August 22

George W. De Long was born in 1844 in New York City. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1867 and developed an interest in polar exploration. In 1879, he commanded the USS Jeannette on an expedition aimed at reaching the North Pole via the Bering Strait. The ship became trapped in sea ice and was eventually crushed, forcing the crew onto the ice. De Long led a small party on a treacherous journey across the ice toward Siberia. Despite their efforts, he and most of his men perished from exposure and starvation in 1881. His detailed journals and scientific observations provided valuable data on the Arctic environment. De Long's expedition remains a testament to the challenges of early polar exploration.

James Ernest Newland was an Australian soldier awarded the Victoria Cross for extraordinary bravery during World War I. Born in 1881, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1914 and saw action at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. At the Battle of Bapaume in 1917, he led his men under intense fire, actions that earned him the Victoria Cross. After the war, Newland returned to civilian life and joined the police force, serving with distinction in regional Victoria. Known for his leadership and unwavering sense of duty, he rose to the rank of sergeant. He retired from service in 1946 and passed away in 1949. Newland's courage and commitment to community safety are commemorated by memorials and honors in Australia.

Ulrich Wegener began his career in the Federal Border Guard before rising through the ranks of German law enforcement. Frustrated by the 1972 Munich Olympics tragedy, he was appointed to establish GSG 9, an elite counter-terrorism force. Under his leadership, the unit carried out successful hostage rescue operations, most notably the 1977 Lufthansa Flight 181 mission. Wegener emphasized rigorous training, discipline, and international cooperation in combating terrorism. He later achieved the rank of lieutenant general and advised NATO on anti-terrorism strategies. In retirement, he remained a respected voice on security and policing, writing books on counter-insurgency and special operations. His work set global standards for tactical response units.

General Herbert Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. earned distinction as commander of Operation Desert Storm in 1991, leading a multinational coalition to liberate Kuwait. A West Point graduate, he held various command positions, including in Vietnam and Europe, demonstrating both tactical skill and strategic leadership. Schwarzkopf’s emphasis on precision warfare and coordinated air-ground operations set new standards for modern military engagements. He later served as Commander-in-Chief of U.S. Central Command and wrote a best-selling autobiography, It Doesn’t Take a Hero. Beyond his military career, he studied engineering at Georgia Tech, reflecting his dual passion for technology and service. Schwarzkopf was celebrated for his straightforward leadership style and commitment to his troops. His legacy continues to influence military doctrine and leadership training worldwide.