January 29

An Lushan was a prominent Tang dynasty general born in 703. He rose to power as a favorite of Emperor Xuanzong. In 755, he launched the An Lushan Rebellion, one of the deadliest conflicts in history. His uprising severely weakened the Tang dynasty and reshaped Chinese politics. An Lushan declared himself emperor of the short-lived Yan dynasty. He was assassinated by his own son before the rebellion was fully quelled in 757.

Born in 1666 into a noble Scottish family, Hamilton pursued a military career in Europe. He served in the armies of William of Orange and later under Queen Anne. In 1710, he was appointed Field Marshal and rewarded with the earldom of Orkney. Hamilton also held political office, including a term as Colonial Governor of Virginia. His leadership during the War of Spanish Succession earned him royal favor. He balanced military command with diplomatic and administrative roles until his death in 1737.

Paul Barras was a prominent figure in the French Revolution, initially serving as a captain in the National Guard before rising to political power. As a member of the Committee of Public Safety, he played a key role in ending the Reign of Terror. In 1795, he became one of five Directors in the French Directory government, effectively serving as its dominant leader. He supported military campaigns that expanded French influence across Europe and was influential in the early career of Napoleon Bonaparte. After the coup of 18 Fructidor, his power waned, and he retired from public life following Napoleon's rise to power. Despite controversies over corruption, he left a lasting mark on Revolutionary France.

Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig (1861–1928), was a senior British Army officer best known for commanding the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front during World War I. He saw action in the Second Boer War and rose through the ranks to become Commander-in-Chief in December 1915. Haig oversaw major battles including the Somme and Passchendaele, employing strategies of attritional warfare that remain subjects of historical debate. After the war, he served as Inspector General of the Home Forces and became a vocal advocate for veterans, helping to found the Royal British Legion. Elevated to the peerage as Earl Haig, he remained an influential military figure until his death in 1928.

Born in 1871, Ioannis Metaxas had a long military career in the Hellenic Army before entering politics. He became Prime Minister of Greece in 1936 and established the 4th of August Regime, an authoritarian government aimed at national unity and modernization. Metaxas maintained Greece's neutrality at the outbreak of World War II but famously rejected Mussolini's ultimatum on October 28, 1940, a day now commemorated as 'Ohi Day.' His leadership style combined strict discipline with a vision for social reform, including public works and youth programs. Metaxas died in January 1941, shortly before German forces invaded Greece during World War II.

B. H. Liddell Hart served as a soldier in World War I before becoming one of the most influential military historians of the 20th century. He championed the concept of the ‘indirect approach’, shaping armored warfare doctrines that influenced both Allied and Axis powers in World War II. Through books like The Strategy of Indirect Approach, he challenged traditional notions of frontal assaults and attrition. Hart also worked as a journalist and consultant, advising military leaders and later critiquing postwar policies. His writings remain a core reference for students of military strategy and history.

Tim McCoy (1891–1978) was an American film actor and military officer. He gained fame in the silent and early sound eras for his authentic portrayals of cowboy heroes in Westerns. A World War I veteran, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army and later led the Wyoming National Guard. McCoy championed accurate depictions of Native American cultures on screen. His horsemanship and rugged persona made him a staple of B-Western productions. After leaving Hollywood, he hosted a popular radio show and lectured on military history. His legacy endures as a pioneer who bridged film and service.

Stuart H. Ingersoll (1898–1983) was a distinguished American naval aviator and vice admiral. He flew combat missions in the Pacific during World War II, advancing U.S. carrier air power. Ingersoll led training squadrons that introduced jet aircraft to the Navy. Later, he commanded the U.S. Pacific Fleet Air Force, shaping post-war naval aviation strategy. His leadership earned him the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and other honors. Ingersoll’s career spanned from early biplanes to the jet age, leaving a lasting impact on naval aviation.

Born in 1914 in Nova Scotia, Harold Russell served in the Canadian Army during World War II. He suffered severe hand injuries during training and lost both hands. Despite his disability, he transitioned into acting and gave a powerful performance in The Best Years of Our Lives (1946). Russell won two Academy Awards, including a competitive acting award and an honorary Oscar for his contribution to disabled veterans. He became an advocate for veterans and a symbol of courage, raising awareness about war injuries. Russell's legacy endures as both a celebrated actor and a dedicated champion for people with disabilities.

Ranjit Singh Dyal was born in 1928 and had a distinguished career in the Indian Army. He played key roles in the Indo-Pakistani wars of 1965 and 1971, earning several gallantry awards. After retirement, he transitioned to public service and politics in India. In 1984, he was appointed the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. Dyal focused on regional development, education, and infrastructure during his tenure. His leadership and military service are remembered for dedication and valor.

Born in 1918, Alexander Vraciu joined the US Navy and became one of its top fighter aces. Flying from the USS Lexington in the Pacific Theater, he achieved remarkable aerial victories. His daring tactics earned him the Navy Cross and other honors. After the war, he continued to serve in the Naval Reserve and worked in the airline industry. He remained a respected figure in aviation history until his death in 2015.