June 28

Born in 1560 in Calabria into a noble family. He was elected Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller in 1636. He oversaw fortification and defense efforts of Malta against Ottoman threats. He fostered diplomatic relations with European monarchs and the papacy. Under his leadership, the order expanded its charitable and military missions. He died in 1657, commemorated for strengthening the Knights during a critical era.

Born in 1719 into the noble Choiseul family in Lorraine, France. He served with distinction in the War of the Austrian Succession and was captured at Velletri. After a period of exile, he returned to royal favor and in 1758 became Minister of Foreign Affairs. Choiseul orchestrated the Diplomatic Revolution, allying France with Austria against Prussia. Later, as Minister of War and Navy, he embarked on reforms to modernize France’s armed forces. His policies strengthened France’s position in Europe and fostered colonial expansion. Falling from power in 1770, he retired but left a legacy of administrative and military reform.

Born in 1883, Laval began his career as a soldier before entering politics and joining the Radical Party. He held multiple ministerial positions and served as Prime Minister of France from 1931 to 1932 and again in 1935. During World War II, Laval became a leading figure in the Vichy regime, collaborating with Nazi Germany. Following the liberation of France, he was arrested, tried for treason, and executed in 1945. His legacy remains one of the most controversial in French political history.

Born in 1891, Spaatz graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1914. He served in World War I as a pilot and later rose through the ranks of the Army Air Forces. As commander of the Eighth Air Force, he orchestrated the strategic bombing of Nazi Germany. After the war, Spaatz became the first Chief of Staff of the newly independent United States Air Force. He retired in 1948 and remained a prominent advocate for air power until his death in 1974.

George Lloyd (1913–1998) served with distinction as an officer in the Royal Marines during World War II, earning the Distinguished Service Cross for bravery. After the war, he dedicated himself to composition, creating symphonies, concertos, and chamber works inspired by the Romantic tradition. His music, characterized by lush orchestration and memorable melodies, experienced a resurgence of interest in the late 20th century. Lloyd also taught and mentored young musicians, contributing to the British classical music resurgence. His dual legacy as a war hero and composer continues to inspire.

Born in 1913, Walter Oesau joined the Luftwaffe and flew his first combat missions during the Spanish Civil War. Over the course of World War II, he was credited with numerous aerial victories and earned a reputation as one of Germany’s top fighter pilots. Promoted to Oberst (colonel), he took command of several fighter wings on multiple fronts. His leadership and skill in the air were recognized with high military honors. Oesau continued to fly in combat until his death in an air crash in 1944.