June 28

Yuan Shao rose to prominence after the fall of the Han central government, inheriting his family's influence in Ji Province. He formed alliances with other regional powers and amassed a large army. His conflict with Cao Cao culminated in the decisive Battle of Guandu in 200 AD, where his strategic errors led to a crushing defeat. Despite his numerical advantage, his forces were outmaneuvered, causing the collapse of his coalition. He struggled to recover his power and died in 202 AD, marking the decline of his clan's influence. Modern historians regard him as a talented yet indecisive leader whose ambitions were overshadowed by his opponents.

Born in 1665 as one of King Charles II’s illegitimate sons, FitzRoy was granted the dukedom of Northumberland in childhood. He pursued a military career, serving as a general and participating in the Monmouth Rebellion’s suppression. FitzRoy also held political office as Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, wielding regional authority. Despite his royal connection, his later involvement in the Rye House Plot led to temporary disgrace. He was eventually pardoned and restored to favor before dying in 1716. FitzRoy’s life reflects the complexities of Restoration-era politics and court intrigue.

Born in 1755, Gerhard von Scharnhorst was a key figure in the modernization of the Prussian military. He served with distinction during the War of the First Coalition and rose to the rank of general. As Minister of War, he implemented wide-ranging reforms including merit-based promotion and the establishment of the General Staff. His visionary ideas laid the foundation for Prussia's resurgence after the defeats of 1806. Scharnhorst also advocated for broader conscription and improved officer training. He died in 1813 after the Battle of Lützen, leaving a legacy as one of Europe's foremost military reformers.

Born in 1846, Texas Jack Omohundro served as a scout for the United States Army during the Indian Wars. He became renowned for his skill as a buffalo hunter on the Texas plains and for his frontier survival talents. Omohundro's adventures and sharpshooting feats made him a celebrated figure in the post-Civil War American West. He traveled extensively across the frontier, guiding military and civilian expeditions. His life exemplified the rugged spirit and challenges of western expansion. He died in 1880, leaving behind tales of daring and resilience that contributed to the lore of the Wild West.

Born in 1896 in Quartesana, Balbo rose as a leading figure in the early Fascist movement and commanded Blackshirt squads. He served as Italy’s Air Force minister and organized historic mass flights, including the 1933 squadron voyage to Chicago. Appointed Governor-General of Libya, he implemented infrastructure projects and urban development in North Africa. Balbo’s charismatic public image and aviation feats earned him international fame. His relationship with Mussolini was complex, and he was killed by friendly fire over Tobruk in 1940, leaving a controversial legacy.

Born in 1882 in Munich, Dollmann began his military career in the Bavarian Army during World War I. He advanced through the Reichswehr ranks and was appointed commander of the 7th Army in 1939. Dollmann led his troops during the Battle of France and brutal defensive actions in Normandy. Known for his cautious approach, he focused on maintaining unit morale amid intense Allied pressure. Struggling with strategic disagreements and the deteriorating situation, he took his own life in June 1944 near Caen. His leadership exemplified the challenges faced by German commanders on the collapsing Western Front.

Franz Stangl (1908–1971) was an Austrian SS officer who served as commandant of the Sobibor and Treblinka extermination camps. He oversaw the mass murder of hundreds of thousands of Jews during the Holocaust through efficient killing operations. After World War II, he fled to Brazil but was later extradited to West Germany and arrested in 1961. In 1965, Stangl was convicted of war crimes and sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in genocide. His trial brought global attention to the bureaucratic mechanisms and atrocities of the Nazi concentration camp system. Stangl died in prison, never expressing remorse for his actions.

Born in Jerusalem in 1917, Yadin joined the Haganah and served with distinction in Israel's War of Independence, becoming the country's second Chief of Staff. He later pursued archaeology at Oxford, and in 1952 he led the expedition that uncovered the final caves containing the Dead Sea Scrolls. Yadin directed major excavations at Masada from 1963 to 1965 and worked on Hazor and other ancient sites, publishing influential studies on Israel's biblical archaeology. Entering politics in 1977, he held roles including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Religion. Yadin's dual legacy as a soldier and scholar shaped Israel's national identity and academic fields alike. He died in 1984, leaving behind a rich archaeological and public service heritage.

Michael Patrick Murphy was born in 1976 in Smithtown, New York and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. He later volunteered for the Navy SEALs and served with SEAL Team Ten in numerous special operations. In June 2005, Murphy led a reconnaissance mission in Afghanistan’s Kunar Province and exposed himself to enemy fire to call for reinforcements. His selfless sacrifice saved fellow SEALs but cost him his life; he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President George W. Bush. Murphy’s story was popularized in the book and film Lone Survivor, inspiring many with his courage and leadership. He is remembered as a model of valor, dedication, and sacrifice within the U.S. military community.

Group Captain George Unwin (1913-2006) was a distinguished Royal Air Force pilot and flying ace. He achieved six confirmed aerial victories during the Battle of Britain and earned the nickname 'Grumpy' for his serious demeanor. As commander of No. 41 Squadron, he led numerous patrols and interceptions that helped defend Britain from Luftwaffe attacks. After the war, he continued his service in senior RAF positions and contributed to training the next generation of pilots. His leadership and skill made him one of the RAF's most respected wartime figures.

Admiral Eugene B. Fluckey (1913-2007) was one of the most decorated submarine commanders in U.S. naval history. As captain of USS Barb, he sank 45 enemy ships in five war patrols and pioneered the use of deck guns and rockets in submarine warfare. His final patrol included the first shore attack by a U.S. submarine, when his crew landed and destroyed a coastal train. Awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism, he retired as a four-star admiral. Fluckey's innovative tactics and leadership left a lasting impact on submarine operations.

Born in 1917, David Rubitsky enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with the 9th Infantry Division during World War II. He fought courageously in the North African campaign, where reports noted his leadership under fire. Despite his valor, Rubitsky's actions went unrecognized for decades, leading him to campaign persistently for a Medal of Honor. His efforts brought attention to the complexities of military award processes and veteran advocacy. Rubitsky's story has become emblematic of the challenges faced by veterans seeking justice and acknowledgment.