November 04

Born in Bayonne around 1511, he rose through the ranks of the Knights Hospitaller to become a celebrated naval leader. He played a key role in the defense of Malta during the Great Siege of 1565, demonstrating tactical skill against Ottoman forces. His success on the seas earned him the title of Grand Prior of France and later a contested election as Grandmaster. Romegas's career was marked by both military prowess and controversy within the Order. He died in 1581, remembered as one of the most daring commanders of his era.

Born in Shrewsbury in 1653, he entered the Royal Navy as a young man and quickly rose through the ranks due to his courage. He commanded vessels in the Anglo-Dutch Wars and the Nine Years' War, earning a reputation for determination and seamanship. Promoted to admiral of the Blue in early 1702, he led a squadron against French forces in the Caribbean. Mortally wounded during the action off Santa Marta, he died on November 4, 1702. His steadfastness inspired naval tradition and he became a symbol of British maritime valor.

John H. Ketcham was born in 1832 in Wethersfield Township, New York. He enlisted as a private in the Union Army during the Civil War and rose to the rank of brigadier general. Ketcham fought in key battles including Gettysburg and the Wilderness campaign. After the war, he served as a U.S. Representative from New York from 1873 to 1897. In Congress, he focused on veterans' affairs, internal improvements, and civil service reform. Ketcham died in 1906, remembered for his military leadership and lengthy public service.

Richard Conner was born in 1843 in New York and enlisted in the 12th New York Volunteer Infantry. At the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862, he courageously seized the regimental colors under heavy fire. For this act of valor, he was awarded the Medal of Honor decades later in 1895. After the war, Conner served as a New York City police officer, continuing his commitment to public service. He died in 1924, remembered for his gallantry and dedication as a soldier and lawman.

Akiyama Yoshifuru played a pivotal role in the development of Japan's cavalry forces during the late Meiji era. He was instrumental in modernizing military training and tactics, drawing on his studies in Europe. A sublime horseman, Akiyama earned respect for his leadership during the First Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War. His commitment to rigorous discipline and innovative strategies helped transform the Imperial Japanese Army's mounted units. Beyond his military career, he served as an educator at the Army War College, shaping future leaders of Japan's armed forces. Remembered for his strategic insight and horsemanship, his legacy endures in Japan's military history.

Rüdiger Graf von der Goltz was a Prussian general known for his leadership on the Eastern Front during World War I and his involvement in the postwar conflicts. He commanded Baltic Sea Division troops in Finland, playing a decisive role in the Finnish Civil War on the side of the Whites. After the war, von der Goltz led German Freikorps units in the Baltic states, intervening in Latvia and Estonia with the aim of influencing the region's political future. His actions during the Russian Civil War supported anti-Bolshevik forces and reflected Germany's ambitions in Eastern Europe. Despite diplomatic pressures, he persisted in organizing paramilitary expeditions that shaped the postwar Baltic landscape. Von der Goltz's career illustrates the complexities of Central and Eastern European conflicts during the early 20th century.

Arnold Green was a Latvian-Estonian soldier and political leader. He served his country during World War II before embarking on a public service career. As a member of the government, he held various offices in the Latvian and Estonian administrations, where he advocated for veterans' rights and regional cooperation. Green worked to strengthen cultural and political ties between Latvia and Estonia in the post-war era. Throughout his life, he remained committed to public duty and was respected for his dedication to his nation's development.

John D. Hawk was a United States Army sergeant renowned for his extraordinary courage in World War II. During combat operations in Leyte, Philippines, he single-handedly neutralized multiple enemy machine gun positions under heavy fire, enabling his unit to advance and saving countless lives. For his valor beyond the call of duty, he received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration. After the war, Hawk continued serving as a symbol of bravery and dedication, participating in veteran affairs and sharing his experiences with future generations. His legacy endures as an example of unwavering heroism and sacrifice in the face of adversity.