December 26

Jean François de Saint-Lambert was born in 1716 and served as an officer in the French army during the Seven Years' War. He became part of the vibrant intellectual circle of Enlightenment thinkers in Paris, including Voltaire and Rousseau. Saint-Lambert's most notable literary work, the philosophical poem 'Les Saisons', explored nature and human emotion. His writings bridged the gap between military discipline and reflective scholarship, earning him respect in both fields. After his military service, he devoted himself to philosophical essays and poetry until his death in 1803. He remains a symbol of the multifaceted spirit of the French Enlightenment.

Born in 1737 into the Saxon ducal family of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, Josias pursued a military career in the Austrian service. He distinguished himself during the Seven Years' War and was appointed field marshal for his strategic skill. Later, he commanded forces against the Ottoman Empire, securing key victories in the Balkans. His leadership style combined noble lineage with rigorous training, earning him respect among his troops. After retiring, he continued to influence military reforms until his death in 1815. Prince Josias's career exemplified the transnational aristocratic military tradition of 18th-century Europe.

Lord George Gordon was born in 1751 into a prominent Scottish noble family. He became head of the Protestant Association in 1780, vehemently opposing Catholic rights. His impassioned leadership triggered the Gordon Riots, one of London's bloodiest civil disturbances. Over several days, mobs attacked prisons and Catholic chapels, causing extensive damage and loss of life. Gordon was arrested, tried for high treason, and confined in Newgate Prison, where his health and sanity declined. He was eventually acquitted on grounds of insanity and died in 1793, his name forever linked to the tumultuous events he inspired.

Morgan G. Bulkeley (1837–1922) served as a captain in the Civil War before building a career in business and politics. He became president of Aetna Insurance Company and led its expansion into a national firm. Bulkeley was elected Mayor of Hartford and later served as the 54th Governor of Connecticut from 1889 to 1893. He championed veterans' rights and modernized state institutions during his administration. In 1905, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, furthering his influence on national policy. His leadership spanned military, corporate, and political spheres during a transformative era in American history.

George Dewey (1837–1917) graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1858 and served in the Civil War. He commanded the U.S. Asiatic Squadron in 1898, achieving a swift and complete victory at Manila Bay. His leadership secured a pivotal American victory and earned him promotion to Admiral of the Navy, the highest rank in U.S. history. Dewey later served as Naval Academy superintendent and influenced naval training reforms. He remained a national hero until his death and symbolized America's emergence as a global naval power. His strategic brilliance and diplomacy defined his illustrious naval career.

Arthur Ernest Percival (1887–1966) was a British Army officer whose career spanned the Boer War, World War I, and World War II. As General Officer Commanding Malaya, he was responsible for the defense of Singapore against Japanese forces. Despite efforts to fortify the island, he surrendered in February 1942 in what became one of the largest British capitulations in history. After his return to Britain, Percival held senior staff positions and authored memoirs detailing his wartime experiences. His decisions during the Malayan campaign remain a subject of study and debate among military historians.

James T. Conway (born December 26, 1947) is a retired four-star general in the United States Marine Corps. He served as the 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps from 2006 to 2010, overseeing global deployments during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Conway graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1969 and held numerous command assignments, including infantry battalions and service overseas. He received multiple military decorations for leadership and valor. After retiring from active duty, Conway has provided strategic counsel and commentary on defense issues. His career reflects decades of service in shaping Marine Corps doctrine and operations.