July 22

Sir John de Graham (died 1298) was a Scottish nobleman and knight who fought for Scottish independence. As a close companion of William Wallace, he distinguished himself in guerrilla actions against English forces. At the Battle of Falkirk, he led a valiant charge before falling in combat, becoming a symbol of Scottish resistance. His bravery and sacrifice inspired subsequent generations in the struggle for Scotland's freedom.

Thomas Macnamara Russell (died 1824) was a distinguished officer of the British Royal Navy known for his service during the Napoleonic era. Rising through the ranks, he commanded several frigates and ships of the line, participating in blockades and convoy escorts against French and Spanish forces. Russell was noted for his tactical skill, particularly during engagements in the Mediterranean and Atlantic theaters. He also served as a flag officer in Home waters towards the end of his career. His leadership and seamanship earned him the respect of his contemporaries and contributed to maintaining British naval supremacy. He retired with the rank of Admiral and passed away in 1824, leaving behind a legacy of maritime valor and professionalism.

Born in 1828 in Clyde, Ohio, McPherson graduated first in his class from West Point in 1853. He served as a topographical engineer in the Mexican–American War and later taught engineering at West Point. During the Civil War, he led the XVII Corps and later the Army of Tennessee under General Sherman. McPherson played key roles in the Vicksburg Campaign and the Atlanta Campaign, earning a reputation for tactical skill. He was killed by Confederate sharpshooters at the Battle of Atlanta in 1864, becoming the highest-ranking Union officer killed in the war. His death was mourned by both his troops and military leaders, who regarded him as a rising star in the Union Army.

Born in 1898 in Calcutta, India, Roy was the first Indian to earn a flying commission in the British forces. He joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1917 and quickly distinguished himself with courage and skill in aerial combat. Credited with multiple victories against enemy aircraft, he became one of the few Indian aces of World War I. His bravery earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross posthumously after he was killed in action in 1918. Roy's pioneering role paved the way for future generations of Indian aviators in military aviation. His legacy is celebrated as a symbol of valor and groundbreaking achievement.

Born in 1925 in the former Czechoslovakia, Johann Breyer joined the Waffen-SS as a teenager. He served in occupied Poland and was later accused of involvement in Nazi-era atrocities. In 1955, Breyer emigrated to the United States and obtained citizenship under a false identity. Decades later, authorities sought to revoke his citizenship and deport him for trial in Germany. His case highlighted the challenges of prosecuting alleged war criminals many years after the conflict. Breyer died on July 22, 2014, before his legal proceedings reached a final conclusion.