous SPAD S.VII aircraft. Guynemer was decorated with the Médaille Militaire and the Légion d'honneur for his bravery. His charismatic persona and combat success made him a symbol of French resistance and morale. He disappeared in combat over Belgium in 1917 and became a lasting legend in military aviation history.

Yevgeniya Rudneva (1920–1944) served as a navigator in the all-female 588th Night Bomber Regiment of the Soviet Air Force, known to the Germans as the 'Night Witches'. She flew numerous bombing and reconnaissance missions over occupied territories, demonstrating exceptional courage under heavy fire. In 1943, she was killed in action during a mission over Crimea. For her bravery, she was posthumously awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union, becoming one of the youngest women to receive this honor. Rudneva’s service exemplified dedication and heroism, and her legacy endures as a symbol of female valor in the Great Patriotic War.

George Patton IV (1923–2004) was a United States Army major general and the eldest son of World War II commander General George S. Patton. A West Point graduate, he saw combat across three major conflicts: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Known for his leadership of armored and infantry units, he earned the Silver Star and Bronze Star for valor under fire. Patton IV contributed to the modernization of U.S. armored tactics during the Cold War era. His career reflected both his personal merit and the enduring legacy of the Patton name in American military history.

Valentim Loureiro (born 1938) is a Portuguese military officer turned politician known for his long tenure in public service. He began his career serving in the armed forces, where he developed a reputation for discipline and leadership. Transitioning into politics, Loureiro held prominent roles in local and national government, focusing on infrastructure and community development. He served multiple terms in municipal offices, implementing policies that shaped regional administration. Over the years, he has remained an influential figure in Portuguese politics, shaping policy and public administration. Loureiro's career reflects a blend of military discipline and political acumen that has left a lasting mark on his country.

Yves Debay served as a commander in the armed forces before transitioning to a career in journalism, where he covered conflicts across Africa and the Middle East. As a war correspondent, he contributed to leading publications and provided frontline reports under dangerous conditions. Debay was recognized for his vivid writing and commitment to uncovering the realities of war. His dispatches shed light on humanitarian crises and military operations until he was tragically killed by a sniper in Syria in 2013. His legacy endures through his courageous reporting and the awareness he raised about global conflicts.