May 09

Shi Pu was a Tang Dynasty military governor who wielded power as a regional warlord in eastern China. He commanded forces in key prefectures, asserting semi-independent control during the dynasty's decline. His ambitions brought him into conflict with both rival commanders and the imperial court. After a prolonged siege of his stronghold at Xu Prefecture, he took his own life in 893 rather than face capture. His career reflects the tumultuous power struggles that plagued the late Tang period.

Wang Sitong served as a military general and governor during China’s Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Born in 892, he rose through military ranks under the Later Tang dynasty. He governed key prefectures and led campaigns against rival states and insurgent forces. In 934, amid a rebellion against Later Tang authority, he was captured and executed. His life highlights the era’s political fragmentation and frequent warfare.

John Dalrymple, 2nd Earl of Stair (1673–1747) was a Scottish nobleman and soldier. He held the rank of field marshal after distinguished service in the War of the Spanish Succession. Dalrymple later served as British ambassador to France, representing Hanoverian interests at the court of Louis XV. He was known for his diplomatic skill and contributed to the stabilization of Anglo-French relations. His career bridged military command and high-level diplomacy in early 18th-century Europe.

Jean-Baptiste Vaquette de Gribeauval (1715–1789) was a French artillery officer and engineer. He introduced the Gribeauval artillery system, standardizing cannons and limbers for improved mobility. His reforms enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of French artillery in the late 18th century. Gribeauval's work laid the groundwork for Napoleon's field artillery tactics several decades later. He is remembered as a key figure in military engineering and artillery science.

John Sedgwick was born in 1813 and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He saw action in the Black Hawk War, the Mexican–American War, and served as the superintendent of West Point from 1858 to 1861. As commander of the VI Corps, he fought in major Civil War battles including Antietam and Fredericksburg. Sedgwick became the highest-ranking Union officer killed in action, dying at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in 1864. Known for his leadership and devotion to soldier welfare, he earned the affectionate nickname 'Uncle John' from his troops. His final words, reportedly warning soldiers to dodge enemy sharpshooters, are remembered as a poignant moment of the war.

William S. Harney was born in 1800 and graduated from West Point as part of its first class. Over a fifty-year career, he fought in the Second Seminole War, the Mexican–American War, and numerous engagements on the western frontier. His aggressive tactics earned him both praise and controversy, notably in Bleeding Kansas and the Harney Massacre in California. Harney reached the rank of brevet major general and served briefly as commander of the Department of the Missouri. Despite his military achievements, his harsh methods sparked debate over U.S. Indian policy. He retired in 1863 and remained a prominent figure until his death in 1889.

Born in 1887 in Aulnay-sur-Iton, Faber moved to France to pursue cycling and quickly rose to prominence. In 1909, he became the first foreign rider to win the Tour de France, dominating the event with his endurance and aggressive riding style. He also won prestigious classics such as Milan–San Remo. When World War I began, Faber enlisted in the French Foreign Legion and was killed by enemy fire in 1915. His dual legacy as a sporting champion and war hero has kept his memory alive. He remains an enduring symbol of courage and determination in both athletics and military service.

Henry Bachtold (1891–1983) served in the Australian military during World War I before pursuing a career as a railway engineer. He applied his technical knowledge to the design and maintenance of critical rail lines, playing a key role in expanding transportation networks in Australia. Bachtold's expertise helped improve railway safety standards and operational efficiency. His dual legacy as a serviceman and engineer reflects the commitment of his generation to national development.

Dwight Wilson was a Canadian soldier who served on the Western Front during World War I. Born in Ontario in 1901, he enlisted at age 17 and saw action in several key battles. After returning to civilian life, he pursued a career in farming and kept a low profile. In later years, he became known as one of the last surviving Canadian veterans of the Great War. Wilson shared firsthand accounts of trench warfare during public appearances and interviews. He passed away in 2007 at the age of 105, leaving behind a rare living link to early 20th century history.

Born in 1917, Kenan Evren graduated from the Turkish Military Academy and advanced to become Chief of the General Staff. In 1980, he led a military coup and became Chairman of the National Security Council. He was then elected President in 1982 and served until 1989, overseeing a new constitution and economic initiatives. Evren's tenure was also marked by criticism over political repression. After leaving office, he retired from public life but remained a controversial figure. He died in 2015, remembered for his significant impact on Turkey's modern political landscape.