July 31

George Henry Thomas was a career U.S. Army officer and Union general during the American Civil War. Graduating from West Point, he served in the Mexican–American War before rising to prominence in the Civil War. Dubbed the Rock of Chickamauga for his resolute defense against Confederate attacks, he secured critical Union victories. Thomas later commanded the Army of the Cumberland and played a key role in the Atlanta Campaign. Renowned for his discipline and tactical skill, Thomas is remembered as one of the Union’s most reliable commanders.

William S. Clark was a Union Army colonel during the American Civil War and a prominent 19th-century politician. After the war, he served in the Massachusetts legislature and advocated for agricultural education and land grant colleges. Clark became president of an agricultural college, promoting practical studies and scientific farming methods. His efforts helped shape the development of agricultural education in the United States. He remains remembered for bridging military service with civic and educational leadership.

William Clarke Quantrill was an American Confederate guerrilla leader during the American Civil War. He led a band of irregular fighters known as Quantrill’s Raiders, carrying out raids in Missouri and Kansas. His most infamous action was the 1863 Lawrence Massacre, which resulted in the deaths of more than 150 civilians. Quantrill’s daring and brutal tactics made him a controversial figure in both military and public circles. He operated with a network of sympathizers and outlaws, blurring the lines between warfare and banditry. Quantrill was mortally wounded in 1865 during a raid in Kentucky, and his legacy remains a complex chapter in Civil War history.

Gubby Allen (1902-1989) was an Australian-English cricketer acclaimed for his fast bowling and tactical leadership. He debuted for England in 1924 and later captained the national team in the mid-1930s. During World War II, he served as an officer in the Royal Air Force, balancing military duties with cricket. After the war, Allen became a respected cricket administrator, serving as Chairman of the Marylebone Cricket Club. He played a key role in shaping post-war cricket regulations and international tours. His legacy endures in both sporting achievements and contributions to cricket governance.

Malarkey enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and was assigned to Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He parachuted into Normandy on D-Day and fought through major battles in Europe. After the war, he earned a degree in Romance languages and culture. In 2004, he co-wrote "Easy Company Soldier", recounting his wartime service. The memoir inspired the HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers", bringing his story to a new audience. Malarkey remained active in veterans' affairs until his death in 2017.

Born on July 31, 1961 in Manchester, England.\nServed as the BBC's security correspondent, reporting on conflict zones and terrorism.\nSurvived an assassination attempt in Saudi Arabia in 2004 that left him paralyzed from the waist down.\nAuthor of the memoir 'Blood and Sand,' recounting his experiences as a journalist in the Middle East.\nContinuing to work with the BBC, he is a respected expert on international security and intelligence.