December 23

A scion of the Wrangel noble family, he began his military career in the Swedish army during the Thirty Years' War. Wrangel led troops in key battles, earning a reputation for strategic acumen and personal bravery. After the war, he was appointed Lord High Constable of Sweden, taking charge of military administration. He also served as Governor-General of Pomerania, overseeing the region's recovery and defense. Wrangel was a patron of architecture and built the Skokloster Castle, one of Sweden's finest baroque residences. His combined military and political career made him one of the most influential figures of 17th-century Sweden.

Nathan Wilson was born in 1758 and fought as a soldier during the American Revolutionary War, demonstrating courage in key skirmishes. After the conflict, he returned home and became active in local and state politics. Wilson served in various civic roles, advocating for veterans’ rights and community development. His career bridged military service and public office, reflecting the spirit of the early republic. He died in 1834, remembered for his dedication to both country and community.

Richard Conner served as a sergeant in the Union Army during the American Civil War. On June 17, 1864, he captured a Confederate flag under heavy fire at the Battle of Petersburg. His courageous actions earned him the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military decoration. After the war, Conner returned to civilian life and remained involved in veteran affairs. He was recognized for his leadership and devotion to his fellow soldiers. Conner’s medal and wartime service became emblematic of selfless patriotism during America’s conflict.

Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa was born in Palermo in 1896 into Sicilian nobility. He served as a lieutenant in World War I before retiring to his family estates in Sicily. Obsessed with fading aristocratic traditions, he wrote The Leopard late in life as his first and only novel. The book, published posthumously in 1958, offers a rich portrait of Sicilian society and decline. It was later adapted into an acclaimed film by Luchino Visconti in 1963. Tomasi di Lampedusa died in 1957, shortly before seeing his work gain international fame.

Born in 1907, James Roosevelt balanced a military career in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve with public service. He saw action in World War II, achieving the rank of brigadier general and earning several commendations. After the war, Roosevelt was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served from 1955 to 1965. He championed veterans' rights and social welfare programs, drawing on his father's New Deal legacy. In addition to politics and military service, he was an author and businessman until his death in 1991.

Born in 1910, Meyer joined the SS-Verfügungstruppe and rose quickly through the ranks due to tactical skill. He commanded the SS Panzer Division "Das Reich" and was noted for aggressive frontline leadership. During the Normandy campaign, his actions earned him the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. After the war, Meyer was tried and convicted for war crimes related to his unit's actions in France. He served time in prison before being released; he died in Germany in 1961.

Kenneth M. Taylor was a United States Army Air Forces pilot renowned for his actions during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941, he and fellow pilot George Welch took off without orders in P-40 Warhawks to engage enemy aircraft, shooting down multiple planes. Their bravery under fire earned Taylor the Silver Star and other honors. After World War II, he continued his service in the Air Force Reserve and retired as a brigadier general. His courage has been commemorated in books, documentaries, and museum exhibits. Taylor passed away in 2006, remembered as one of Pearl Harbor's first defenders.

James Stockdale was an American naval aviator and admiral born in 1923 who received the Medal of Honor for his conduct as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. After being shot down over North Vietnam in 1965, he endured over seven years of captivity, leading fellow prisoners in resistance and maintaining morale under brutal conditions. His courage, selflessness, and adherence to the Code of Conduct became legendary. Following his repatriation, Stockdale continued his naval career, retiring as a vice admiral. He later taught philosophy at Stanford University and authored books on leadership and ethics. In 1992, he was selected as Ross Perot’s running mate in the U.S. presidential election. Stockdale passed away in 2005, remembered as a war hero and moral exemplar.

Born December 23, 1944, Clark graduated from West Point and served in the Vietnam War before rising through the Army ranks. From 1997 to 2000, he was Supreme Allied Commander Europe, overseeing NATO operations during the Kosovo conflict. Known for his strategic leadership and diplomatic skills, Clark managed multinational forces and helped shape post-Cold War military policy. After retiring from active duty, he entered politics and sought the Democratic nomination for President in 2004. Clark has since worked as a commentator, author and advisor on national security issues. He remains an influential voice on military strategy and global affairs.

Born in Cheltenham in 1950. Commissioned into the Irish Guards in 1971 and served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, the Gulf War and Iraq. Commanded the 19th Mechanised Brigade before rising through senior staff roles. Appointed Chief of the General Staff in 2006, advocating for improved troop welfare and equipment. Retired in 2009 and was created a life peer as Baron Dannatt, sitting as a crossbencher in the House of Lords. Has published memoirs and regularly contributes defense commentary on British military affairs.