May 05

Born in 1530 to the Montgomery family, Gabriel de Montgomery served as captain of the Scottish Guard of France. In a famous accident at a tournament in Paris, his lance pierced King Henry II’s visor, leading to the monarch’s death. Although the incident was unintended, it cast a long shadow over his military career and reputation at court. He later became a prominent Huguenot (French Protestant) leader during the Wars of Religion. De Montgomery was besieged at Rouen in 1574, captured by royal forces, and executed for his role in Protestant uprisings. His life illustrates the volatile intersection of chivalry, religion, and politics in 16th-century France.

Robert Craufurd was born on May 5, 1764, into a Scottish aristocratic family. Commissioned into the British Army, he gained recognition for his rigorous training methods and strict discipline. As commander of the Light Division in the Peninsular War, Craufurd's troops executed swift raids, reconnaissance missions, and skirmishes against French forces. His leadership at the battles of Talavera and Bussaco earned him acclaim for tactical innovation and resilience. Elected Member of Parliament for Stafford in 1806, he balanced military service with parliamentary duties. In January 1812, he was mortally wounded during the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and died shortly after. Craufurd's legacy endures in the elite status of light infantry tactics he helped pioneer.

Born into an aristocratic family, Wavell had a distinguished military career spanning both World Wars. He commanded British forces in the Middle East and North Africa before serving as Viceroy and Governor-General of India (1943–1947). His tenure in India was marked by efforts to maintain unity during the final years of British rule. Wavell introduced provincial autonomy and attempted Hindu-Muslim conciliation ahead of independence. He was revered for his leadership and awarded numerous honors before retiring in 1948.

Born in Utah, Bennion graduated from the Naval Academy and served on multiple warships prior to WWII. He assumed command of the battleship USS West Virginia in 1941. During the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, he refused to abandon his post despite sustaining fatal wounds. His leadership and devotion to duty inspired his crew, and he was honored with the Medal of Honor. Bennion remains a symbol of courage and sacrifice in the US Navy.

Born in 1919, Georgios Papadopoulos graduated from the Hellenic Military Academy and rose to the rank of colonel. He played a central role in the overthrow of the Greek government on April 21, 1967, establishing a military dictatorship known as the Regime of the Colonels. Papadopoulos assumed the title of Prime Minister and later declared himself Regent and head of state. His regime suspended civil liberties, censored the press, and suppressed political dissent. In 1973 internal dissent led to his ouster and Greece eventually returned to democratic rule. After democracy was restored, he was tried and imprisoned for high treason. Papadopoulos died in incarceration in 1999, remembered as a divisive figure in modern Greek history.

Leo Ryan was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his military service, he worked as a social studies teacher and school principal in California. He was elected to the California State Assembly in 1968 and to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1972. Ryan became nationally known for investigating social issues and human rights, including the People's Temple in Jonestown. In November 1978, he traveled to Jonestown, Guyana, to document conditions and was assassinated by cult members. He remains the only U.S. Congressman to be killed in the line of duty, and his death led to changes in congressional security and cult oversight.