#13: George Armstrong Custer
George Armstrong Custer was an American army officer and cavalry commander whose life was marked by glory and controversy. Born on December 5, 1839, Custer made his mark during the American Civil War and later became a prominent figure in the Indian Wars. His legacy is forever intertwined with one of the most contentious battles in U.S. history—the infamous clash at Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876.
In a startling turn of events, he issued orders to shoot deserters without affording them due process. Like the rest of his career, Custer’s dramatic journey reached a turbulent climax, leaving his legacy fiercely debated. His tumultuous path included a court-martial at Fort Leavenworth, where he was convicted of misconduct in 1867, resulting in a year-long suspension from his rank and pay.