March 03

Born in 1583 into a Welsh noble family, Edward Herbert served with distinction as a soldier on the continent during the Thirty Years’ War. In 1628 he was elevated to the peerage as Baron Herbert of Cherbury. His diplomatic missions included negotiations in France and the Netherlands. He authored groundbreaking philosophical treatises such as De Veritate and De Religione Laici, arguing that human reason and nature reveal the existence of God. Herbert’s work laid the foundations for deism and influenced Enlightenment thinkers. He also wrote historical accounts and poetry, showcasing his wide-ranging intellect.

Born in 1678 at Fort Verchères in New France, Madeleine grew up on the frontier of colonial Canada. On October 1692, while most of the garrison was away, she rallied a small group of settlers to defend the fort’s ramparts with muskets and blunderbusses. Her courage and leadership held off Iroquois raiders until reinforcements arrived. The story of her bravery became legendary in Canadian folklore, inspiring poems, plays, and statues. She later married and lived near Montreal, maintaining a quiet life until her death in 1747. Madeleine’s daring defense remains a symbol of early Canadian resilience.

Matthew B. Ridgway was a senior U.S. Army officer whose leadership shaped the outcome of World War II and the Korean War. He played a key role in revitalizing Allied forces during the Battle of the Bulge and later succeeded General Eisenhower as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. In 1951, he took command of United Nations forces in Korea, stabilizing the warfront and preventing a collapse of allied lines. Ridgway emphasized rigorous training, morale building, and adaptability in military operations. His reforms and strategic insights left a lasting impact on the modern U.S. Army. After retiring, he served as military advisor to President Eisenhower and remained an influential figure in defense policy discussions.

Claude Choules served in the Royal Navy during World War I and later joined the Royal Australian Navy. He witnessed historic naval engagements such as the scuttling of the German fleet at Scapa Flow. After emigrating to Australia in 1926, he continued his naval career and contributed to coastal defense in World War II. Choules became the last surviving combat veteran of World War I and a cherished living link to early 20th-century history. He shared his wartime experiences through interviews and public appearances, earning respect and admiration. Choules lived to the age of 110, symbolizing endurance and the passage of an era.

Vasily Kozlov was a Soviet military leader and political figure from Belarus. He rose through the ranks to become a general, serving in high command roles during and after World War II. Kozlov also held significant positions within the Communist Party, influencing military policy and regional governance. He was known for his organizational skills and ability to coordinate military units in complex operations. After the war, Kozlov contributed to the reconstruction of Belarus and the integration of military forces into peacetime structures. His dual service in the armed forces and politics exemplified the Soviet model of soldier-statesman. Kozlov's career reflects the intertwining of military leadership and political authority in mid-20th-century USSR.

James Doohan was born in Vancouver in 1920 and served as a pilot and radar operator in the Royal Canadian Artillery during World War II. He was wounded on D-Day and later turned to acting, appearing in numerous television roles. Doohan achieved worldwide fame as Montgomery "Scotty" Scott, the skilled engineer aboard the USS Enterprise in the original Star Trek series. He also contributed to the franchise in films, conventions, and fan events for decades. Known for his accent and catchphrases, Doohan became a pop culture icon. He retired from acting after a stroke in 2004 and passed away in 2005, leaving a devoted fan base.