March 16

Takin al-Khazari was a Turkic military officer who served as the Abbasid governor of Egypt from 910 until his death. He commanded the province’s garrison forces, repelled local revolts, and defended against Bedouin raids. As governor, he managed Egypt’s fiscal administration, overseeing tax collection and grain shipments to Baghdad. His tenure saw initiatives to strengthen fortifications around Fustat and reorganize the frontier troops. He navigated court politics and maintained relative stability amid wider Abbasid unrest. Takin’s patronage extended to religious institutions and scholars. He died on March 16, 933, and was remembered for his military acumen and administrative skill.

John Beaufort, born in 1373 as the legitimized son of John of Gaunt and Katherine Swynford, became the first Earl of Somerset in 1397. He served as Admiral of the Irish Fleet and later was appointed Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, defending England's coast. Beaufort played an active role in the politics of Richard II's and Henry IV's reigns, leveraging his noble lineage and royal connections. His marriage into prominent families and his offspring laid the foundations for the Beaufort line that would influence English royalty. He died in 1410, leaving a legacy that shaped the future Tudor claims.

Born in 1616 in England, John Leverett emigrated to New England and became a leader in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He served as the second president of Harvard College, promoting the institution's growth and curriculum. Leverett also commanded colonial militias against Native American tribes and was elected the 19th governor of the colony in 1673. His tenure saw administrative reforms and defense initiatives during King Philip's War. He died in office in 1679, remembered for shaping early colonial governance and education.

Born into a distinguished military family in Jerez de la Frontera in 1870, Miguel Primo de Rivera pursued a career in the Spanish army and rose to the rank of general. In 1923, he staged a military coup with the support of King Alfonso XIII and was appointed Prime Minister, establishing an authoritarian dictatorship. During his rule, he implemented ambitious public works programs, including road and irrigation projects, and sought to modernize Spain's infrastructure. He also dissolved the parliament, imposed censorship, and suppressed regional autonomy movements, particularly in Catalonia. Amid growing economic difficulties and political opposition, Primo de Rivera resigned in January 1930 and died of cancer two months later. His regime is remembered for its mix of modernization efforts and repressive policies, which set the stage for the turbulent politics of the Second Republic.

Born in Huangmei, Hubei, in 1903, Chen Geng joined the Communist Party of China in his early years and studied at the Whampoa Military Academy. He fought in the Northern Expedition and played a key role against Japanese forces during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Rising through the ranks in the Chinese Civil War, he commanded major campaigns that helped secure Communist victory. After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Chen served in high military and political positions, including commander of the Xinjiang Military Region. He was revered for his strategic acumen and dedication to the revolutionary cause until his death in Beijing on March 16, 1961.

Thomas W. Ferebee (1918-2000) was an American Air Force officer who served as the lead bombardier aboard the Enola Gay during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. He was selected for his expertise in precision bombing and played a pivotal role in one of the most significant events in military history. After World War II, Ferebee continued his career in the United States Air Force, contributing to training programs and strategic operations. He retired with the rank of colonel and was awarded the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Purple Heart. Ferebee remained a key figure in discussions about the ethics and legacy of nuclear warfare until his death in 2000.

Born in Waverley, New South Wales in 1912, Brown debuted for Australia in 1933 and became one of the nation’s most reliable openers. He scored 1,925 Test runs at an average of 48.70, including six centuries. During World War II, he served as a lieutenant in the Australian Army in the Pacific theater. After the war, he returned to cricket and continued to excel until his retirement in 1949. Beyond the field, Brown was respected for his leadership and sportsmanship. He passed away in 2008, leaving a legacy as one of Australia’s finest opening batsmen.

Born in 1918, Hillman enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces and flew B-17 bombers over Europe during World War II. He completed over 30 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. After the war, he became a test pilot for emerging jet aircraft and contributed to early supersonic flight research. Hillman later served as a colonel commanding tactical fighter squadrons during the Cold War. His expertise in aviation safety led to improvements in pilot training. He passed away in 2012, leaving a legacy as a pioneering military aviator.