May 10

Born into a minor Shatuo family in 874, Meng Zhixiang rose to prominence as a general under the Later Tang dynasty. He secured control over Sichuan and declared independence in 934, establishing the Later Shu state. As emperor, he promoted agriculture, local governance, and Buddhism. His rule laid the foundations for stability and cultural growth in the region. Meng Zhixiang’s legacy is remembered for his military prowess and state-building achievements during a tumultuous era in Chinese history.

Born in 1760, Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle trained as an engineer in the French Army. In 1792, while stationed in Strasbourg, he composed the 'Chant de guerre pour l'armée du Rhin,' later known as 'La Marseillaise.' The stirring melody and lyrics quickly became a revolutionary anthem, symbolizing French national identity. Rouget de Lisle’s musical talent and patriotic fervor left a lasting impact on French culture. After a varied career as a soldier and civil servant, he witnessed the anthem's enduring popularity. He died in 1836, his name forever linked to one of the world’s most famous national songs.

Louis-Nicolas Davout, born in 1770, rose rapidly through the ranks during the French Revolutionary Wars. As a Marshal of the Empire, he commanded the III Corps in major victories at Auerstädt, Eckmühl, and Wagram. Known for his strict discipline and organizational skill, Davout rarely suffered defeat on the battlefield. In later years, he served as French Minister of War and continued to influence military reforms under the Bourbon Restoration. His unwavering loyalty to duty and military genius earned him the nickname 'The Iron Marshal.' Davout died in 1823, leaving a legacy as one of history’s most formidable military leaders.

Alfred Jodl (1890–1946) was a German general and Chief of the Operations Staff of the Wehrmacht High Command under Adolf Hitler. He oversaw operational planning and execution of military campaigns across Europe during World War II. Jodl signed Germany's unconditional surrender in May 1945, ending the war in Europe. At the Nuremberg Trials, he was convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity for his role in the Nazi military apparatus. Jodl was executed in 1946, and his military tenure remains a subject of study regarding command responsibility. His career reflects the complex and controversial nature of German leadership during WWII.

Otto Bradfisch served as an SS and police leader during World War II, overseeing security and anti-partisan operations in occupied Eastern territories. Trained as an economist and jurist, he joined the Nazi Party in the 1930s and rose through the SS ranks. Bradfisch commanded Einsatzgruppe B's Sonderkommando 7a, implicated in mass executions of civilians. After the war, he was tried and sentenced for war crimes, highlighting the role of bureaucratic leadership in the Holocaust. His case became a precedent for prosecuting SS officers.

Heydar Aliyev was an Azerbaijani statesman and former KGB officer born in 1923 in Nakhchivan. He served as First Secretary of the Azerbaijan Communist Party and later became Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Azerbaijan SSR. In 1993, after a brief period in exile, Aliyev was elected President of independent Azerbaijan. His tenure focused on stabilizing the economy, consolidating power, and navigating post-Soviet challenges. Aliyev's centralized leadership style laid the groundwork for his family's continued political influence. He remained in office until his death in 2003.

Hugo Banzer was a Bolivian military officer and politician born in 1926 in Concepción. He led a 1971 coup that brought him to power as a military dictator until 1978. After a period in opposition, Banzer returned to politics and was elected President in 1997. His second term focused on economic liberalization and combating insurgency, though it was criticized for human rights issues. Banzer resigned in 2001 due to health concerns and died of lung cancer in 2002. His legacy remains controversial in Bolivia's history.