February 03

Henry Percy, 2nd Earl of Northumberland, was born in 1393 into one of England's most powerful northern families. He played a key role in several campaigns of the Hundred Years' War, demonstrating leadership at the battles of Homildon Hill and elsewhere. His rivalry with the Scottish border lords shaped the defense of northern England. Despite his military successes, Percy's later years were marked by political tensions during the reign of King Henry VI. He died in 1455, leaving behind a legacy as a formidable commander and influential noble in medieval England.

Blas de Lezo was born in 1689 in Pasajes, Basque Country, and lost an eye, a leg, and an arm in earlier campaigns, earning the nickname 'Half Man'. Despite his injuries, he rose to become one of Spain's most celebrated naval commanders. In 1741, he led the successful defense of Cartagena de Indias against a much larger British fleet, a turning point in the War of Jenkins' Ear. His masterful tactics and tenacity secured Spanish control of the Caribbean coast. De Lezo's career demonstrated strategic brilliance and personal courage. He died in combat in 1741, just days after his greatest triumph.

Friedrich Wilhelm von Seydlitz was born in 1721 into a military family and joined the Prussian army under Frederick the Great. He revolutionized cavalry doctrine with aggressive shock charges at battles such as Rossbach and Leuthen during the Seven Years' War. Seydlitz emphasized speed, discipline, and daring maneuvers that became hallmarks of the Prussian cavalry. His leadership contributed significantly to Prussia's military successes and the rise of its European power. After the war, he served as inspector general of the cavalry, training a new generation of officers. He died in 1773, leaving a legacy as one of history's foremost cavalry tacticians.

Antonio José de Sucre (1795–1830) was a key leader in the South American wars of independence. A trusted lieutenant of Simón Bolívar, he secured victory at the Battle of Ayacucho in 1824, ending Spanish rule in Peru. In 1825, Sucre became the second President of Bolivia, guiding the nation’s early constitutional development. He advocated for civil liberties and administrative reforms, earning respect across the continent. Sucre’s diplomatic skill and military successes cemented his legacy as one of Latin America’s foremost liberators.

Joseph E. Johnston (1807–1891) was an American military officer who served as a senior Confederate general during the Civil War. A West Point graduate, he fought in the Mexican–American War before rising to command the Army of Northern Virginia. Johnston’s cautious tactics at the Battles of Seven Pines and Antietam sparked debate among Confederate leadership. After the war, he received amnesty and reentered the U.S. Army, eventually overseeing defenses in Texas. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1879, Johnston’s political career was intertwined with his military legacy.

Gordon Coates began his career as a soldier during World War I, serving with distinction on the Western Front. After the war, he entered politics and held various ministerial roles before becoming Prime Minister from 1925 to 1928. His administration focused on infrastructure development, including road construction and electrification projects, to modernize New Zealand. Coates also introduced social welfare measures aimed at improving living conditions for rural communities. During World War II, he served in Winston Churchill's War Cabinet as New Zealand's representative. Remembered for his energetic leadership and rural advocacy, Coates left a lasting impact on New Zealand's development in the interwar period.

Douglas Douglas-Hamilton inherited the dukedom and became an accomplished aviator and soldier. In 1933 he led the pioneering RAF expedition that completed the first aerial photographs of Mount Everest. He served as a squadron leader in World War II, demonstrating leadership and technical skill. After the war, he embarked on a career in public service, participating in the House of Lords and supporting aviation development. Douglas-Hamilton also held presidencies and patronages in several aviation societies and charities. His legacy endures as a symbol of early aviation exploration and noble duty.

Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III was an American attorney, soldier, and politician born in 1969. He served as the 44th Attorney General of Delaware, focusing on consumer protection and domestic violence prevention. Biden held the rank of major in the Delaware Army National Guard and was deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Syracuse University College of Law, he was considered a rising star in Democratic politics. As the eldest son of President Joe Biden, he carried on a family legacy of public service before his untimely death from brain cancer in 2015. His dedication to veterans’ issues and public safety left a lasting impact in Delaware.